NEWS

August 4, 2026

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Washington's 2027 Child Support Schedule Workgroup Set to Convene

Every four years, Washington State takes a fresh look at how it calculates child support — and the next round is coming up in 2027. The Division of Child Support (DCS) is currently accepting applications for the workgroup through September 30, 2026, giving prospective members roughly a year's lead time before deliberations begin.

Why the review happens

The quadrennial review isn't optional. To maintain federal funding, every state with a child support program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act must establish one set of statewide guidelines for setting and modifying child support award amounts. In Washington, those guidelines live in chapter 26.19 RCW, known as the Washington State Child Support Schedule. Washington State Department of Commerce

Who sits at the table

Workgroup composition is spelled out in detail in RCW 26.19.025(1), and it's a deliberately broad mix of voices. The legislature contributes four members — one from each of the two largest caucuses in both the House and Senate. The governor, working in consultation with DCS, appoints the rest, including:

  • The DCS director, who chairs the workgroup Washington State Department of Commerce

  • A family law professor and a representative from the WSBA's family law executive committee

  • An economist

  • A representative of the tribal community

  • A superior court judge and a court commissioner (via the Superior Court Judges' Association)

  • A representative from the Administrative Office of the Courts

  • A prosecutor and a legal services representative

  • An administrative law judge

  • Three noncustodial parents and three custodial parents — with at least one from each group specifically representing low-income parents

Notably, DSHS emphasizes that it wants parents with direct experience in the child support system who are paying or receiving child support to apply — not just attorneys and officials. Washington State Department of Commerce

DCS's supporting role

While the workgroup does the substantive work, DCS is statutorily required to provide staffing. The agency must prepare a child support review report — pulling together economic data, labor market figures, and case data on deviations and imputed orders — that grounds the workgroup's discussions. DCS also maintains a public-facing webpage, a listserv, and a dedicated email inbox to keep interested parties informed as the process unfolds.

What happens next

By statute, the workgroup must report its findings and any recommended legislative changes back to the legislature — historically due by October 1 following the review year. Anyone interested in applying for one of the governor-appointed seats can do so through the governor's website before the September 30, 2026 deadline.