reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.555 - Recognition of order modified in another state.

RCW 26.21A.555
Recognition of order modified in another state.
If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this state is modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act, a tribunal of this state:
(1) May enforce its order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification;
(2) May provide other appropriate relief for violations of its order which occurred before the effective date of the modification; and
(3) Shall recognize the modifying order of the other state, upon registration, for the purpose of enforcement.
[ 2002 c 198 § 612.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.560 - Jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in this state.

RCW 26.21A.560
Jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in this state.
(1) If all of the parties who are individuals reside in this state and the child does not reside in the issuing state, a tribunal of this state has jurisdiction to enforce and to modify the issuing state's child support order in a proceeding to register that order.
(2) A tribunal of this state exercising jurisdiction under this section shall apply the provisions of Articles 1 and 2 of this chapter, this article, and the procedural and substantive law of this state to the proceeding for enforcement or modification. Articles 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of this chapter do not apply.
[ 2002 c 198 § 613.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.565 - Notice to issuing tribunal of modification.

RCW 26.21A.565
Notice to issuing tribunal of modification.
Within thirty days after issuance of a modified child support order, the party obtaining the modification shall file a certified copy of the order with the issuing tribunal that had continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the earlier order, and in each tribunal in which the party knows the earlier order has been registered. A party who obtains the order and fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the modified order of the new tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
[ 2002 c 198 § 614.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.570 - Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country.

RCW 26.21A.570
Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.21A.625, if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of this state may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether or not the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to RCW 26.21A.550 has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country.
(2) An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this section is the controlling order.
[ 2015 c 214 § 40; 2002 c 198 § 615.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.575 - Procedure to register child support order of foreign country for modification.

RCW 26.21A.575
Procedure to register child support order of foreign country for modification.
A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a foreign child support order not under the convention may register that order in this state under RCW 26.21A.500 through 26.21A.535 if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or at another time. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.
[ 2015 c 214 § 45.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.601 - Definitions.

RCW 26.21A.601
Definitions.
In this article:
(1) "Application" means a request under the convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority.
(2) "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in RCW 26.21A.010(5)(d) to perform the functions specified in the convention.
(3) "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in RCW 26.21A.010(5)(d).
(4) "Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this state in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or child residing outside the United States.
(5) "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in RCW 26.21A.010(5)(d) to perform the functions specified in the convention.
(6) "Foreign support agreement":
(a) Means an agreement for support in a record that:
(i) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;
(ii) Has been:
(A) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or
(B) Authenticated by or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and
(iii) May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and
(b) Includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.
(7) "United States central authority" means the secretary of the United States department of health and human services.
[ 2015 c 214 § 46.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.603 - Applicability.

RCW 26.21A.603
Applicability.
This article applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of this article is inconsistent with Articles 1 through 6 of this chapter, this article controls.
[ 2015 c 214 § 47.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.605 - Relationship of department of social and health services to United States central authority.

RCW 26.21A.605
Relationship of department of social and health services to United States central authority.
The department of social and health services of this state is recognized as the agency designated by the United States central authority to perform specific functions under the convention.
[ 2015 c 214 § 48.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.607 - Initiation by department of social and health services of support proceeding under convention.

RCW 26.21A.607
Initiation by department of social and health services of support proceeding under convention.
(1) In a support proceeding under this article, the department of social and health services of this state shall:
(a) Transmit and receive applications; and
(b) Initiate or facilitate the institution of a proceeding regarding an application in a tribunal of this state.
(2) The following support proceedings are available to an obligee under the convention:
(a) Recognition or recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order;
(b) Enforcement of a support order issued or recognized in this state;
(c) Establishment of a support order if there is no existing order including, if necessary, determination of parentage of a child;
(d) Establishment of a support order if recognition of a foreign support order is refused under RCW 26.21A.617(2) (b), (d), or (i);
(e) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and
(f) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
(3) The following support proceedings are available under the convention to an obligor against which there is an existing support order:
(a) Recognition of an order suspending or limiting enforcement of an existing support order of a tribunal of this state;
(b) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and
(c) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
(4) A tribunal of this state may not require security, bond, or deposit, however described, to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in proceedings under the convention.
[ 2015 c 214 § 49.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.610 - Direct request.

RCW 26.21A.610
Direct request.
(1) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking establishment or modification of a support order or determination of parentage of a child. In such a proceeding, the law of this state applies.
(2) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking recognition and enforcement of a support order or support agreement. In the proceeding, RCW 26.21A.613 through 26.21A.630 apply.
(3) In a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a convention support order or foreign support agreement:
(a) A security, bond, or deposit is not required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses; and
(b) An obligee or obligor that in the issuing country has benefited from free legal assistance is entitled to benefit, at least to the same extent, from any free legal assistance provided for by the law of this state under the same circumstances.
(4) A petitioner filing a direct request is not entitled to assistance from the department of social and health services.
(5) This article does not prevent the application of laws of this state that provide simplified, more expeditious rules regarding a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order or foreign support agreement.
[ 2015 c 214 § 50.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.613 - Registration of convention support order.

RCW 26.21A.613
Registration of convention support order.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a party who is an individual or a support enforcement agency seeking recognition of a convention support order shall register the order in this state as provided in Article 6 of this chapter.
(2) Notwithstanding RCW 26.21A.250 and 26.21A.505(1), a request for registration of a convention support order must be accompanied by:
(a) A complete text of the support order, or an abstract or extract of the support order drawn up by the issuing foreign tribunal, which may be in the form recommended by the Hague conference on private international law;
(b) A record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country;
(c) If the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal;
(d) A record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated;
(e) A record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and
(f) If necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing country.
(3) A request for registration of a convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order.
(4) A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a convention support order without the filing of a contest under RCW 26.21A.615, only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.
(5) The tribunal shall promptly notify the parties of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a convention support order.
[ 2015 c 214 § 51.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.615 - Contest of registered convention support order.

RCW 26.21A.615
Contest of registered convention support order.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this article, RCW 26.21A.520 through 26.21A.535 apply to a contest of a registered convention support order.
(2) A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than thirty days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest must be filed not later than sixty days after notice of the registration.
(3) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in subsection (2) of this section, the order is enforceable.
(4) A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in RCW 26.21A.617. The contesting party bears the burden of proof.
(5) In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of this state:
(a) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and
(b) May not review the merits of the order.
(6) A tribunal of this state deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of its decision.
(7) A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.
[ 2015 c 214 § 52.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.617 - Recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order.

RCW 26.21A.617
Recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a registered convention support order.
(2) The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered convention support order:
(a) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard;
(b) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with RCW 26.21A.100;
(c) The order is not enforceable in the issuing country;
(d) The order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure;
(e) A record transmitted in accordance with RCW 26.21A.613 lacks authenticity or integrity;
(f) A proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of this state and that proceeding was the first to be filed;
(g) The order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this chapter in this state;
(h) Payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part;
(i) In a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country:
(i) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or
(ii) If the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or
(j) The order was made in violation of RCW 26.21A.625.
(3) If a tribunal of this state does not recognize a convention support order under subsection (2)(b), (d), or (i) of this section:
(a) The tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and
(b) The department of social and health services shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under RCW 26.21A.607.
[ 2015 c 214 § 53.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.620 - Partial enforcement.

RCW 26.21A.620
Partial enforcement.
If a tribunal of this state does not recognize and enforce a convention support order in its entirety, it shall enforce any severable part of the order. An application or direct request may seek recognition and partial enforcement of a convention support order.
[ 2015 c 214 § 54.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.623 - Foreign support agreement.

RCW 26.21A.623
Foreign support agreement.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, a tribunal of this state shall recognize and enforce a foreign support agreement registered in this state.
(2) An application or direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement must be accompanied by:
(a) A complete text of the foreign support agreement; and
(b) A record stating that the foreign support agreement is enforceable as an order of support in the issuing country.
(3) A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a foreign support agreement only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.
(4) In a contest of a foreign support agreement, a tribunal of this state may refuse recognition and enforcement of the agreement if it finds:
(a) Recognition and enforcement of the agreement is manifestly incompatible with public policy;
(b) The agreement was obtained by fraud or falsification;
(c) The agreement is incompatible with a support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose in this state, another state, or a foreign country if the support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this chapter in this state; or
(d) The record submitted under subsection (2) of this section lacks authenticity or integrity.
(5) A proceeding for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support agreement must be suspended during the pendency of a challenge to or appeal of the agreement before a tribunal of another state or a foreign country.
[ 2015 c 214 § 55.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.625 - Modification of convention child support order.

RCW 26.21A.625
Modification of convention child support order.
(1) A tribunal of this state may not modify a convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless:
(a) The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of this state, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or
(b) The foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order.
(2) If a tribunal of this state does not modify a convention child support order because the order is not recognized in this state, RCW 26.21A.617(3) applies.
[ 2015 c 214 § 56.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.627 - Personal information—Limit on use.

RCW 26.21A.627
Personal information—Limit on use.
Personal information gathered or transmitted under this article may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted.
[ 2015 c 214 § 57.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.630 - Record in original language—English translation.

RCW 26.21A.630
Record in original language—English translation.
A record filed with a tribunal of this state under this article must be in the original language and, if not in English, must be accompanied by an English translation.
[ 2015 c 214 § 58.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.650 - Grounds for rendition.

RCW 26.21A.650
Grounds for rendition.
(1) For purposes of this article, "governor" includes an individual performing the functions of governor or the executive authority of a state covered by this chapter.
(2) The governor of this state may:
(a) Demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or
(b) On the demand by the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.
(3) A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this chapter applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled from the demanding state.
[ 2002 c 198 § 801.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.655 - Conditions of rendition.

RCW 26.21A.655
Conditions of rendition.
(1) Before making a demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least sixty days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this chapter or that the proceeding would be of no avail.
(2) If, under this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter, the governor of another state makes a demand that the governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the governor may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the governor may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.
(3) If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the governor may decline to honor the demand. If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the governor may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.
[ 2002 c 198 § 802.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.900 - Effective date—2002 c 198.

RCW 26.21A.900
Effective date—2002 c 198.
This act takes effect January 1, 2007.
[ 2006 c 96 § 1; 2002 c 198 § 906.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.905 - Uniformity of application and construction.

RCW 26.21A.905
Uniformity of application and construction.
In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
[ 2002 c 198 § 903.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.907 - Transitional provision.

RCW 26.21A.907
Transitional provision.
This act applies to proceedings begun on or after July 1, 2015, to establish a support order or determine parentage of a child or to register, recognize, enforce, or modify a prior support order, determination, or agreement, whenever issued or entered.
[ 2015 c 214 § 60.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Conflict with federal requirements—Waiver—2015 c 214: See notes following RCW 26.21A.010.
Denial of waiver—2015 c 214: See note following RCW 26.21A.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.21A - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. › 26.21A.915 - Captions, part headings, and articles not part of law—2002 c 198.

RCW 26.21A.915
Captions, part headings, and articles not part of law—2002 c 198.
Captions, part headings, and articles used in this act are not any part of the law.
[ 2002 c 198 § 902.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2002 c 198: See RCW 26.21A.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.010 - Intent.

RCW 26.23.010
Intent.
The legislature recognizes the financial impact on custodial parents and children when child support is not received on time, or in the correct amount. The legislature also recognizes the burden placed upon the responsible parent and the second family when enforcement action must be taken to collect delinquent support.
It is the intent of the legislature to create a central Washington state support registry to improve the recordkeeping of support obligations and payments, thereby providing protection for both parties, and reducing the burden on employers by creating a single standardized process through which support payments are deducted from earnings.
It is also the intent of the legislature that child support payments be made through income withholding if the responsible parent becomes delinquent in making support payments under a court or administrative order for support.
To that end, it is the intent of the legislature to interpret all existing statutes and processes to give effect to, and to implement, one central registry for recording and distributing support payments in this state.
[ 2021 c 35 § 12; 1987 c 435 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.020 - Definitions.

RCW 26.23.020
Definitions.
The definitions contained in RCW 74.20A.020 shall be incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.
(1) "Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of an individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of an amount required by law to be withheld.
(2) "Earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law making the payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other process to satisfy support obligations, specifically includes periodic payments pursuant to pension or retirement programs, or insurance policies of any type, but does not include payments made under Title 50 RCW, except as provided in RCW 50.40.020 and 50.40.050, or Title 74 RCW. Earnings shall specifically include all gain from capital, from labor, or from both combined, not including profit gained through sale or conversion of capital assets.
(3) "Employee" means a person in employment as defined in Title 50 RCW to whom an employer is paying, owes or anticipates paying earnings as a result of services performed.
(4) "Employer" means any person or entity who pays or owes earnings in employment as defined in Title 50 RCW to the responsible parent including but not limited to the United States government, or any state or local unit of government.
(5) "Lump sum payment" means income other than a periodic recurring payment of earnings on regular paydays and does not include reimbursement for expenses. Lump sum payment includes, but is not limited to, discretionary and nondiscretionary bonuses, commissions, performance bonuses, merit increases, safety awards, signing bonuses, moving and relocation incentive payments, holiday pay, termination pay, and severance pay. Lump sum payment also includes workers' compensation, insurance settlements, and personal injury settlements paid as replacement for wages owed.
(6) "Support order" means a superior court order or administrative order, as defined in RCW 74.20A.020.
[ 2023 c 248 § 2; 1987 c 435 § 2.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
Findings—2023 c 248: See note following RCW 26.23.063.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.030 - Registry—Creation—Duties—Interest on unpaid child support—Record retention.

RCW 26.23.030
Registry—Creation—Duties—Interest on unpaid child support—Record retention.
(1) There is created a Washington state support registry within the division of child support as the agency designated in Washington state to administer the child support program under Title IV-D of the federal social security act. The registry shall:
(a) Provide a central unit for collection of support payments made to the registry;
(b) Account for and disburse all support payments received by the registry;
(c) Maintain the necessary records including, but not limited to, information on support orders, support debts, the date and amount of support due; the date and amount of payments; and the names, social security numbers, and addresses of the parties;
(d) Develop procedures for providing information to the parties regarding action taken by, and support payments collected and distributed by the registry; and
(e) Maintain a state child support case registry to compile and maintain records on all child support orders entered in the state of Washington.
(2) The division of child support may assess and collect interest at the rate of twelve percent per year on unpaid child support that has accrued under any support order entered into the registry. This interest rate shall not apply to those support orders already specifying an interest assessment at a different rate.
(3) The secretary of social and health services shall adopt rules for the maintenance and retention of records of support payments and for the archiving and destruction of such records when the support obligation terminates or is satisfied. When a support obligation established under court order entered in a superior court of this state has been satisfied, a satisfaction of judgment form shall be prepared by the registry and filed with the clerk of the court in which the order was entered.
[ 1997 c 58 § 905; 1989 c 360 § 6; 1988 c 275 § 18; 1987 c 435 § 3.]
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.
Effective dates—Severability—1988 c 275: See notes following RCW 26.19.001.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.033 - State case registry—Submission of support orders.

RCW 26.23.033
State case registry—Submission of support orders.
(1) The division of child support, Washington state support registry shall operate a state case registry containing records of all orders establishing or modifying a support order that are entered after October 1, 1998.
(2) The superior court clerk, the office of administrative hearings, and the department of social and health services shall, within five days of entry, forward to the Washington state support registry, a true and correct copy of all superior court orders or administrative orders establishing or modifying a support obligation that provide that support payments shall be made to the support registry.
(3) The division of child support shall reimburse the clerk for the reasonable costs of copying and sending copies of court orders to the registry at the reimbursement rate provided in Title IV-D of the federal social security act.
(4) Effective October 1, 1998, the superior court clerk, the office of administrative hearings, and the department of social and health services shall, within five days of entry, forward to the Washington state support registry a true and correct copy of all superior court orders or administrative orders establishing or modifying a support obligation.
(5) Receipt of a support order by the registry or other action under this section on behalf of a person or persons who have not made a written application for support enforcement services to the division of child support and who are not recipients of public assistance is deemed to be:
(a) A request for payment services only if the order requires payment to the Washington state support registry;
(b) A submission for inclusion in the state case registry if the order does not require that support payments be made to the Washington state support registry.
[ 1997 c 58 § 903.]
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 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.039 - Insurance company's compliance—Insurance claim data collection organization.

RCW 26.23.039
Insurance company's compliance—Insurance claim data collection organization.
An insurance company may comply with the obligation to exchange information with the division of child support described in RCW 26.23.037(1) by using an insurance claim data collection organization as described in RCW 26.23.037(2).
[ 2021 c 168 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Rules—Effective date—2021 c 168: See notes following RCW 26.23.037.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.045 - Support enforcement services.

RCW 26.23.045
Support enforcement services.
(1) The division of child support, Washington state support registry, shall provide support enforcement services under the following circumstances:
(a) Whenever public assistance under RCW 74.20.330 is paid;
(b) Whenever a request for support enforcement services under RCW 74.20.040 is received;
(c) When a support order which contains language directing a responsible parent to make support payments to the Washington state support registry under RCW 26.23.050 is submitted and the division of child support receives a written application for services or is already providing services;
(d) When the obligor submits a support order or support payment, and an application, to the Washington state support registry.
(2) The division of child support shall continue to provide support enforcement services for so long as and under such conditions as the department shall establish by regulation or until the superior court enters an order removing the requirement that the obligor make support payments to the Washington state support registry as provided for in RCW 26.23.050.
[ 1997 c 58 § 902; 1994 c 230 § 8; 1989 c 360 § 33.]
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 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.055 - Support proceedings, orders, and registry—Required information—Duty to update—Service.

RCW 26.23.055
Support proceedings, orders, and registry—Required information—Duty to update—Service.
(1) Each party to a paternity or child support proceeding must provide the court and the Washington state child support registry with the confidential information form as required under RCW 26.23.050.
(2) Each party to an order entered in a child support or paternity proceeding shall update the information required under subsection (1) of this section promptly after any change in the information. The duty established under this section continues as long as any monthly support or support debt remains due under the support order.
(3) In any proceeding to establish, enforce, or modify the child support order between the parties, a party may demonstrate to the presiding officer that he or she has diligently attempted to locate the other party. Upon a showing of diligent efforts to locate, the presiding officer shall deem service of process for the action by delivery of written notice to the address most recently provided by the party under this section to be adequate notice of the action.
(4) All support orders shall contain notice to the parties of the obligations established by this section and possibility of service of process according to subsection (3) of this section.
[ 2001 c 42 § 4; 1998 c 160 § 3; 1997 c 58 § 904.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—2001 c 42: See notes following RCW 26.09.020.
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 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.070 - Payments to registry—Methods—Immunity from civil liability.

RCW 26.23.070
Payments to registry—Methods—Immunity from civil liability.
(1) The employer or the employment security department may combine amounts withheld from the earnings of more than one responsible parent in a single payment to the Washington state support registry, listing separately the amount of the payment which is attributable to each individual.
(2) No employer nor employment security department that complies with an income withholding order under this chapter shall be civilly liable to the responsible parent for complying with an income withholding order under this chapter.
(3) No employer shall be civilly liable to the responsible parent for:
(a) Reporting a lump sum payment under this chapter; or
(b) Withholding and remitting a lump sum payment under this chapter or under chapter 74.20A RCW.
(4) No insurance company shall be civilly liable to the responsible parent for complying with:
(a) An order to withhold and deliver issued under RCW 74.20A.080 or with any other withholding order issued under this chapter;
(b) A lien filed by the department under chapter 74.20A RCW; or
(c) A combined lien and withholding order developed by the department to implement chapter 168, Laws of 2021.
(5) An insurance company complying with a withholding order issued by the department or with a lien filed by the department may not be considered to be committing a violation of the insurance fair conduct act under chapter 48.30 RCW.
[ 2023 c 248 § 4; 2021 c 168 § 4; 1991 c 367 § 41; 1987 c 435 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—2023 c 248: See note following RCW 26.23.063.
Findings—Rules—Effective date—2021 c 168: See notes following RCW 26.23.037.
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 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.075 - Payments—Dishonored checks—Fees—Rules.

RCW 26.23.075
Payments—Dishonored checks—Fees—Rules.
For any payment made by a check as defined in RCW 62A.3-104, if the instrument is dishonored under RCW 62A.3-515, the costs and fees authorized under RCW 62A.3-515 apply. The department may establish procedures and adopt rules to enforce this section.
[ 2000 c 215 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.080 - Certain acts by employers prohibited—Penalties.

RCW 26.23.080
Certain acts by employers prohibited—Penalties.
No employer shall discipline or discharge an employee or refuse to hire a person by reason of an action authorized in this chapter. If an employer disciplines or discharges an employee or refuses to hire a person in violation of this section, the employee or person shall have a cause of action against the employer. The employer shall be liable for double the amount of lost wages and any other damages suffered as a result of the violation and for costs and reasonable attorney fees, and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars for each violation. The employer may also be ordered to hire, rehire, or reinstate the aggrieved individual.
[ 1987 c 435 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.090 - Employer liability for failure or refusal to respond or remit earnings.

RCW 26.23.090
Employer liability for failure or refusal to respond or remit earnings.
(1) The employer shall be liable to the Washington state support registry, or to the agency or firm providing child support enforcement for another state, under Title IV-D of the federal social security act and issuing a notice, garnishment, or wage assignment attaching wages or earnings in satisfaction of a support obligation, for the amount of support moneys which should have been withheld from the employee's earnings, if the employer:
(a) Fails or refuses, after being served with an income withholding order under Title IV-D of the federal social security act, to deduct and promptly remit from unpaid earnings the amounts of money required in the order;
(b) Fails or refuses to submit an answer to the income withholding order under Title IV-D of the federal social security act, after being served; or
(c) Is unwilling to comply with the other requirements of RCW 26.23.060.
(2) Liability may be established in superior court or may be established pursuant to RCW 74.20A.350. Awards in superior court and in actions pursuant to RCW 74.20A.350 shall include costs, interest under RCW 19.52.020 and 4.56.110, and reasonable attorneys' fees and staff costs as a part of the award. Debts established pursuant to this section may be collected by the division of child support using any of the remedies available under chapter 26.09, 26.18, *26.21, 26.23, 74.20, or 74.20A RCW for the collection of child support.
[ 2021 c 35 § 16. Prior: 1997 c 296 § 13; 1997 c 58 § 894; 1990 c 165 § 2; 1987 c 435 § 10.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 26.21 RCW was repealed by 2002 c 198 § 901, effective January 1, 2007. Later enactment, see chapter 26.21A RCW.
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 26.23 - State Support Registry. › 26.23.100 - Motion to quash, modify, or terminate payroll deduction—Grounds for relief.

RCW 26.23.100
Motion to quash, modify, or terminate payroll deduction—Grounds for relief.
(1) The responsible parent subject to a payroll deduction pursuant to this chapter, may file a motion in superior court to quash, modify, or terminate the payroll deduction.
(2) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the court may grant relief only upon a showing: (a) That the payroll deduction causes extreme hardship or substantial injustice; or (b) that the support payment was not past due under the terms of the order when the notice of payroll deduction was served on the employer.
(3) Satisfaction by the obligor of all past due payments subsequent to the issuance of the notice of payroll deduction is not grounds to quash, modify, or terminate the notice of payroll deduction.
(4) If a notice of payroll deduction has been in operation for twelve consecutive months and the obligor's support obligation is current, upon motion of the obligor, the court may order the office of support enforcement to terminate the payroll deduction, unless the obligee can show good cause as to why the payroll deduction should remain in effect.
(5) Subsection (2) of this section shall not prevent the court from ordering an alternative arrangement as provided under RCW 26.23.050(2).
[ 1994 c 230 § 11; 1991 c 367 § 42; 1989 c 360 § 31; 1987 c 435 § 8.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective date—Captions not law—1991 c 367: See notes following RCW 26.09.015.