When Is Child Support Terminated in Washington Divorces?

One of the most common questions parents ask during or after a divorce is when child support actually ends. Many parents assume support automatically stops on a child’s 18th birthday, but in Washington, the answer is often more nuanced. While there is a “typical” way child support is handled, Washington courts have broad discretion to extend child support obligations in certain circumstances.

Understanding how and when child support terminates can help parents plan financially and avoid surprises.

The Typical Order: Age 18 or High School Graduation

In most typical Washington divorces, the Court often orders that child support will end when a specific child either turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. This rule reflects the state’s recognition that many children are still financially dependent on their parents while completing high school.

For example, if a child turns 18 during their senior year of high school, child support typically continues until graduation. Conversely, if a child graduates at 17, support will usually continue until the child turns 18.

This termination date is often written directly into the child support order so both parents know when support is expected to end.

Post-Secondary Educational Support

Washington courts have discretion to order post-secondary (college or trade school, etc.) educational support, which can extend child support beyond high school graduation and age 18.

This type of support is not automatic. A parent seeking post-secondary support must usually ask the court to extend child support and present evidence that may include:

• The child’s academic performance and educational goals
  
  
• The child’s age and aptitude
  
  
• The financial resources of both parents
  
  
• The child’s own ability to contribute through work, scholarships, or grants

Post-secondary support can include contributions toward tuition, housing, books, fees, healthcare, travel, and more. Courts may also place limits on duration, academic performance, or enrollment status. Again, the Courts have broad discretion to ensure the child is properly supported even during college.

Child Support for Children with Disabilities or Other Circumstances

Since the Court has broad authority regarding Child Support, if they feel the child has circumstances where it is unlikely they will be able to support themselves beyond their 18th birthday or high school, the Court may extend it for a longer period. While most often this applies to children with disabilities, the Court may apply this is any reasonable situation.

In these cases, courts focus on the child’s ongoing needs rather than age alone. Support may be extended pending health developments or for a defined period, depending on the child’s condition, ability to work, and required level of care. This scenario is highly fact dependent.

Every child support order is different. Some include a clear termination date; others require additional court action. Some anticipate post-secondary support, while others are silent on the issue. Some Orders will reserve post-secondary support requiring you to take affirmative action before ethe Child Support Order is terminated for a chance to update the Order.

If you are considering divorce or have questions about child support, it may be important to seek legal advice before making assumptions that could affect your finances or child’s future. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help parents navigate child support issues at every stage, including termination, modification, and post-secondary support. We offer free telephone case evaluations to discuss your situation and next steps. Call today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582.

False allegations in a Washington divorce or protection-order proceeding can feel overwhelming. You may suddenly find yourself defending against claims that distort what happened, exaggerate past events, or invent behavior outright. These accusations can affect custody, temporary orders, financial support, or even your reputation.

Washington courts are experienced at sorting through conflicting stories. Judges rely far more on credibility and evidence than on the loudest accusation. How you respond can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

Stay Calm and Stick to Verifiable Facts

When someone lies about you in a declaration or motion, it is natural to feel angry and want to fire back with equal intensity. But emotional responses often backfire. Judges look for clarity and credibility, not drama. Your filings should be steady, factual, and concise.

State what happened and, if necessary, what did not happen. Avoid editorial commentary. A calm tone reinforces your reliability and makes the false statements easier for the court to identify.

Use Evidence to Undermine False Claims

False allegations lose power when you can pair your version of events with documents, messages, or third-party observations.

Evidence can include text messages, emails, screenshots, police reports, photos, school records, bank statements, medical notes, or anything else that contradicts the inaccurate claim. Even small pieces of documentation can demonstrate that the opposing party’s statements are not reliable.

You do not need to attach every scrap of evidence you own. Instead, provide targeted exhibits directly tied to the most important allegations, such as those relating to parenting, safety, and finances.

Respond Directly but Briefly to False Statements

Keeping your responses tight and focused shows the court that you are not trying to “win the narrative battle”, you’re simply presenting accurate information. This approach often makes the opposing party’s exaggerations stand out even more starkly.

Be Consistent Across All Filings

One of the biggest credibility killers in Washington family law cases is inconsistency. Judges routinely compare declarations filed months apart. Even small contradictions may be used against you, especially in cases where credibility is central.

Third-Party Declarations Can Strengthen Your Response

Neutral witnesses can significantly help when you are dealing with false allegations. Teachers, neighbors, coaches, childcare providers, police officers, or friends who have observed relevant events can provide short declarations that confirm your version of events. Courts value independent perspectives. This is particularly useful in custody cases, where a single parent’s accusations can otherwise create a “he said, she said” dynamic. That being said, avoid “character statements” in most scenarios as they provide little assistance in these situations.

Acknowledge Your Own Imperfections When Appropriate

If part of an allegation is true, acknowledge the piece that is accurate while correcting the parts that are false. Judges know people are imperfect. Taking responsibility where appropriate often increases your credibility and reduces the impact of the opposing party’s accusations.

Avoid Filing False Counter-Allegations

It may be tempting to retaliate by exaggerating the other party’s behavior. Resist that urge. Courts punish dishonesty, and responding to a lie with your own falsehood can severely damage your case. Keep your filings accurate, even when you feel attacked.

False allegations are stressful, but they do not determine the outcome of your case. Judges look carefully at credibility, consistency, and evidence. By responding calmly, providing documentation, and focusing on what truly matters you can counter false claims effectively. Call today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582.

When someone files for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Washington, their safety often depends on the court understanding the full picture of what has happened. The judge must determine whether domestic violence occurred and whether a protection order is necessary to prevent future harm. The strength and clarity of the evidence you present can make all the difference.

A DVPO case doesn’t require the same level of proof as a criminal trial, but courts still rely heavily on specific, credible, and detailed evidence to make a ruling. Below are some examples of evidence that may be helpful when requesting a DVPO.

1. Your Declaration: The Most Important Evidence
   Your sworn declaration (the written statement filed with your DVPO petition) is the foundation of your case.
   
   Each case is different but some factors that make a strong declaration include:
   
   
   • Describing events in clear (often chronological order). Judges need a timeline - what happened, when, and how often.
     
     
   • Include specific actions or threats. Vague statements (“he was abusive”) are not enough. The more detailed the better.
     
     
   • Explain how the behavior made you feel or why it caused fear. Washington law requires showing fear of harm or coercive control.
     
     
   • Tie past incidents to present danger. The court must understand why an order is needed now. So, if you provide background information or details of events from long ago, clarify why that information is important for right now.
     
     Your declaration is your voice in the courtroom, and judges rely on it heavily.
     
     
2. Text Messages, Emails, and Social Media Evidence
   Written communications are some of the most persuasive forms of evidence because they show the respondent’s own words.
   
   Helpful examples include:
   
   
   • Threatening messages
     
     
   • Apologies that admit harmful behavior
     
     
   • Harassing or obsessive communication
     
     
   • Attempts to control your day-to-day activities
     
     
   • Messages showing stalking or monitoring
     
     
   • Violations of a prior order
     
     Tips for presenting this evidence:
     
     
   • Provide screenshots that show the sender, date, and time
     
     
   • Highlight or excerpt key messages in your declaration
     
     
   • Avoid overwhelming the court with hundreds of pages where possible - choose the strongest examples
     
     
   • Explain context in your declaration when necessary
     
     
3. Photos, Videos, and Voicemails
   Visual and audio evidence can directly support your description of abuse.
   
   Common examples:
   • Photos of injuries or bruises
     
     
   • Damaged property (walls, doors, furniture, broken items)
     
     
   • Photos of weapons or threats involving weapons
     
     
   • Screenshots of caller logs or voicemail transcripts
     
     
   • Videos capturing yelling, intimidation, or violence (be careful regarding Washington’s recording laws and speak to an attorney if you have questions)
     
     
4. Police Reports and Criminal Records
   Police involvement strengthens the DVPO because it provides third-party documentation. This can include incident reports, bodycam footage, 911 call recordings or transcripts, etc.
   
   
5. Medical Records and Disclosures to Providers
   If you sought medical or mental health treatment related to abuse, the records can be strong corroboration. Examples might include ER or urgent care records, mental health therapy records, documentation from your physician discussing injuries, etc. Make sure to file records properly under seal if including them in your exhibits.
   
   
6. Witness or Third-Party Declarations
   While DV often occurs behind closed doors, witnesses can provide important context. Courts will consider general “character statements” but the most persuasive third-party witness declarations will be specific. Perhaps a neighbor overhead or saw an incident. Perhaps you confided in a family friend contemporaneously with the incident. Perhaps a teacher or medical provider spoke with a child and noticed changes. Witness declarations should be brief, factual, and signed under penalty of perjury.

Organizing Evidence for Court
Judges often have only a few minutes to review your petition at the temporary hearing. A clean, organized presentation is essential.

Tips:

• Number every exhibit
  
  
• Refer to each exhibit by number in your declaration
  
  
• Provide dates for each piece of evidence
  
  
• Keep it short but specific
  
  
• Focus on patterns, escalation, and fear
  
  
• Avoid long digressions or unrelated relationship history

Think: Clear, concise, and connected to safety.

In a Washington DVPO case, evidence doesn’t need to be perfect, but credibility and specificity are important. Whether you have photos, texts, police reports, or simply your own detailed statement, presenting it thoughtfully can make the difference in securing the protection you need. The laws related to Protection Orders can be confusing. Speaking with an attorney to better understand those laws and how they related to your case can be very important. Call today 425-800-0576for a free case telephone case evaluation at Magnuson Lowell, PS.