Health Care, Day Care, Credits and Deviations in Washington
Washington shares health care, day care and special child rearing expenses in the same proportion as the basic obligation, credits each parent for what he or she pays and allows deviations from the standard calculation only on written findings.
Health care costs
Health care costs are not in the economic table. Monthly costs, including medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment and prescriptions, are shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic obligation (RCW 26.19.080). With $300 a month of health costs paid by the custodial parent, the paying parent’s transfer is $1,499; if the paying parent pays them, $1,199.
Day care and special expenses
Day care and special child rearing expenses, such as tuition and long-distance transportation for visitation, are also shared in the same proportion. With $800 of day care paid by the custodial parent the transfer is $1,799. The court determines the necessity and reasonableness of amounts above the basic obligation.
Credits
On the worksheet each parent’s gross obligation is the basic obligation after limits plus his or her share of the expenses; each parent then receives credit for the health care, day care and special expenses he or she pays directly, and the standard calculation is the result, not less than $50 per child.
Day care overpayments
If an obligor pays court-ordered day care or special expenses that were not actually incurred, the obligee must reimburse the overpayment if it is at least 20% of the obligor’s annual expenses.
Reasons for deviation
The court may deviate from the standard calculation after determining it, and must state the reasons in written findings (RCW 26.19.075). Reasons include sources of income and tax planning, nonrecurring income, extraordinary debt, special needs, a significant residential schedule with the paying parent, and children from other relationships. An agreement of the parties is not by itself enough.
Documents to gather
Premium statements for the children, uninsured medical bills, day care invoices and records of special expenses.
The residential schedule
The court may deviate if the child spends a significant amount of time with the parent who pays, considering that parent’s increased expenses and the receiving parent’s decreased expenses, but not if it would leave the receiving household unable to meet the child’s basic needs or the child receives TANF.
Frequently asked questions
How are health care costs shared in Washington child support?
In the same proportion as the basic obligation, with credit to the parent who pays them.
Is day care added to Washington child support?
Yes. Day care and special child rearing expenses are shared in the same proportion as the basic obligation.
Can the residential schedule reduce Washington child support?
It can support a deviation if the child spends a significant amount of time with the paying parent, but it is not part of the standard calculation.
Can parents agree to a different Washington child support amount?
An agreement is not by itself an adequate reason to deviate from the standard calculation.
Does a new spouse’s income change Washington child support?
It is not included, and by itself is not a sufficient reason for a deviation.
Official sources
- RCW 26.19.020: child support economic table (effective January 1, 2026)
- RCW 26.19.071: standards for determination of income
- RCW 26.19.065: lower and upper limits on child support amounts
- RCW 26.19.080: allocation of the child support obligation
- Federal Register: 2026 HHS poverty guidelines
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.