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Washington Child Support Modification Lawyers

Modifying Child Support Obligations to Accommodate Changing Circumstances

Washington State family law allows parents to petition for child support modification to accommodate changes in circumstances. There are a number of factors that can serve as the basis for a petition to modify a child support obligation, such as:

  • The age of the child(ren),
  • Changes in residential schedule,
  • A child wishing to attend college after high school, or
  • Changes in the income of one or both parties.

McKinley Irvin family law lawyers and modifications lawyers have significant experience representing individuals in their pursuit of child support modifications. We have also handled a number of cases in which income, and therefore an appropriate child support amount, was difficult to determine. These cases have included individuals who were unemployed, underemployed, self-employed, or received investment-related income.

Our child support and modification attorneys are adept at handling all types of child support modification cases, including cases where calculating income is exceptionally challenging and cases involving modification of out-of-state or foreign support orders. In addition, we can also assist with child support enforcement for parties seeking back support payments and individuals defending against judgments.

The Substantial Change in Circumstances Requirement

Child support orders that have been in effect for less than one year cannot be modified unless the petitioner is able to give proof of a substantial change in circumstances.

If 24 months have passed from the entry date of the child support order or the last modification (whichever is later), the order may be adjusted without showing a substantial change in circumstances based upon:

  • Changes in the income of the parents; or
  • Changes in the economic table or standards listed in RCW 26.19.

Our Washington Child Support Lawyers Strive for the Best Results

The emotional nature of child support cases often makes petitioning for modifications a difficult issue for both parties. The lives of both parties can change substantially after an initial support order is in place. Parents can receive pay increases/cuts, change careers, remarry, and may even encounter health problems that require costly treatment.

At McKinley Irvin, we approach each case with the intensity to accomplish a successful result while maintaining respect and compassion for our clients during what is often a difficult time.

To learn more about how a Washington child support lawyer at McKinley Irvin can help you with a modification case, we invite you to contact our firm. A member of our staff will be able to connect you with the lawyer best suited to meet your needs.

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Client testimonials

    "I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."
    My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!
    - Christine P.
    "Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."
    Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.
    - P.O.
    "I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."
    David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.
    - T.M.
    "We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."
    In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.
    - P.M.
    "I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."
    Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!
    - M.L.
    "My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."
    My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.
    - R.R.
    "You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."
    I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.
    - M.F.
    "Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."
    Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.
    - R.C.