How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Washington

12 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

12 Resources

1. Washington Division of Child Support (DCS) — Free

State agency within DSHS that establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders statewide for custodial and non-custodial parents. Provides online account access, income withholding, license suspension enforcement, and modification review every three years. Dads can open a case, request modification, or set up payment plans. Intake requires photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), and any existing court orders or parenting plans.

1-800-457-6202 · P.O. Box 11520, Tacoma, WA 98411 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Washington State Disbursement Unit (SDU) — Free

Centralized payment processing center for all Washington child support payments. Handles receiving, recording, and distributing support payments to custodial parents statewide. Paying dads can mail a check, pay online, or set up automatic withholding; receiving parents can track deposits. Include case number and Social Security number on every payment. No in-person intake; manage account online 24/7 or call during business hours for payment history and dispute help.

1-800-922-4306 · P.O. Box 45868, Olympia, WA 98504 · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Pierce County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Handles child support establishment, modification, and enforcement for Pierce County (Tacoma) families through the prosecutor's office family support division. Dads can request paternity testing, order establishment, or enforcement when DCS refers a case. Intake requires photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, and children's birth certificates. Office appointments typically scheduled after DCS referral.

253-798-6740 · 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 946, Tacoma, WA 98402 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Snohomish County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Provides child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services for Snohomish County (Everett) families through the prosecutor's family support division. Cases typically come through DCS referral for paternity, order establishment, or enforcement. Dads should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), prior court orders if any, and children's birth certificates. Walk-in not available; appointments scheduled after referral.

425-388-3900 · 3000 Rockefeller Ave, MS 504, Everett, WA 98201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Spokane County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Handles child support cases for Spokane County families including paternity, order establishment, modification, and enforcement. Works with Washington DCS on referred cases for both custodial and non-custodial parents. Dads coming in for a hearing or meeting should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, and children's birth certificates. Contact DCS first to open or review a case before visiting.

509-477-3662 · 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Kitsap County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Provides child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services for Kitsap County (Port Orchard/Bremerton) families through the prosecutor's family support division. Cases are typically initiated by DCS referral. Dads should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any prior court orders, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Appointments scheduled after DCS opens a case; no walk-in intake.

360-337-7174 · 614 Division St, MS 35A, Port Orchard, WA 98366 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Whatcom County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Handles child support cases for Whatcom County (Bellingham) families including paternity, order establishment, modification, and enforcement. Prosecutor's family support staff coordinate with Washington DCS on referred cases. Dads attending hearings or meetings should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Open a DCS case first before contacting this office.

360-778-5710 · 311 Grand Ave, Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Yakima County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services for Yakima County families in central Washington. Prosecutor staff handle DCS-referred cases including paternity, income withholding, and contempt actions. Dads should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Contact DCS first to open or review a case before visiting this office.

509-574-1210 · 128 N 2nd St, Room 329, Yakima, WA 98901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Skagit County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Handles child support cases for Skagit County (Mount Vernon) families including paternity, order establishment, modification, and enforcement. Prosecutor's family support staff coordinate with Washington DCS on referred cases. Dads attending hearings or meetings should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Walk-in intake is not available; appointments come through DCS.

360-416-1600 · 605 S 3rd St, Suite 200, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Grant County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Child support enforcement, paternity, and order establishment for Grant County families in the Moses Lake and Ephrata area. Works with Washington DCS on referred cases for both custodial and non-custodial parents. Dads attending hearings or meetings should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), prior court orders if any, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Contact DCS first to open or review a case.

509-754-2011 · 35 C St NW, Suite B, Ephrata, WA 98823 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Washington DCS Online Services — Free

Online portal for Washington child support case management where parents can view payments, check balances, update personal information, and make payments. Serves all Washington child support participants statewide. Dads can register using their case number and Social Security number, then access payment history, order documents, and modification request forms. Keep paystubs, tax returns, and court orders handy when updating income or requesting review.

1-800-457-6202 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Lewis County Prosecutor - Child Support — Free

Handles child support establishment, modification, and enforcement for Lewis County (Centralia/Chehalis) families through the prosecutor's family support division. Works with Washington DCS on referred cases including paternity, income withholding, and contempt. Dads should bring photo ID, Social Security number, income documents (pay stubs or tax returns), any existing court orders, parenting plans, and children's birth certificates. Contact DCS first to open a case.

360-740-1240 · 345 W Main St, Chehalis, WA 98532 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.