The residential schedule defines when each parent has the child. It determines which parent is the primary residential parent for child support purposes and may be used to request a parenting time deviation under RCW 26.09.187.
RCW 26.09.187 governs residential schedules in Washington. The schedule determines which parent is the primary residential parent — the parent with whom the child lives the majority of the time. This parent typically receives the transfer payment.
The primary residential parent receives the transfer payment from the other parent. If the paying parent has significant time under the residential schedule they may request a parenting time credit deviation to reduce their transfer payment.
A 50/50 equal residential schedule is handled differently using a residential split adjustment that compares each parent's obligation against the per-child amounts for children in each household.
A residential schedule that gives the paying parent more time can support a deviation request that meaningfully reduces the transfer payment. Courts require documented evidence of the schedule — a signed parenting plan or court order showing the actual days and times.
Not automatically. Even with equal time the parent with higher income typically still pays support to equalize resources available to the child in each household.
Yes. A substantial change in the residential schedule can be grounds for modifying the child support order.
A residential split is when each parent has at least one child from the relationship living with them primarily. It uses a separate AOC attachment form for calculation.
Use our 2026 Washington State estimator to see how these legal terms impact your support amount. All calculators are RCW 26.19 compliant.