Wash. Rev. Code » Title 9 · Chapter 9.94A
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.7601 (2026)

"Earnings," "disposable earnings," and "obligee" defined

✓ current as of May 2026
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As used in this chapter, the term "earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, hours, or otherwise, and notwithstanding any other provision of law making such payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other process to satisfy court-ordered legal financial obligations, specifically includes periodic payments pursuant to pension or retirement programs, or insurance policies of any type. Earnings shall specifically include all gain derived from capital, from labor, or from both, not including profit gained through sale or conversion of capital assets. The term "disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of any individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amount required by law to be withheld. The term "obligee" means the department, party, or entity to whom the legal financial obligation is owed, or the department, party, or entity to whom the right to receive or collect support has been assigned.
[ 1991 c 93 s 1. Formerly RCW 9.94A.200005.]

Notes:

Retroactive application—1991 c 93: "The provisions of this act are retroactive and apply to any actions commenced but not final before May 9, 1991." [ 1991 c 93 s 15.]
Captions not law—1991 c 93: "Captions as used in this act constitute no part of the law." [ 1991 c 93 s 12.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 2015–2015 · leading case: State Of Washington v. Ted Grimes (Wash. Ct. App. 2015).
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State Of Washington v. Ted Grimes (Wash. Ct. App. 2015). “7601 defines "earnings" as follows: [Compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, hours, or otherwise, and notwithstanding any other provision of law making such payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other…”
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