Washington Child Support Guidelines (2026 Updates)
The 2026 state guidelines provide clear estimates for one child and a $11,600 monthly income. By examining the $11,600 tier, we can establish the mathematical baseline used by Franklin County judges.
Breakdown of the $11,600 Calculation
The $1,562 amount for one child at the $11,600 level was established by the Washington State Legislature using updated economic data. This ensures $1,562 is sufficient to sustain the children's needs.
Standard Mid-Income Calculation
Your $11,600 income falls within the standard economic schedule. This means the $1,562 figure is the presumptive legal standard. Want a complete breakdown including deviations and expenses? Calculate your full worksheet
Presumptive Amount
$1,562
Schedule Bracket
Standard Limit
The SSR and Low-Income Safeguards
Regardless of your share of the $11,600, 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 $1,562 limit.
Filing in Franklin County Superior Court
In Franklin County Superior Court, located in Pasco, child support orders based on a $11,600 combined income are filed with theBenton/Franklin Superior Court clerk at 1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301. Filing fees inFranklin County are $250 - $314. Once filed, the presumptive$1,562/mo order for one child becomes the baseline unless either parent requests a deviation hearing.
Income Bracket Context
At $11,600/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 $1,562, particularly for lifestyle-based deviation arguments in Franklin County.
Deviation Likelihood in Franklin County
At the $11,600 level, deviation requests are less common but still possible in Franklin County. The most frequent grounds are extraordinary healthcare costs, shared custody arrangements, or documented debts. The presumptive $1,562 is upheld in the majority of standard cases at this income tier.
Children-Specific Insight
For one child at $11,600/mo, the $1,562 obligation reflects Washington's base rate. Parents adding a second child to the order would see this figure rise to $2,358 — an increase of $796 — reflecting the additional resources required under the 2026 schedule.
Related Income Tiers
Parents earning slightly more than $11,600 — at $11,700/mo — would face a presumptive order of $1,565/mo for one child in Washington. Those earning slightly less at $11,500/mo would owe $1,559/mo. These neighboring brackets help illustrate how Washington's 2026 schedule scales support incrementally with income.
Application in Franklin County Superior Court
While the 2026 economic schedule is uniform statewide, the Benton/Franklin Superior Court handles procedural enforcement. In Franklin County, judges may require additional proof of income before finalizing the $1,562 order.
Calculation Summary & Requirements
Successfully managing support at the $11,600 level starts with knowing the 2026 rules. For one child, the $1,562 calculation is the framework for all negotiations and orders in Franklin County.
Accuracy & Legal Status
The $1,562 amount and other calculations provided for a $11,600 income are estimates based on the 2026 Washington Child Support Schedule. Actual orders in Franklin County may vary based on case details, discretion, and local rules.