Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.160 (2026)

Order of support for dependent child

✓ current as of May 2026

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(1) In an action brought under this chapter, the court may inquire into the ability of the parent or parents of the child to pay child support and may enter an order of child support as set forth in chapter 26.19 RCW. The court may enforce the same by execution, or in any way in which a court of equity may enforce its decrees. All child support orders entered pursuant to this chapter shall be in compliance with the provisions of RCW 26.23.050.

(2) For purposes of this section, if a dependent child's parent is an unmarried minor parent or pregnant minor applicant, then the parent or parents of the minor shall also be deemed a parent or parents of the dependent child. However, liability for child support under this subsection only exists if the parent or parents of the unmarried minor parent or pregnant minor applicant are provided the opportunity for a hearing on their ability to provide support. Any child support order requiring such a parent or parents to provide support for the minor parent's child may be effective only until the minor parent reaches eighteen years of age.

(3) In the absence of a court order setting support, the department may establish an administrative order for support upon receipt of a referral or application for support enforcement services.

[ 2004 c 183 s 1; 1997 c 58 s 505; 1993 c 358 s 2; 1987 c 435 s 14; 1981 c 195 s 8; 1977 ex.s. c 291 s 44; 1969 ex.s. c 138 s 1; 1961 c 302 s 7; 1913 c 160 s 8; RRS s 1987-8. Formerly RCW 13.04.100.]

Notes:

Effective date—2004 c 183: "This act takes effect July 1, 2004." [ 2004 c 183 s 6.]

Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

Effective date—1987 c 435: See RCW 26.23.900.

Effective dates—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 13.04.005.

Good cause exceptions to the establishment and enforcement of child support from parents of children in out-of-home placement: RCW 13.32A.178.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 10 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1980–2025 · leading case: Schermer v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 161 Wash. 2d 927 (Wash. 2007).

Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment

Schermer v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 161 Wash. 2d 927 (Wash. 2007). · cites it 3× “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

In Re Dependency of Schermer, 169 P.3d 452 (Wash. 2007). · cites it 3× “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

Rosell v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 652 P.2d 1360 (Wash. Ct. App. 1982). · cites it 17× “1020 (herein referred to as the former RCW 13.34.160), they are not liable for any support because they continuously sought reconciliation with and return of the minor child and there was no finding of abuse or neglect.”

Harmon v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 134 Wash. 2d 523 (Wash. 1998). “19 when calculating and ordering child support); RCW 13.34.160 (child support ordered for dependent child to be according to the schedule and standards set forth in RCW 26.”

Harmon v. Dept. of Soc. & Health Serv., 951 P.2d 770 (Wash. 1998). “19 when calculating and ordering child support); RCW 13.34.160 (child support ordered for dependent child to be according to the schedule and standards set forth in RCW 26.”

In Re the Welfare of Feldman, 615 P.2d 1290 (Wash. 1980). · cites it 3× “The present statute, RCW 13.34.160, providing for financial responsibility of parents where a child is declared dependent, is a.”

Schermer v. H.S., 135 Wash. App. 223 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006). “19 RCW.”). See ch. 6.13 RCW. See WAC 388-855-0035(2): Real property shall also be an available asset to the estate: Provided, That the patient’s home shall not be considered an available asset if that property is owned by the estate and serves as the principal dwelling and…”

In Re Dependency of HS, 144 P.3d 353 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006). “160(1) ("In an action brought under this chapter, the court may inquire into the ability of the parent or parents of the child to pay child support and may enter an order of child support as set forth in chapter 26.19 RCW."). [11] See chapter 6.”

Cole v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 773 P.2d 866 (Wash. Ct. App. 1989). · cites it 2× “Finally, they argue that RCW 13.34.160 provides the mechanism for assessing support payments during a child's dependency, that RCW 13.”

Dependency Of H.a.w. (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “This claim is now moot, as 6 RCW 13.34.160 was modified by the legislature in 2024.”

— Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.160(1) — 4 cases

Schermer v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 161 Wash. 2d 927 (Wash. 2007). “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

In Re Dependency of Schermer, 169 P.3d 452 (Wash. 2007). “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

— Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.160(3) — 2 cases

Schermer v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 161 Wash. 2d 927 (Wash. 2007). “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

In Re Dependency of Schermer, 169 P.3d 452 (Wash. 2007). “See RCW 13.34.160 (authorizing dependency court to enter child support order); RCW 74.”

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