Washington Child Support Guidelines (2026 Updates)
The 2026 state guidelines provide clear estimates for 2 children and a $11,700 monthly income. By examining the $11,700 tier, we can establish the mathematical baseline used by Benton County judges.
Breakdown of the $11,700 Calculation
The $2,364 amount for 2 children at the $11,700 level was established by the Washington State Legislature using updated economic data. This ensures $2,364 is sufficient to sustain the children's needs.
Standard Mid-Income Calculation
Your $11,700 income falls within the standard economic schedule. This means the $2,364 figure is the presumptive legal standard. Want a complete breakdown including deviations and expenses? Calculate your full worksheet
Presumptive Amount
$2,364
Schedule Bracket
Standard Limit
The SSR and Low-Income Safeguards
Regardless of your share of the $11,700, the SSR of $2,394 may apply if your net income is low. The court's priority is the child, but they must also ensure the payor can function within the $2,364 limit.
Filing in Benton County Superior Court
In Benton County Superior Court, located in Prosser, child support orders based on a $11,700 combined income are filed with theBenton/Franklin Superior Court clerk at 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg A, Kennewick, WA 99336. Filing fees inBenton County are $250 - $314. Once filed, the presumptive$2,364/mo order for 2 children becomes the baseline unless either parent requests a deviation hearing.
Income Bracket Context
At $11,700/mo, this household falls in the upper income bracket of Washington's 2026 schedule — above the state median of $7,114/mo. At this level, courts have wider discretion to order above the presumptive $2,364, particularly for lifestyle-based deviation arguments in Benton County.
Deviation Likelihood in Benton County
At the $11,700 level, deviation requests are less common but still possible in Benton County. The most frequent grounds are extraordinary healthcare costs, shared custody arrangements, or documented debts. The presumptive $2,364 is upheld in the majority of standard cases at this income tier.
Children-Specific Insight
The $2,364 for 2 children at $11,700/mo reflects Washington's standard two-child rate. Compared to a one-child order ($1,565) at the same income, the second child adds $799/mo — a 51% increase rather than a full doubling, reflecting shared household costs.
Related Income Tiers
Parents earning slightly more than $11,700 — at $11,800/mo — would face a presumptive order of $2,368/mo for 2 children in Washington. Those earning slightly less at $11,600/mo would owe $2,358/mo. These neighboring brackets help illustrate how Washington's 2026 schedule scales support incrementally with income.
Application in Benton County Superior Court
While the 2026 economic schedule is uniform statewide, the Benton/Franklin Superior Court handles procedural enforcement. In Benton County, judges may require additional proof of income before finalizing the $2,364 order.
Calculation Summary & Requirements
Successfully managing support at the $11,700 level starts with knowing the 2026 rules. For 2 children, the $2,364 calculation is the framework for all negotiations and orders in Benton County.
Accuracy & Legal Status
The $2,364 amount and other calculations provided for a $11,700 income are estimates based on the 2026 Washington Child Support Schedule. Actual orders in Benton County may vary based on case details, discretion, and local rules.