When parents divorce or seek a legal separation, the judge may find that child support is appropriate and necessary to ensure that the children receive the stable financial foundation they need to thrive. In many cases, a Washington family law judge will order one parent to make monthly payments to the other parent (typically the parent who serves as the primary custodial parent). In other words, the court issues a child support order that keeps both parents actively participating in their child’s life, providing financial support for the child’s clothing, housing, and educational needs. Once the child support order is issued, the parent must keep up with their obligation to send monthly payments to the child’s other parent. Failing to pay child support can result in serious and enforceable penalties, so it’s important to stay on top of these obligations.

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