Income withholding is a deduction of a payment for child support from a parent’s income. An order for income withholding can be from a court or administratively ordered by a child support agency—such as the child support division of the state’s Attorney General’s office.
The parent's employer often transmits the money directly to the child support agency.
In Washington State, income withholding is a common method used to collect child support payments. When a parent is ordered to pay child support, the amount can be automatically deducted from their wages through an income withholding order. This order can be issued by a court or administratively by a child support agency, such as the Division of Child Support (DCS) within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The employer of the parent who owes child support is responsible for withholding the specified amount from the parent's income and sending it directly to the child support agency, which then disburses the funds to the other parent or guardian. Employers are required to comply with the income withholding order and may face penalties if they fail to do so. This process ensures a more reliable and consistent payment of child support, helping to secure the financial support necessary for the well-being of the child.