Major Update to Washington State’s Child Support Guidelines: What You Need to Know About the 2026 Changes

Effective January 1, 2026, Washington State will implement a major update to the Child Support Economic Table. This change, enacted through Engrossed House Bill 1014, is designed to modernize child support calculations and provide more equitable outcomes for families across a broader range of income levels.

At Tailored Family Law, we’re committed to helping clients stay informed and empowered. Here’s what you need to know—and why now is the time to review your existing Child Support Order.

🔍 What Is the Child Support Economic Table?

Washington’s Child Support Economic Table is used to determine how much financial support each parent is expected to contribute toward the basic needs of their child or children. The table is based on the parents’ combined monthly net income and the number of children requiring support.

This table has not seen a significant overhaul in many years—until now.

⚖️ What’s Changing in 2026?

The new table, effective for new or modified orders starting January 1, 2026, includes several important updates:

1. Expanded Income Range

The updated table applies to combined monthly net incomes up to $50,000. The previous table capped out at $12,000, requiring courts to extrapolate or make individual findings above that amount. This change introduces consistency and predictability in higher-income cases.

2. Minimum Income Threshold

For families with a combined net income under $2,200/month, the court will conduct a case-specific review. A minimum support amount of $50 per child will be presumed, unless circumstances justify a different outcome.

3. Increased Self-Support Reserve

The self-support reserve (the amount a parent paying support must be left with after paying their obligation) is increasing to 180% of the federal poverty level. This adjustment is intended to ensure low-income parents are not pushed below subsistence levels by their child support obligations.

💡 Why You Should Review Your Current Order

Even if your current Child Support Order was recently entered, it may become outdated when the new table takes effect. In many cases, support obligations will increase under the new guidelines—particularly for families with higher incomes.

Whether you are the paying parent or the recipient, it may be beneficial to:

• Recalculate your child support based on the 2026 table;
• Determine whether a modification would serve your child’s needs and financial fairness;
• Plan ahead to avoid surprises when the new law takes effect.

📅 When Does This Go Into Effect?

• July 27, 2025: The law becomes effective.
• January 1, 2026: The new economic table applies to all new and modified Child Support Orders entered on or after this date.

Now is the time to prepare. Reviewing your current order in 2025 gives you the opportunity to adjust your financial expectations and plan whether to initiate a modification.

👩‍⚖️ How We Can Help

At Tailored Family Law, we can help you:

• Evaluate how the new economic table affects your unique situation;
• Run side-by-side comparisons using current and 2026 guidelines;
• Determine whether a modification is appropriate or financially beneficial;
• File a petition for modification when the timing is right.

We approach every case with professionalism, compassion, and a personalized strategy that supports the well-being of both you and your children.

📞 Schedule a Consultation

If you currently have a Child Support Order—or if you are considering initiating one—now is the ideal time to schedule a review. Let us help you make informed, proactive decisions that protect your financial stability and your child’s future.

👉 Call us at 206.485.0200

Tailored Family Law – Family Law with Intention and Integrity.