Washington Child Support Guidelines (2026 Updates)
The 2026 state guidelines provide clear estimates for one child and a $9,500 monthly income. By examining the $9,500 tier, we can establish the mathematical baseline used by King County judges.
Breakdown of the $9,500 Calculation
The $1,405 amount for one child at the $9,500 level was established by the Washington State Legislature using updated economic data. This ensures $1,405 is sufficient to sustain the children's needs.
Standard Mid-Income Calculation
Your $9,500 income falls within the standard economic schedule. This means the $1,405 figure is the presumptive legal standard. Want a complete breakdown including deviations and expenses? Calculate your full worksheet
Presumptive Amount
$1,405
Schedule Bracket
Standard Limit
The SSR and Low-Income Safeguards
Regardless of your share of the $9,500, 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 $1,405 limit.
Filing in King County Superior Court
In King County Superior Court, located in Seattle, child support orders based on a $9,500 combined income are filed with theKing County Superior Court clerk at 516 3rd Ave, Room E-609, Seattle, WA 98104. Filing fees inKing County are $314. Once filed, the presumptive$1,405/mo order for one child becomes the baseline unless either parent requests a deviation hearing.
Income Bracket Context
At $9,500/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 $1,405 for one child is typically applied as-is at this level, with fewer deviations than lower or higher income tiers.
Deviation Likelihood in King County
At the $9,500 level, deviation requests are less common but still possible in King County. The most frequent grounds are extraordinary healthcare costs, shared custody arrangements, or documented debts. The presumptive $1,405 is upheld in the majority of standard cases at this income tier.
Children-Specific Insight
For one child at $9,500/mo, the $1,405 obligation reflects Washington's base rate. Parents adding a second child to the order would see this figure rise to $2,124 — an increase of $719 — reflecting the additional resources required under the 2026 schedule.
Related Income Tiers
Parents earning slightly more than $9,500 — at $9,600/mo — would face a presumptive order of $1,414/mo for one child in Washington. Those earning slightly less at $9,400/mo would owe $1,396/mo. These neighboring brackets help illustrate how Washington's 2026 schedule scales support incrementally with income.
Application in King County Superior Court
While the 2026 economic schedule is uniform statewide, the King County Superior Court handles procedural enforcement. In King County, judges may require additional proof of income before finalizing the $1,405 order.
Calculation Summary & Requirements
Successfully managing support at the $9,500 level starts with knowing the 2026 rules. For one child, the $1,405 calculation is the framework for all negotiations and orders in King County.
Accuracy & Legal Status
The $1,405 amount and other calculations provided for a $9,500 income are estimates based on the 2026 Washington Child Support Schedule. Actual orders in King County may vary based on case details, discretion, and local rules.