23 Oct Child Support and Overtime Pay in Washington State
When you are facing child support decisions, concerns about fairness and providing for your family can weigh heavily. If you or your co-parent works overtime or holds a second job, understanding how Washington courts view extra income is crucial to planning ahead. Here is a brief overview of how child support and overtime pay relate in Washington State.
How Washington Courts Determine Income
When calculating child support, Washington State courts require both parents to fully disclose all income and household resources. The court generally only includes income from only the parents themselves—not from new spouses or other adults in the home, however there are some circumstances where income from other members of the household are included. To ensure accuracy, parents must provide recent tax returns and current pay stubs, and they may be asked for other proof of income not shown on these documents.
Does Overtime Count Toward Child Support?
Generally, courts in Washington include all sources of income when deciding child support obligations. This means regular wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, deferred compensation, and, yes, overtime pay are all considered unless certain exclusions apply. Income from a second job, self-employment, pensions, or investment returns is also included.
However, judges also recognize that not all overtime is created equal. The law provides guidance to distinguish between consistent, long-term overtime and occasional or temporary boosts in pay.
When Is Overtime or Second Job Income Excluded?
Washington State law thoughtfully considers the realities of fluctuating hours and extra work. Overtime pay or second job income beyond 40 hours per week may be excluded from child support calculations.
If you are taking on extra hours, and the court finds this income is not likely to continue, it generally will not be counted when determining your basic support obligation. The judge carefully reviews the circumstances, looking at whether the overtime is typical for your line of work and employment history, or if it is a short-term situation.
By now, we hope you understand how child support and overtime pay relate in Washington State. However, every child support case—especially those involving overtime or fluctuating income—is unique. If you are uncertain about how your extra hours or secondary job could affect your obligation, contact LaCoste Family Law. You can consult with an experienced child support lawyer in Washington State to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Our mission is to deliver clear legal guidance and support to Tri-Cities families. If you need help navigating the complexities of child support, we are here to stand with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation.