Washington Dissolution With Children — Parenting Plan and Child Support (2026)

When minor children are involved in a Washington dissolution, a court-approved Parenting Plan and Child Support Order are mandatory. Washington uses specific statutory forms and standards for both.

Parenting Plan (DR 01.0400)

Washington requires a detailed Parenting Plan — not just a general agreement. The plan must be filed with the court and approved by the judge.

What the Parenting Plan Must Include

Residential schedule:

  • Weekday and weekend schedule during the school year
  • Summer vacation schedule
  • Specific times for exchanges

Holiday schedule: Every significant holiday must be addressed — Thanksgiving, Christmas/Winter Break, Spring Break, Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, and other family holidays.

Decision-making authority:

  • Day-to-day decisions: made by the parent the child is with
  • Major decisions (education, non-emergency healthcare, religious upbringing): shared or assigned to one parent

Dispute resolution: A mandatory section — how the parents will resolve disagreements. Washington courts require this. Options: mediation, arbitration, or returning to court.

Limitations on parental conduct: If domestic violence or substance abuse is a concern, the Parenting Plan can include limitations and conditions.

Best Interest Factors (RCW 26.09.187)

When parties agree, courts generally approve a well-considered Parenting Plan without extensive scrutiny. For contested custody, courts consider:

  1. Relative strength, nature, and stability of each parent's relationship with the child
  2. Agreement or ability of parents to cooperate with each other
  3. History of participation of each parent in decision-making
  4. Wishes of the child (if age and maturity permit)
  5. Child's relationship with siblings and other significant adults
  6. Pattern of domestic violence or child abuse
  7. Physical and mental health of all individuals involved

Child Support

Washington uses the Washington State Child Support Schedule (RCW 26.19) — an income shares model.

What the worksheets consider:

  • Both parents' monthly net income (gross minus specific deductions)
  • Number of children
  • Residential schedule (residential credit adjustment when non-primary parent has 25%+ of residential time)
  • Health insurance premiums for the children
  • Work-related childcare costs

How to calculate:

  1. Complete the Washington State Child Support Worksheets (available at courts.wa.gov/forms)
  2. Look up the basic support obligation in the schedule table
  3. Adjust for health insurance and childcare
  4. Allocate between parents by proportional income

Duration: Washington child support continues until the child turns 18 (or until graduation from high school, whichever is later — but not past age 19).

Parent Education Program

Washington requires both parents in a dissolution involving children to complete a court-approved parenting education seminar (also called a parenting seminar or COPE class). Required before the Decree is entered. Fee: typically $30–$75.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Washington Parenting Plan: DR 01.0400 | Child Support Worksheets: courts.wa.gov/forms | RCW 26.09.187

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.