New Washington State Child Support Laws
Key Changes to the Child Support Laws
1. Changes to Income Calculation
Under the new laws, income will be calculated differently than it was before. This means that child support payments will be based on a parent's actual income rather than their potential income. This change is intended to make the child support process more fair for both parents.
2. Shared Parenting Credit
The new laws also provide a shared parenting credit for parents who spend at least 90 overnights with their children each year. This credit will reduce the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent will have to pay.
3. Childcare Expenses
The new laws also require both parents to share the cost of childcare expenses. This means that the custodial parent will no longer be solely responsible for these expenses.
4. Health Insurance Premiums
The new laws also require both parents to share the cost of health insurance premiums for their children. This change is intended to ensure that children have access to adequate healthcare coverage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the New Laws
Advantages
- The new laws make the child support process more equitable for both parents.
- The shared parenting credit will reduce the financial burden on non-custodial parents.
- The requirement to share the cost of childcare expenses and health insurance premiums ensures that both parents are responsible for these important expenses.
Disadvantages
- The new laws may result in lower child support payments for custodial parents.
- The new income calculation method may result in more complex calculations and disputes between parents.
- The requirement to share the cost of childcare expenses and health insurance premiums may be difficult for some parents to afford.
FAQ
Q: Will the new laws affect child support payments for existing court orders?
A: Yes, the new laws will apply to all court orders for child support, regardless of when they were issued.
Q: Will the new laws affect child support payments for parents who are not divorced or separated?
A: No, the new laws only apply to parents who are going through a divorce or separation.
Q: How will the new income calculation method affect child support payments?
A: The new income calculation method will result in child support payments that are based on a parent's actual income rather than their potential income.
Q: Will the shared parenting credit apply to parents who have joint custody?
A: No, the shared parenting credit only applies to non-custodial parents who spend at least 90 overnights with their children each year.
Conclusion
The new child support laws in Washington State are designed to make the child support process more equitable for both parents and ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. While there are advantages and disadvantages to these new laws, they represent an important step forward in ensuring that children are well-cared for after a divorce or separation. If you have questions about how these new laws may affect your child support payments, it's important to speak with an experienced family law attorney.