Washington Division of Child Support (DCS)

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.

More Child Support in Washington

• Washington State Disbursement Unit (SDU) — Centralized payment processing center for all Washington child support payments. Handles receiving, recording, and distributing support paym
• Pierce County Prosecutor - Child Support — Handles child support establishment, modification, and enforcement for Pierce County (Tacoma) families through the prosecutor's office famil
• Snohomish County Prosecutor - Child Support — Provides child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services for Snohomish County (Everett) families through the prosecutor'
• Spokane County Prosecutor - Child Support — Handles child support cases for Spokane County families including paternity, order establishment, modification, and enforcement. Works with
• Kitsap County Prosecutor - Child Support — Provides child support establishment, modification, and enforcement services for Kitsap County (Port Orchard/Bremerton) families through the
• Whatcom County Prosecutor - Child Support — Handles child support cases for Whatcom County (Bellingham) families including paternity, order establishment, modification, and enforcement

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.