COVID-19 and child support in Washington State

Not automatically.  

There are two types of child support orders:  

1. Orders set by a court  

2. Administrative orders set by the Division of Child Support (DCS). This is common if you get or have gotten public benefits for your children 

It depends. You will have to go back to court for this. Only a court can change court-ordered child support. Court-ordered support will only change if someone files a motion or petition with the court. Read If you Want to Modify (Change) Your Child Support Order to learn more.  

No. Child support cannot change retroactively. Once you go to court, you cannot ask that child support go down dating back to March 1, 2020, when the pandemic started.  

Maybe. If DCS set your order, they might be able to change (modify) it. DCS has its own rules about how often they review a support order and how much income must have changed.

If you have questions about an administrative child support order, you can

• visit your local DCS office, or

• call 1-800-442-KIDS (5437), or

• email DCS-CRU@dshs.wa.gov

Have a copy of your order or the case number on hand when you call or visit. 

You should do everything you can to make some partial payment towards supporting your children financially. Any amount you do not pay will become a support debt owing to the parent who you pay support. That debt can be collected for at least 10 years past the child's 18th birthday.  

Once you are working again, you can voluntarily contribute to the past due amount. If DCS collects child support, they will work with your employer to increase the amount to cover back support obligations.