At Dellino Family Law Group, we recognize the significance of child support in ensuring your child’s future and maintaining stability during challenging times. Our Seattle child support lawyer can assist you in addressing issues such as payment disputes, modifications, and enforcement.
With over 180 years of combined experience, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring your child receives the financial support they deserve. Our Seattle family lawyers approach every case with care and determination, focusing on achieving outcomes that prioritize your family’s needs.
At Dellino Family Law Group, we are here to help you create a path forward that supports your child’s well-being and long-term security. Contact us today for an in-depth, pre-consultation, case evaluation.
Common Child Support Issues Our Seattle Lawyers Handle
Child support issues can create significant financial and emotional strain. At Dellino Family Law Group, we handle a variety of child support matters to help our clients protect their rights and secure fair outcomes.
Below are some of the most common issues we address.
Payment Disputes
Disputes often arise when parents disagree about the amount of child support being paid or received. A parent may claim that they are overpaying, underpaying, or that additional costs (such as healthcare or childcare) are not being covered.
Our team reviews court orders, financial records, and payment histories to identify discrepancies. We advocate for fair resolutions, whether that involves ensuring accurate payments or seeking a fair adjustment to existing arrangements.
Child Support Modifications
Life changes can make an existing child support order unfair or unworkable. Common reasons for modifications include:
- A significant change in income (e.g., job loss or pay increase)
- Parenting plan modifications that alter custody or parenting time
- Changes in the child’s needs, such as medical or educational expenses
We assist clients in filing petitions under RCW 26.09.170 to modify child support, ensuring that the new obligations accurately reflect current circumstances.
At Dellino Family Law Group, we understand the connection between changes to parenting plans and adjustments to child support. Whether you are seeking enforcement, disputing payments, or modifying an order, we are here to help you protect your family’s future.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
When a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered child support obligation, it can leave the custodial parent struggling to meet the child’s needs.
We help enforce support orders by filing motions in court and pursuing remedies such as wage garnishment, liens, or license suspension under RCW 26.18. We also assist in working with the Division of Child Support (DCS) to hold non-compliant parents accountable.
How Child Support Is Determined in Washington State
In Washington State, child support is designed to ensure that children receive the financial support necessary to meet their needs, regardless of their parents’ marital status.
The process for determining child support is governed by Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.19, which outlines the guidelines and factors courts must consider when calculating support payments.
Income of Both Parents
The court considers the gross monthly income of both parents, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, pensions, Social Security benefits, and other sources of income.
If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a valid reason, the court may impute income based on their potential earning capacity. This ensures that a parent cannot avoid their financial responsibilities by deliberately reducing their income.
Custody Arrangements and Parenting Time
While child support is primarily based on the financial resources of the parties, the court will also consider the child’s residential schedule.
The parent with primary custody (where the child spends the majority of their time) typically receives child support to help cover the costs of the child’s needs.
The Child’s Specific Needs
Courts account for the child’s basic needs (e.g., food, clothing, shelter) and extraordinary expenses, such as medical care, educational costs, daycare, or extracurricular activities.
Special considerations are also made for children with special needs or disabilities.
Number of Children
The total number of children being supported by the parents is factored into the calculations to ensure fair distribution of resources.
Other Deductions and Expenses
Certain deductions, such as mandatory retirement contributions, taxes, and pre-existing child support obligations for other children, can affect the final child support calculation.
Why Choose Our Seattle Child Support Attorneys
At Dellino Family Law Group, we are more than just legal advocates—we are a team committed to helping families navigate child support matters with care, professionalism, and personalized solutions.
Tailored Representation for Your Unique Needs
We understand that no two families are alike, which is why we take a personalized approach tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Each case is handled with flexibility, and we match you with the attorney who best aligns with your needs and goals.
Whether your situation requires a cooperative resolution or aggressive litigation, our team is equipped to handle it.
A Balance of Cooperation and Strength
Our attorneys excel at finding solutions through collaboration and negotiation, minimizing conflict whenever possible.
However, if your case demands a strong, high-conflict approach, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court with diligence and determination.
Friendly, Accessible, and Personal Approach
We prioritize building trusting relationships with our clients. Our team is approachable, friendly, and always accessible to address your concerns.
Communication is at the core of what we do—we keep you informed at every step and respond promptly to your questions.
Dedicated to Community Support
We believe in empowering our community with knowledge and information. That is why we host a monthly meetup group open to the public, providing valuable resources on separation and divorce.
These events are designed to foster understanding and help individuals navigate challenging transitions with confidence and ease.
Our Child Support Lawyers in Seattle Are Ready to Help
Child support is a critical part of ensuring your family’s financial stability and your child’s well-being. At Dellino Family Law Group, our child support attorneys in Seattle are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and strategic legal representation tailored to your unique circumstances.
Whether addressing payment disputes, enforcing court orders, or pursuing modifications due to life changes, our attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
Take the first step toward resolving your child support concerns. Contact Dellino Family Law Group today to schedule a case evaluation.