reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.090 - Powers of attorney as to community estate.

RCW 26.16.090
Powers of attorney as to community estate.
A spouse or domestic partner may make and execute a letter of attorney to his or her spouse or domestic partner authorizing the sale or other disposition of his or her community interest or estate in the community property and as such attorney-in-fact to sign the name of such spouse or such domestic partner to any deed, conveyance, mortgage, lease or other encumbrance or to any instrument necessary to be executed by which the property conveyed or transferred shall be released from any claim as community property. And either spouse or either domestic partner may make and execute a letter of attorney to any third person to join with the other in the conveyance of any interest either in separate real estate of either, or in the community estate held by such spouse or such domestic partner in any real property. And both spouses or both domestic partners owning community property may jointly execute a power of attorney to a third person authorizing the sale, encumbrance or other disposition of community real property, and so execute the necessary conveyance or transfer of said real estate.
[ 2008 c 6 § 609; 1888 c 27 § 4; RRS § 10575.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.095 - Purchaser of community real property protected by record title.

RCW 26.16.095
Purchaser of community real property protected by record title.
Whenever any person, married, in a state registered domestic partnership, or single, having in his or her name the legal title of record to any real estate, shall sell or dispose of the same to an actual bona fide purchaser, a deed of such real estate from the person holding such legal record title to such actual bona fide purchaser shall be sufficient to convey to, and vest in, such purchaser the full legal and equitable title to such real estate free and clear of any and all claims of any and all persons whatsoever, not appearing of record in the auditor's office of the county in which such real estate is situated.
[ 2008 c 6 § 610; 1891 c 151 § 1; RRS § 10577. Formerly RCW 64.04.080.] [SLC-RO-16]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Saving—1891 c 151: "In so far as this act affects married persons having already acquired and now holding real estate under existing laws, a period of three months from the date at which this act shall take effect is hereby allowed to such persons within which to comply with its provisions." [ 1891 c 151 § 4.] This applies to RCW 26.16.095 through 26.16.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.100 - Claim of spouse or domestic partner in community realty to be filed.

RCW 26.16.100
Claim of spouse or domestic partner in community realty to be filed.
A spouse or domestic partner having an interest in real estate, by virtue of the marriage relation or state registered domestic partnership, the legal title of record to which real estate is or shall be held by the other, may protect such interest from sale or disposition by the other spouse or other domestic partner, as the case may be, in whose name the legal title is held, by causing to be filed and recorded in the auditor's office of the county in which such real estate is situated an instrument in writing setting forth that the person filing such instrument is the spouse or domestic partner, as the case may be, of the person holding the legal title to the real estate in question, describing such real estate and the claimant's interest therein; and when thus presented for record such instrument shall be filed and recorded by the auditor of the county in which such real estate is situated, in the same manner and with like effect as regards notice to all the world, as deeds of real estate are filed and recorded. And if either spouse or either domestic partner fails to cause such an instrument to be filed in the auditor's office in the county in which real estate is situated, the legal title to which is held by the other, within a period of ninety days from the date when such legal title has been made a matter of record, any actual bona fide purchaser of such real estate from the person in whose name the legal title stands of record, receiving a deed of such real estate from the person thus holding the legal title, shall be deemed and held to have received the full legal and equitable title to such real estate free and clear of all claim of the other spouse or other domestic partner.
[ 2008 c 6 § 611; 1891 c 151 § 2; RRS § 10578.] [SLC-RO-16]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Recording of real property by county auditor: Chapters 65.04 and 65.08 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.110 - Cloud on title—Removal.

RCW 26.16.110
Cloud on title—Removal.
The instrument in writing provided for in RCW 26.16.100 shall be deemed to be a cloud upon the title of said real estate, and may be removed by the release of the party filing the same, or by any court having jurisdiction in the county where said real estate is situated, whenever it shall appear to said court that the real estate described in said instrument is the separate property of the person in whose name the title to the said real estate, or any part thereof, appears to be vested, from the conveyances on record in the office of the auditor of the county where said real estate is situated.
[ 1891 c 151 § 3; RRS § 10579.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.120 - Agreements as to status.

RCW 26.16.120
Agreements as to status.
Nothing contained in any of the provisions of *this chapter or in any law of this state, shall prevent both spouses or both domestic partners from jointly entering into any agreement concerning the status or disposition of the whole or any portion of the community property, then owned by them or afterwards to be acquired, to take effect upon the death of either. But such agreement may be made at any time by both spouses or both domestic partners by the execution of an instrument in writing under their hands and seals, and to be witnessed, acknowledged and certified in the same manner as deeds to real estate are required to be, under the laws of the state, and the same may at any time thereafter be altered or amended in the same manner. Such agreement shall not derogate from the right of creditors; nor be construed to curtail the powers of the superior court to set aside or cancel such agreement for fraud or under some other recognized head of equity jurisdiction, at the suit of either party; nor prevent the application of laws governing the community property and inheritance rights of slayers or abusers under chapter 11.84 RCW.
[ 2009 c 525 § 18; 2008 c 6 § 612; 1998 c 292 § 505; Code 1881 § 2416; RRS § 6894.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this chapter", which is Code 1881, chapter CLXXXIII, is codified as RCW 26.16.010 through 26.16.040, 26.16.060, 26.16.120, 26.16.140 through 26.16.160, and 26.16.180 through 26.16.210.
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Application—Conflict with federal requirements—1998 c 292: See notes following RCW 41.04.273.
Effective dates—1998 c 292: See RCW 11.11.903.
Acknowledgments: Chapter 64.08 RCW.
Descent and distribution of community property: RCW 11.04.015.
Private seals abolished: RCW 64.04.090.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.125 - Custody of children.

RCW 26.16.125
Custody of children.
Henceforth the rights and responsibilities of the parents in the absence of misconduct shall be equal, and one parent shall be as fully entitled to the custody, control and earnings of the children as the other parent, and in case of one parent's death, the other parent shall come into full and complete control of the children and their estate.
[ 2008 c 6 § 640; Code 1881 § 2399; 1879 p 151 § 2; RRS § 6907. Formerly RCW 26.20.020.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.140 - Earnings and accumulations of spouses or domestic partners living apart, minor children.

RCW 26.16.140
Earnings and accumulations of spouses or domestic partners living apart, minor children.
When spouses or domestic partners are living separate and apart, their respective earnings and accumulations shall be the separate property of each. The earnings and accumulations of minor children shall be the separate property of the spouse or domestic partner who has their custody or, if no custody award has been made, then the separate property of the spouse or domestic partner with whom said children are living.
[ 2008 c 6 § 613; 1972 ex.s. c 108 § 5; Code 1881 § 2413; RRS § 6896.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.150 - Rights of married persons or domestic partners in general.

RCW 26.16.150
Rights of married persons or domestic partners in general.
Every married person or domestic partner shall hereafter have the same right and liberty to acquire, hold, enjoy and dispose of every species of property, and to sue and be sued, as if he or she were unmarried or were not in a state registered domestic partnership.
[ 2008 c 6 § 614; Code 1881 § 2396; RRS § 6900.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Separate property
of spouse: RCW 26.16.010.
of domestic partner: RCW 26.16.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.160 - Civil disabilities of wife abolished.

RCW 26.16.160
Civil disabilities of wife abolished.
All laws which impose or recognize civil disabilities upon a wife, which are not imposed or recognized as existing as to the husband, are hereby abolished, and for any unjust usurpation of her natural or property rights, she shall have the same right to appeal in her own individual name, to the courts of law or equity for redress and protection that the husband has: PROVIDED, ALWAYS, That nothing in *this chapter shall be construed to confer upon the wife any right to vote or hold office, except as otherwise provided by law.
[Code 1881 § 2398; 1879 p 151 § 1; RRS § 6901.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this chapter," see note following RCW 26.16.120.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.180 - Spouses or domestic partners may sue each other.

RCW 26.16.180
Spouses or domestic partners may sue each other.
Should either spouse or either domestic partner obtain possession or control of property belonging to the other, either before or after marriage or before or after entering into a state registered domestic partnership, the owner of the property may maintain an action therefor, or for any right growing out of the same, in the same manner and to the same extent as if they were unmarried or were not in a state registered domestic partnership.
[ 2008 c 6 § 615; Code 1881 § 2401; 1879 p 80 § 28; 1873 p 452 § 8; RRS § 6903.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Privileged communications: RCW 5.60.060.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.190 - Liability for acts of other spouse or other domestic partner.

RCW 26.16.190
Liability for acts of other spouse or other domestic partner.
For all injuries committed by a married person or domestic partner, there shall be no recovery against the separate property of the other spouse or other domestic partner except in cases where there would be joint responsibility if the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership did not exist.
[ 2008 c 6 § 616; 1972 ex.s. c 108 § 6; Code 1881 § 2402; RRS § 6904.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.200 - Debts incurred before marriage or domestic partnership—Separate debts—Child support obligation—Liability.

RCW 26.16.200
Debts incurred before marriage or domestic partnership—Separate debts—Child support obligation—Liability.
Neither person in a marriage or state registered domestic partnership is liable for the debts or liabilities of the other incurred before marriage or state registered domestic partnership, nor for the separate debts of each other, nor is the rent or income of the separate property of either liable for the separate debts of the other: PROVIDED, That the earnings and accumulations of the spouse or domestic partner shall be available to the legal process of creditors for the satisfaction of debts incurred by such spouse or domestic partner prior to the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership. For the purpose of this section, neither person in the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership shall be construed to have any interest in the earnings of the other: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no separate debt, except a child support or maintenance obligation, may be the basis of a claim against the earnings and accumulations of either spouse or either domestic partner unless the same is reduced to judgment within three years of the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership of the parties. The obligation of a parent or stepparent to support a child may be collected out of the parent's or stepparent's separate property, the parent's or stepparent's earnings and accumulations, and the parent's or stepparent's share of community personal and real property. Funds in a community bank account which can be identified as the earnings of the nonobligated spouse or nonobligated domestic partner are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the debtor spouse or debtor domestic partner.
[ 2008 c 6 § 617; 1983 1st ex.s. c 41 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 121 § 1; Code 1881 § 2405; 1873 p 452 § 10; RRS § 6905.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 41: See note following RCW 26.09.060.
Collection actions against community bank account: RCW 74.20A.120.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.205 - Liability for family support—Support obligation of stepparent.

RCW 26.16.205
Liability for family support—Support obligation of stepparent.
The expenses of the family and the education of the children, including stepchildren, are chargeable upon the property of both spouses or both domestic partners, or either of them, and they may be sued jointly or separately. When a petition for dissolution of marriage or state registered domestic partnership or a petition for legal separation is filed, the court may, upon motion of the stepparent, terminate the obligation to support the stepchildren. The obligation to support stepchildren shall cease upon the entry of a decree of dissolution, decree of legal separation, or death.
[ 2008 c 6 § 618; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 § 13; 1969 ex.s. c 207 § 1; Code 1881 § 2407; RRS § 6906. Formerly RCW 26.20.010.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.210 - Burden of proof in transactions between spouses or domestic partners.

RCW 26.16.210
Burden of proof in transactions between spouses or domestic partners.
In every case, where any question arises as to the good faith of any transaction between spouses or between domestic partners, whether a transaction between them directly or by intervention of third person or persons, the burden of proof shall be upon the party asserting the good faith.
[ 2008 c 6 § 619; Code 1881 § 2397; RRS § 5828.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.220 - Quasi-community property defined.

RCW 26.16.220
Quasi-community property defined.
(1) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in RCW 26.16.220 through 26.16.250 "quasi-community property" means all personal property wherever situated and all real property described in subsection (2) of this section that is not community property and that was heretofore or hereafter acquired:
(a) By the decedent while domiciled elsewhere and that would have been the community property of the decedent and of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner had the decedent been domiciled in this state at the time of its acquisition; or
(b) In derivation or in exchange for real or personal property, wherever situated, that would have been the community property of the decedent and his or her surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner if the decedent had been domiciled in this state at the time the original property was acquired.
(2) For purposes of this section, real property includes:
(a) Real property situated in this state;
(b) Real property situated outside this state if the law of the state where the real property is located provides that the law of the decedent's domicile at death shall govern the rights of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner to a share of such property; and
(c) Leasehold interests in real property described in (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(3) For purposes of this section, all legal presumptions and principles applicable to the proper characterization of property as community property under the laws and decisions of this state shall apply in determining whether property would have been the community property of the decedent and his or her surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2008 c 6 § 620; 1988 c 34 § 1; 1986 c 72 § 1.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.230 - Quasi-community property—Disposition at death.

RCW 26.16.230
Quasi-community property—Disposition at death.
Upon the death of any person domiciled in this state, one-half of any quasi-community property shall belong to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner and the other one-half of such property shall be subject to disposition at death by the decedent, and in the absence thereof, shall descend in the manner provided for community property under chapter 11.04 RCW.
[ 2008 c 6 § 621; 1988 c 34 § 2; 1986 c 72 § 2.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.240 - Quasi-community property—Effect of lifetime transfers—Claims by surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner—Waiver.

RCW 26.16.240
Quasi-community property—Effect of lifetime transfers—Claims by surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner—Waiver.
(1) If a decedent domiciled in this state on the date of his or her death made a lifetime transfer of a property interest that is quasi-community property to a person other than the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner within three years of death, then within the time for filing claims against the estate as provided by RCW 11.40.010, the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner may require the transferee to restore to the decedent's estate one-half of such property interest, if the transferee retains the property interest, and, if not, one-half of its proceeds, or, if none, one-half of its value at the time of transfer, if:
(a) The decedent retained, at the time of death, the possession or enjoyment of or the right to income from the property interest;
(b) The decedent retained, at the time of death, a power, either alone or in conjunction with any other person, to revoke or to consume, invade or dispose of the property interest for the decedent's own benefit; or
(c) The decedent held the property interest at the time of death with another with the right of survivorship.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, no such property interest, proceeds, or value may be required to be restored to the decedent's estate if:
(a) Such property interest was transferred for adequate consideration;
(b) Such property interest was transferred with the consent of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner; or
(c) The transferee purchased such property interest in property from the decedent while believing in good faith that the property or property interest was the separate property of the decedent and did not constitute quasi-community property.
(3) All property interests, proceeds, or value restored to the decedent's estate under this section shall belong to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner pursuant to RCW 26.16.230 as though the transfer had never been made.
(4) The surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner may waive any right granted hereunder by written instrument filed in the probate proceedings. If the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner acts as personal representative of the decedent's estate and causes the estate to be closed before the time for exercising any right granted by this section expires, such closure shall act as a waiver by the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner of any and all rights granted by this section.
[ 2008 c 6 § 622; 1988 c 34 § 3; 1986 c 72 § 3.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.16 - Rights and Liabilities—Community Property. › 26.16.250 - Quasi-community property—Characterization limited to determination of disposition at death—Waiver by written agreement.

RCW 26.16.250
Quasi-community property—Characterization limited to determination of disposition at death—Waiver by written agreement.
The characterization of property as quasi-community property under this chapter shall be effective solely for the purpose of determining the disposition of such property at the time of a death, and such characterization shall not affect the rights of the decedent's creditors. For all other purposes property characterized as quasi-community property under this chapter shall be characterized without regard to the provisions of this chapter. Both spouses or both domestic partners may waive, modify, or relinquish any quasi-community property right granted or created by this chapter by signed written agreement, wherever executed, before or after June 11, 1986, including without limitation, community property agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, or agreements as to status of property.
[ 2008 c 6 § 623; 1988 c 34 § 4; 1986 c 72 § 4.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.010 - Legislative findings.

RCW 26.18.010
Legislative findings.
The legislature finds that there is an urgent need for vigorous enforcement of child support and maintenance obligations, and that stronger and more efficient statutory remedies need to be established to supplement and complement the remedies provided in chapters 26.09, 26.21A, 26.26A, 26.26B, 74.20, and 74.20A RCW.
[ 2019 c 46 § 5024; 2008 c 6 § 1026; 1993 c 426 § 1; 1984 c 260 § 1.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.030 - Application—Liberal construction.

RCW 26.18.030
Application—Liberal construction.
(1) The remedies provided in this chapter are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other remedies provided by law.
(2) This chapter applies to any dependent child, whether born before or after June 7, 1984, and regardless of the past or current marital status or domestic partnership status of the parents, and to a spouse or former spouse or domestic partner or former domestic partner.
(3) This chapter shall be liberally construed to assure that all dependent children are adequately supported.
[ 2008 c 6 § 1028; 1993 c 426 § 3; 1984 c 260 § 3.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.035 - Other civil and criminal remedies applicable.

RCW 26.18.035
Other civil and criminal remedies applicable.
Nothing in this chapter limits the authority of the attorney general or prosecuting attorney to use any and all civil and criminal remedies to enforce child support obligations regardless of whether or not the custodial parent receives public assistance payments.
[ 1984 c 260 § 24.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.040 - Support or maintenance proceedings.

RCW 26.18.040
Support or maintenance proceedings.
(1) A proceeding to enforce a duty of support or maintenance is commenced:
(a) By filing a petition for an original action; or
(b) By motion in an existing action or under an existing cause number.
(2) Venue for the action is in the superior court of the county where the dependent child resides or is present, where the obligor or obligee resides, or where the prior support or maintenance order was entered. The petition or motion may be filed by the obligee, the state, or any agency providing care or support to the dependent child. A filing fee shall not be assessed in cases brought on behalf of the state of Washington.
(3) The court retains continuing jurisdiction under this chapter until all duties of either support or maintenance, or both, of the obligor, including arrearages, have been satisfied.
[ 2008 c 6 § 1029; 1993 c 426 § 4; 1984 c 260 § 4.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.050 - Failure to comply with support or maintenance order—Contempt action—Order to show cause—Bench warrant—Continuing jurisdiction.

RCW 26.18.050
Failure to comply with support or maintenance order—Contempt action—Order to show cause—Bench warrant—Continuing jurisdiction.
(1) If an obligor fails to comply with a support or maintenance order, a petition or motion may be filed without notice under RCW 26.18.040 to initiate a contempt action as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW. If the court finds there is reasonable cause to believe the obligor has failed to comply with a support or maintenance order, the court may issue an order to show cause requiring the obligor to appear at a certain time and place for a hearing, at which time the obligor may appear to show cause why the relief requested should not be granted. A copy of the petition or motion shall be served on the obligor along with the order to show cause.
(2) Service of the order to show cause shall be by personal service, or in the manner provided in the civil rules of superior court or applicable statute.
(3) If the order to show cause served upon the obligor included a warning that an arrest warrant could be issued for failure to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the obligor if the obligor fails to appear on the return date provided in the order.
(4) If the obligor contends at the hearing that he or she lacked the means to comply with the support or maintenance order, the obligor shall establish that he or she exercised due diligence in seeking employment, in conserving assets, or otherwise in rendering himself or herself able to comply with the court's order.
(5) As provided in RCW 26.18.040, the court retains continuing jurisdiction under this chapter and may use a contempt action to enforce a support or maintenance order until the obligor satisfies all duties of support, including arrearages, that accrued pursuant to the support or maintenance order.
[ 2008 c 6 § 1030; 1993 c 426 § 5; 1989 c 373 § 22; 1984 c 260 § 5.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.055 - Child support liens.

RCW 26.18.055
Child support liens.
Child support debts, not paid when due, become liens by operation of law against all property of the debtor with priority of a secured creditor. This lien shall be separate and apart from, and in addition to, any other lien created by, or provided for, in this title. The lien attaches to all real and personal property of the debtor on the date of filing with the county auditor of the county in which the property is located. Liens filed by other states or jurisdictions that comply with the procedural rules for filing liens under chapter 65.04 RCW shall be accorded full faith and credit and are enforceable without judicial notice or hearing.
[ 2000 c 86 § 1; 1997 c 58 § 942.]
NOTES:
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.070 - Mandatory wage assignment—Petition or motion.

RCW 26.18.070
Mandatory wage assignment—Petition or motion.
(1) A petition or motion seeking a mandatory wage assignment in an action under RCW 26.18.040 may be filed by an obligee if the obligor is:
(a) Subject to a support order allowing immediate income withholding; or
(b) More than fifteen days past due in child support or maintenance payments in an amount equal to or greater than the obligation payable for one month.
(2) The petition or motion shall include a sworn statement by the obligee, stating the facts authorizing the issuance of the wage assignment order, including:
(a) That the obligor, stating his or her name and residence, is:
(i) Subject to a support order allowing immediate income withholding; or
(ii) More than fifteen days past due in child support or maintenance payments in an amount equal to or greater than the obligation payable for one month;
(b) A description of the terms of the order requiring payment of support or maintenance, and the amount past due, if any;
(c) The name and address of the obligor's employer;
(d) That notice by personal service or any form of mail requiring a return receipt, has been provided to the obligor at least fifteen days prior to the obligee seeking a mandatory wage assignment, unless the order for support or maintenance states that the obligee may seek a mandatory wage assignment without notice to the obligor; and
(e) In cases not filed by the state, whether the obligee has received public assistance from any source and, if the obligee has received public assistance, that the department of social and health services has been notified in writing of the pending action.
(3) If the court in which a mandatory wage assignment is sought does not already have a copy of the support or maintenance order in the court file, then the obligee shall attach a copy of the support or maintenance order to the petition or motion seeking the wage assignment.
[ 2008 c 6 § 1031; 1994 c 230 § 3; 1993 c 426 § 6; 1987 c 435 § 18; 1984 c 260 § 7.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Effective date—1987 c 435: See RCW 26.23.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.080 - Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Issuance—Information transmitted to state support registry.

RCW 26.18.080
Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Issuance—Information transmitted to state support registry.
(1) Upon receipt of a petition or motion seeking a mandatory wage assignment that complies with RCW 26.18.070, the court shall issue: (a) A wage assignment order for unpaid maintenance; (b) an income withholding order for unpaid child support; or (c) an income withholding order for unpaid maintenance and unpaid child support, including the information required in RCW 26.18.090, directed to the employer, and commanding the employer to answer the order on the forms served with the order that comply with RCW 26.18.120 within twenty days after service of the order upon the employer.
(2) The clerk of the court shall forward a copy of the mandatory wage assignment or income withholding order, a true and correct copy of the support orders in the court file, and a statement containing the obligee's address and social security number shall be forwarded to the Washington state support registry within five days of the entry of the order.
[ 2021 c 35 § 6; 1987 c 435 § 19; 1984 c 260 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1987 c 435: See RCW 26.23.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.090 - Wage assignment order for unpaid maintenance—Contents—Amounts—Apportionment of disbursements.

RCW 26.18.090
Wage assignment order for unpaid maintenance—Contents—Amounts—Apportionment of disbursements.
(1) The wage assignment order in RCW 26.18.080 for unpaid maintenance only shall include:
(a) The maximum amount of current maintenance, if any, to be withheld from the obligor's earnings each month, or from each earnings disbursement; and
(b) The total amount of the arrearage or reimbursement judgment previously entered by the court, if any, together with interest, if any.
(2) The total amount to be withheld from the obligor's earnings each month, or from each earnings disbursement, shall not exceed fifty percent of the disposable earnings of the obligor. If the amounts to be paid toward the arrearage are specified in the maintenance order, then the maximum amount to be withheld is the sum of: Either the current support or maintenance ordered, or both; and the amount ordered to be paid toward the arrearage, or fifty percent of the disposable earnings of the obligor, whichever is less.
(3) The provisions of RCW 6.27.150 do not apply to wage assignments for maintenance authorized under this chapter, but fifty percent of the disposable earnings of the obligor are exempt, and may be disbursed to the obligor.
(4) If an obligor is subject to two or more attachments for maintenance on account of different obligees, the employer shall, if the nonexempt portion of the obligor's earnings is not sufficient to respond fully to all the attachments, apportion the obligor's nonexempt disposable earnings between or among the various obligees equally. An obligee may seek a court order reapportioning the obligor's nonexempt disposable earnings upon notice to all interested obligees. Notice shall be by personal service, or in the manner provided by the civil rules of superior court or applicable statute.
(5) An income withholding order for unpaid child support or unpaid child support and unpaid maintenance shall meet federal requirements in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 666.
[ 2021 c 35 § 7; 2008 c 6 § 1032; 1993 c 426 § 7; 1984 c 260 § 9.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.120 - Wage assignment order—Employer's answer—Form.

RCW 26.18.120
Wage assignment order—Employer's answer—Form.
The answer of the employer shall be made on forms, served on the employer with the wage assignment order, substantially as follows:
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE
COUNTY OF  . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
No.  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obligee
vs.
ANSWER
. . . . . . . . . . . .
TO WAGE
Obligor
ASSIGNMENT ORDER
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer
1. At the time of the service of the wage assignment order on the employer, was the above-named obligor employed by or receiving earnings or other remuneration for employment from the employer?
Yes  . . . . . . No  . . . . . . (check one).
2. Are there any other attachments for child support or maintenance currently in effect against the obligor?
Yes  . . . . . . No  . . . . . . (check one).
3. If the answer to question one is yes and the employer cannot comply with the wage assignment order, provide an explanation:
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct.
. . . .
. . . .
Signature of employer
Date and place
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
Signature of person
Address for future notice
answering for employer
to employer
. . . .
Connection with employer
[ 2008 c 6 § 1035; 1993 c 426 § 10; 1984 c 260 § 12.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.130 - Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Service.

RCW 26.18.130
Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Service.
(1) Service of the wage assignment order or income withholding order on the employer is invalid unless it is served with five answer forms in substantial conformance with RCW 26.18.120, together with stamped envelopes addressed to, respectively, the clerk of the court where the order was issued, the Washington state support registry, the obligee's attorney or the obligee, and the obligor. The obligee shall also include an extra copy of the wage assignment order or income withholding order for the employer to deliver to the obligor. Service on the employer shall be in person or by any form of mail requiring a return receipt.
(2) On or before the date of service of the wage assignment order or income withholding order on the employer, the obligee shall mail or cause to be mailed by certified mail a copy of the wage assignment order or income withholding order to the obligor at the obligor's last known post office address; or, in the alternative, a copy of the wage assignment order or income withholding order shall be served on the obligor in the same manner as a summons in a civil action on, before, or within two days after the date of service of the order on the employer. This requirement is not jurisdictional, but if the copy is not mailed or served as this subsection provides, or if any irregularity appears with respect to the mailing or service, the superior court, in its discretion, may quash the wage assignment order or income withholding order, upon motion of the obligor promptly made and supported by an affidavit showing that the obligor has suffered substantial injury due to the failure to mail or serve the copy.
[ 2021 c 35 § 10; 1987 c 435 § 22; 1984 c 260 § 13.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1987 c 435: See RCW 26.23.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.140 - Hearing to quash, modify, or terminate wage assignment order or income withholding order—Grounds—Alternate payment plan.

RCW 26.18.140
Hearing to quash, modify, or terminate wage assignment order or income withholding order—Grounds—Alternate payment plan.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in a hearing to quash, modify, or terminate the wage assignment order or income withholding order, the court may grant relief only upon a showing that the wage assignment order or income withholding order causes extreme hardship or substantial injustice. Satisfaction by the obligor of all past due payments subsequent to the issuance of the wage assignment order or income withholding order is not grounds to quash, modify, or terminate the wage assignment order or income withholding order. If a wage assignment order or income withholding order has been in operation for twelve consecutive months and the obligor's support or maintenance obligation is current, the court may terminate the order upon motion of the obligor unless the obligee can show good cause as to why the wage assignment order or income withholding order should remain in effect.
(2) The court may enter an order delaying, modifying, or terminating the wage assignment order or income withholding order and order the obligor to make payments directly to the obligee as provided in RCW 26.23.050(2).
[ 2021 c 35 § 11; 2008 c 6 § 1036; 1994 c 230 § 6; 1993 c 426 § 11; 1991 c 367 § 22; 1984 c 260 § 14.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.150 - Bond or other security.

RCW 26.18.150
Bond or other security.
(1) In any action to enforce a support or maintenance order under Title 26 RCW, the court may, in its discretion, order a parent obligated to pay support for a minor child or person owing a duty of maintenance to post a bond or other security with the court. The bond or other security shall be in the amount of support or maintenance due for a two-year period. The bond or other security is subject to approval by the court. The bond shall include the name and address of the issuer. If the bond is canceled, any person issuing a bond under this section shall notify the court and the person entitled to receive payment under the order.
(2) If the obligor fails to make payments as required under the court order, the person entitled to receive payment may recover on the bond or other security in the existing proceeding. The court may, after notice and hearing, increase the amount of the bond or other security. Failure to comply with the court's order to obtain and maintain a bond or other security may be treated as contempt of court.
[ 2008 c 6 § 1037; 1993 c 426 § 12; 1984 c 260 § 15.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.160 - Costs.

RCW 26.18.160
Costs.
In any action to enforce a support or maintenance order under this chapter, the prevailing party is entitled to a recovery of costs, including an award for reasonable attorney fees. An obligor may not be considered a prevailing party under this section unless the obligee has acted in bad faith in connection with the proceeding in question.
[ 1993 c 426 § 13; 1984 c 260 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.180 - Liability of employer or union—Penalties.

RCW 26.18.180
Liability of employer or union—Penalties.
(1) The employer or union of a parent who has been ordered to provide health insurance coverage shall be liable for a fine of up to one thousand dollars per occurrence, if the employer or union fails or refuses, within twenty days of receiving the order or notice for health insurance coverage to:
(a) Promptly enroll the parent's child in the health insurance plan; or
(b) Make a written answer to the person or entity who sent the order or notice for health insurance coverage stating that the child:
(i) Will be enrolled in the next available open enrollment period; or
(ii) Cannot be covered and explaining the reasons why coverage cannot be provided.
(2) Liability may be established and the fine may be collected by the office of support enforcement under chapter 74.20A or 26.23 RCW using any of the remedies contained in those chapters.
(3) Any employer or union who enrolls a child in a health insurance plan in compliance with chapter 26.18 RCW shall be exempt from liability resulting from such enrollment.
[ 2009 c 476 § 3; 2000 c 86 § 3; 1989 c 416 § 9.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2009 c 476: See note following RCW 26.09.105.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.190 - Compensation paid by agency, self-insurer, social security administration, or veterans' administration on behalf of child.

RCW 26.18.190
Compensation paid by agency, self-insurer, social security administration, or veterans' administration on behalf of child.
(1) When the department of labor and industries or a self-insurer pays compensation under chapter 51.32 RCW on behalf of or on account of the child or children of the injured worker for whom the injured worker owes a duty of child support, the amount of compensation the department or self-insurer pays on behalf of the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the injured worker paid the compensation toward satisfaction of the injured worker's child support obligations.
(2) When the social security administration pays social security disability dependency benefits, retirement benefits, or survivors insurance benefits on behalf of or on account of the child or children of a person with disabilities, a retired person, or a deceased person, the amount of benefits paid for the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the person with disabilities, the retired person, or the deceased person paid the benefits toward the satisfaction of that person's child support obligation for that period for which benefits are paid.
(3) When the veterans' administration apportions a veteran's benefits to pay child support on behalf of or on account of the child or children of the veteran, the amount paid for the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the veteran paid the benefits toward the satisfaction of that person's child support obligation for that period for which benefits are paid.
(4) Under no circumstances shall the person who has the obligation to make the transfer payment have a right to reimbursement of any compensation paid under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section.
[ 2015 c 124 § 1; 1995 c 236 § 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 § 17.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.18 - Child Support Enforcement. › 26.18.210 - Child support data report.

RCW 26.18.210
Child support data report.
In order to perform the required quadrennial review of the Washington state child support guidelines under RCW 26.19.025, the division of child support must prepare a report at least every four years using data compiled from child support court and administrative orders. The report must include all information the division of child support determines is necessary to perform the quadrennial review. On a monthly basis, the clerk of the court must forward all child support worksheets that have been filed with the court to the division of child support.
[ 2011 c 21 § 1; 2007 c 313 § 4; 2005 c 282 § 33; 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 § 22.]
NOTES:
Findings—2007 c 313: See note following RCW 26.19.025.
Effective dates—Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 2: See notes following RCW 26.09.100.