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Child custody and support in Washington

The Washington rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

The short answer

In Washington, custody is called “parenting plan (residential schedule and decision-making)”. About the parenting class: Many Washington counties require a parenting seminar by local court rule; ask your Superior Court. Washington publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Parenting plan (residential schedule and decision-making)
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Washington DSHS Division of Child Support

Custody terms in Washington

Parenting plan (residential schedule and decision-making)

Mediation

Some courts offer or require mediation or settlement conferences, especially for parenting plans; check your county's local rules.

Parenting class in Washington

Many Washington counties require a parenting seminar by local court rule; ask your Superior Court.

Child support in Washington

Child support follows Washington's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a Washington divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Washington's term for custody: parenting plan (residential schedule and decision-making).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Washington requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Washington

What is child custody called in Washington?

Washington uses the term “parenting plan (residential schedule and decision-making)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Washington divorce?

Many Washington counties require a parenting seminar by local court rule; ask your Superior Court.

Is there an official child support calculator for Washington?

Yes. Washington's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Washington?

Washington DSHS Division of Child Support.

Is mediation required for custody in Washington?

Some courts offer or require mediation or settlement conferences, especially for parenting plans; check your county's local rules.

More about divorce in Washington

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.