Washington Child Support Guidelines (2026 Updates)
The 2026 state guidelines provide clear estimates for one child and a $5,200 monthly income. By examining the $5,200 tier, we can establish the mathematical baseline used by Benton County judges.
Breakdown of the $5,200 Calculation
The $975 amount for one child at the $5,200 level was established by the Washington State Legislature using updated economic data. This ensures $975 is sufficient to sustain the children's needs.
Standard Mid-Income Calculation
Your $5,200 income falls within the standard economic schedule. This means the $975 figure is the presumptive legal standard. Want a complete breakdown including deviations and expenses? Calculate your full worksheet
Presumptive Amount
$975
Schedule Bracket
Standard Limit
The SSR and Low-Income Safeguards
Regardless of your share of the $5,200, 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 $975 limit.
Filing in Benton County Superior Court
In Benton County Superior Court, located in Prosser, child support orders based on a $5,200 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$975/mo order for one child becomes the baseline unless either parent requests a deviation hearing.
Income Bracket Context
At $5,200/mo, this household sits within Washington's standard mid-range bracket on the 2026 schedule, near the state median of $7,114/mo. The presumptive $975 for one child is typically applied as-is at this level, with fewer deviations than lower or higher income tiers.
Deviation Likelihood in Benton County
At the $5,200 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 $975 is upheld in the majority of standard cases at this income tier.
Children-Specific Insight
For one child at $5,200/mo, the $975 obligation reflects Washington's base rate. Parents adding a second child to the order would see this figure rise to $1,482 — an increase of $507 — reflecting the additional resources required under the 2026 schedule.
Related Income Tiers
Parents earning slightly more than $5,200 — at $5,300/mo — would face a presumptive order of $987/mo for one child in Washington. Those earning slightly less at $5,100/mo would owe $963/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 $975 order.
Calculation Summary & Requirements
Successfully managing support at the $5,200 level starts with knowing the 2026 rules. For one child, the $975 calculation is the framework for all negotiations and orders in Benton County.
Accuracy & Legal Status
The $975 amount and other calculations provided for a $5,200 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.