Services > Child Support > Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Child support for unmarried parents in Washington often involves both support calculations and parentage-related issues, depending on what has already been established in the case. These matters may require petitions, financial disclosures, and supporting documents to establish current or retroactive support. This page focuses on how child support is handled for unmarried parents and the filings used to request appropriate orders. For full child support services and document preparation options, see our Child Support page.

Establishing Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Support is typically calculated using the same general framework used in other cases, based largely on income and required worksheets. Where unmarried-parent cases can differ is the case “starting point” and the need to address parentage-related facts and filings.

Retroactive child support

In some situations, support may be requested for a prior period (retroactive support). The availability and amount depend on your circumstances and what you can document. We can help organize your information and prepare the filings needed to request the appropriate relief.

Documents we prepare

• Petitions/motions and supporting documents to establish child support
• Declarations and supporting statements
• Financial declarations and required worksheets
• Proposed child support order

What to gather before filing

• Any existing court orders involving the child or parents
• Income information (pay stubs, tax returns if available)
• Child-related expenses (medical, daycare, insurance)
• Parenting schedule details (if applicable)