Washington Child Support Guidelines (2026 Updates)
Understanding the impact of a $13,800 monthly income on child support is essential for Washington parents. The 2026 guidelines provide a roadmap for determining payments for one child at this specific income level.
Breakdown of the $13,800 Calculation
In the 2026 schedule, the $13,800 tier for one child correlates with a $1,759 monthly support amount. Each parent contributes a percentage of this total based on their share of the $13,800.
High-Income Notice
Because your combined income of $13,800 exceeds the $12,000 statutory ceiling, the $1,759 base is a minimum starting point. Judges in Stevens County, WA have discretion to increase support proportional to the family's standard of living. Want a complete breakdown including deviations and expenses? Calculate your full worksheet
Note: The 45% net income cap remains a vital legal defense.
The SSR and Low-Income Safeguards
In 2026, the SSR remains a vital safeguard. When the combined income is $13,800, the court ensures the $1,759 payment doesn't violate the $2,394 rule, protecting the payor's ability to live.
Filing in Stevens County Superior Court
In Stevens County Superior Court, located in Colville, child support orders based on a $13,800 combined income are filed with theStevens County Superior Court clerk at 215 S Oak St, Rm 206, Colville, WA 99114. Filing fees inStevens County are $250 - $314. Once filed, the presumptive$1,759/mo order for one child becomes the baseline unless either parent requests a deviation hearing.
Income Bracket Context
At $13,800/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 $1,759, particularly for lifestyle-based deviation arguments in Stevens County.
Deviation Likelihood in Stevens County
High-income deviation arguments are frequently raised in Stevens County at the $13,800 level. Since the schedule caps at $12,000 combined net income, the $1,759 figure is a floor — not a ceiling. Attorneys often argue for upward deviations based on the children's established standard of living and available parental resources.
Children-Specific Insight
For one child at $13,800/mo, the $1,759 obligation reflects Washington's base rate. Parents adding a second child to the order would see this figure rise to $2,688 — an increase of $929 — reflecting the additional resources required under the 2026 schedule.
Related Income Tiers
Parents earning slightly more than $13,800 — at $13,900/mo — would face a presumptive order of $1,769/mo for one child in Washington. Those earning slightly less at $13,700/mo would owe $1,749/mo. These neighboring brackets help illustrate how Washington's 2026 schedule scales support incrementally with income.
Application in Stevens County Superior Court
While the 2026 economic schedule is uniform statewide, the Stevens County Superior Court handles procedural enforcement. In Stevens County, judges may require additional proof of income before finalizing the $1,759 order.
Calculation Summary & Requirements
The $13,800 income tier is a critical data point. For one child, the 2026 presumptive amount of $1,759 is the legal standard in Stevens County. Understanding this interacts with your total finances is key.
Accuracy & Legal Status
Child support laws in Washington, including 2026 updates for $13,800 incomes, are complex. The $1,759 estimates for one child may not reflect all local rules or specific procedures in Stevens County.