Child Support Modification Process

Summary

In Washington, you can request a child support modification if there are significant financial changes. File a petition in the family court where the original order was issued. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) can assist without needing an attorney. The process may take several months, and changes usually apply from the filing date. Retroactive support is generally not allowed. Use the Washington State Child Support Calculator to estimate potential support amounts. If you have joint custody, specify this in your application.

Full Conversation

In our * divorce settlement, I did not ask for alimony or child support. Our children are now * and * and I am struggling financially. In the state of Washington, is it possible for me to get child support? Also, is there a process within the state for me to get help without having to go through an attorney?
Thank you for sharing your situation. To better assist you, could you please confirm if there have been any significant changes in your financial circumstances or the financial circumstances of your ex-spouse since the divorce? This information will help determine the possibility of modifying the child support agreement.
Yes. I was making $*-*,*/month at the time of our divorce. My ex is still a teacher making about $*,*/month
Thank you for the information. In Washington, you can request a modification of child support if there has been a significant change in financial circumstances.
- You can file a petition in the family court where the original order was issued.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offers support for modifications without needing an attorney.
Would you like more information on how to contact DSHS or the family court?
Yes, please. Also, about how long does the process take? Also, is it possible to get help retroactively?
In Washington, the process to modify child support can take several months, depending on the court's schedule and the specifics of your case.
Regarding retroactive support, Washington typically does not allow modifications to apply retroactively. Support changes usually take effect from the date you file the petition.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)


Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.dshs.wa.gov

Would you like help with anything else?
That's it for now. Thank you.
You're welcome! If you have any more questions in the future or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Have a great day!
One more question, is there a calculator for estimating how much I could receive per month?
In Washington, the Division of Child Support has an online child support calculator.
~Washington State Child Support Calculator
Website: [Child Support Calculator](https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/SSGen/Home)
This tool helps estimate the monthly child support amount based on financial information.
On our divorce decree, I was named as the custodian. In the application for child support modification, it asks who has custody. We have joint custody, so how shall I answer the question about parental custody?
Since you have joint custody, you should specify that in your application. Here's how you can phrase it:
- Indicate that you have "joint custody" and that you are the "named custodian" in the divorce decree.
Would you like more assistance with completing the application?