When determining child support in Washington State, understanding what counts as income is essential for accurately calculating the financial responsibilities of each parent. The state uses a formula based on the combined income of both parents to ensure that children receive adequate financial support. Income, as defined by Washington law, includes all sources of money or benefits that a parent receives regularly or intermittently and can be used to meet living expenses.
Primarily, wages and salaries are considered income. This includes not only base pay but also overtime, bonuses, commissions, and tips if they are consistent or expected to continue. Self-employment earnings also count as income; however, these may require adjustments for business expenses before being factored into child support calculations. The court typically examines tax returns and profit-and-loss statements to determine an accurate figure.
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Other forms of compensation such as severance pay or unemployment benefits are included when calculating income for child support purposes because they provide resources available to the parent during periods without employment. Disability benefits may be counted depending on their nature; if they replace lost wages due to injury or illness rather than serving purely as welfare assistance, they generally qualify as income.
Investment earnings like dividends and interest discover more from savings accounts contribute toward total income. Rental property profits after deducting related expenses also fall under this category since they represent ongoing revenue streams available to the parent.
Washington courts consider regular contributions from others intended for household support when evaluating a parent’s ability to pay child support. For example, if someone else pays bills regularly on behalf of the parent’s household or provides cash gifts consistently used for living costs, these amounts might be factored into overall income.
Certain types of government assistance programs do not count as income in child support calculations because their purpose is specifically tied to basic needs rather than discretionary spending capacity. Examples include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
In some cases where a parent’s true earning potential is higher than actual reported earnings-such as voluntary unemployment or underemployment-the court has discretion to impute income based on what could reasonably be earned given education, skills, work history, and job opportunities in the area.
Understanding exactly what constitutes income helps ensure fairness in establishing child support obligations while prioritizing the child’s best interests within Washington State’s legal framework. Accurate reporting and transparency about all sources of funds are crucial steps toward achieving equitable outcomes that reflect each parent’s financial situation realistically.
Northwest Family Law, P.S.
1207 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033
206-737-1806