College and Adult Child Support in Washington: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children
Washington courts may order postsecondary support, not past the child’s 23rd birthday except in exceptional circumstances such as disabilities. The child must stay enrolled and in good standing, and records must be shared with both parents.
Does child support cover college in Washington?
The court may order postsecondary educational support, but the schedule is advisory, not mandatory, for it. The court decides whether the child is in fact dependent, relying on the parents for the reasonable necessities of life, and weighs factors including the child’s age, needs, aptitudes and the parents’ resources and standard of living (RCW 26.19.090(1)-(2)).
What Washington conditions apply to college support?
The child must enroll in an accredited academic or vocational school, actively pursue a course of study that fits the child’s vocational goals and keep good academic standing; support is automatically suspended while the child does not comply; and the child must make academic records available to both parents (26.19.090(3)-(4)).
How long can Washington college support last?
The court shall not order postsecondary educational expenses beyond the child’s 23rd birthday, except in exceptional circumstances, such as mental, physical or emotional disabilities (26.19.090(5)).
Who gets the Washington college money?
Payments go directly to the educational institution if feasible; if not, the court may order them paid to the child if the child lives with neither parent, or to the parent who receives support if the child lives with that parent (26.19.090(6)).
Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Washington?
The obligation rests on dependency, not minority, so a court can order support for an adult child who is dependent (Childers v. Childers). The 23-year limit on postsecondary support has an exception for disabilities (26.19.090(5)). Ask a licensed Washington attorney before the 18th birthday.
Is the schedule used for college support?
It is advisory, not mandatory, for postsecondary support (26.19.090(1)), so the court uses discretion and the factors listed.
What does dependent mean for an adult child?
The Washington Supreme Court said a dependent child does not mean a minor child, and that age is only one factor in deciding whether to order support past 18 (Childers v. Childers).
When should I ask for Washington college support?
Raise it before the child turns 18 or finishes high school; a court of appeals has held that a written agreement extending support past 18 lets the court consider postsecondary support, so keep your order and any agreement (Court of Appeals, Division One).
Do both parents see the grades?
Yes. The child must make academic records and grades available to both parents as a condition of receiving postsecondary support, and each parent has full and equal access to the records (26.19.090(4)).
What happens if the child takes a semester off?
Court-ordered postsecondary support is automatically suspended during any period the child fails the enrollment, course of study or good standing conditions (26.19.090(3)); ask the court if you need clarity on restarting it.
What are the age limits for a given birth date?
| Child born | Turns 18 | High school support can run to | Turns 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | June 30, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
What about unpaid support from before?
It stays owed: see whether Washington arrears expire or can be forgiven and the Washington child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington child support cover college?
The court may order postsecondary support, not past the 23rd birthday except in exceptional circumstances.
What must a Washington college student do to keep support?
Stay enrolled, pursue a course of study, keep good standing and share records with both parents.
Is there Washington support for a disabled adult child?
Support rests on dependency, so a court can order it; the 23-year limit has an exception for disabilities.
Where does Washington college support get paid?
To the school if feasible, otherwise to the child or the receiving parent.
Do Washington arrears survive after support ends?
Yes. Installments already owed stay owed.
Official sources
- RCW 26.09.170: termination and extension
- RCW 26.19.090: postsecondary educational support
- RCW 6.17.020: duration of judgments
- Childers v. Childers: support based on dependency, not minority
- Washington Court of Appeals, Division One: emancipation and written agreements
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Washington statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Washington attorney.