The Division of Child Support, known as DCS, is a Washington state agency that helps establish and enforce child support through an administrative process. Many parents use DCS because it seems faster or less expensive than going to court, but the tradeoff is that DCS does not investigate fairness or examine the full financial picture. DCS staff rely only on the records they have, which may not reflect irregular income, cash income, new spouses, whole-household support, or reasons for deviation.
Administrative Law Judges decide disputes in DCS hearings, but they only consider the evidence the parents present. They do not look for missing information and cannot raise legal arguments on your behalf. Many parents do not realize that they can have an attorney represent them in DCS hearings. An attorney can challenge imputed income, present evidence the agency overlooks, argue for statutory deviations, and protect your rights in a process where no one else is looking out for you.
This page explains how DCS actions work, how administrative hearings operate, how to challenge a DCS finding, and when it makes sense to move a case from DCS to Superior Court. Understanding these rules helps parents avoid unfair results and protect their financial future.
➡ For more general information visit our page Child Support In Washington State
Myths and Misconceptions About DCS Child Support in Washington
Myth: “DCS works for me and will help me get a fair amount.”
DCS represents the State’s interest in setting support based on available records. They do not advocate for either parent, and they do not investigate fairness.
Myth: “I do not need to respond if DCS sends me paperwork.”
If you ignore DCS notices, the agency can set a binding support order based on incomplete or incorrect income information. Your wages can be garnished even if the order is wrong.
Myth: “DCS will check for cash income or hidden earnings.”
DCS uses W-2s, tax returns, and employer reporting. They do not search for irregular income, payments under the table, or support from other adults in the household. Only a parent who knows the full picture can raise these issues.
Myth: “The ALJ will adjust child support based on fairness.”
An Administrative Law Judge is limited to the evidence the parents present. ALJs do not investigate, and they cannot raise deviations or statutory arguments for you.
Myth: “I cannot have a lawyer in a DCS hearing.”
Parents can hire attorneys for DCS hearings. An attorney can present evidence, argue deviations, challenge income assumptions, and protect your rights during the process.
Myth: “DCS considers all deviation factors automatically.”
DCS does not raise deviations unless a parent argues for them. Whole-household income, costs for other children, and special expenses must be presented by a parent, often with supporting evidence.
Myth: “DCS and court child support orders work the same way.”
Administrative orders follow different rules and may be less detailed. Many parents later convert DCS orders into Superior Court orders so they can address issues DCS does not consider.
Myth: “Once DCS sets support, it cannot be changed.”
You can challenge DCS findings, request a hearing, appeal ALJ decisions, or move the case to Superior Court. But deadlines are short, and delaying action limits your options.
Myth: “DCS will automatically update the order when income changes.”
DCS will not adjust support unless a parent files a request and provides evidence. Waiting to act often results in overpayments or arrears.
Basics of DCS and Administrative Child Support
What is the Division of Child Support (DCS)?
DCS is part of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. It establishes and enforces child support through administrative procedures rather than through Superior Court.
How does DCS get involved in my case?
DCS becomes involved when a parent opens a case voluntarily, when a parent applies for certain public benefits, or when support must be enforced across state lines.
What is the difference between a DCS administrative order and a court order?
A DCS order is created through an administrative process and enforced like a court order, but it does not go to Superior Court unless a parent appeals or requests conversion.
What is a Notice and Finding of Financial Responsibility (NFFR)?
An NFFR is a proposed support order issued by DCS based on the information they have. If you do not respond, it becomes a final, enforceable child support order.
What happens if I ignore a DCS notice?
DCS can enter a binding support order without your input, and your wages may be garnished based on their calculations. Responding promptly protects your rights.
Income and Calculation Issues
How does DCS calculate my income?
DCS calculations often miss key information because they rely only on employer-reported wages unless a parent provides additional documents. Parents with cash income, variable hours, business income, or support from other adults frequently receive incorrect calculations unless they challenge the initial estimate.
Can DCS impute income to me?
Yes. If DCS does not have reliable wage information, it imputes income under RCW 26.19.071(6) and WAC 388-14A-3205, usually at full-time minimum wage unless a parent provides evidence supporting a different earning level. In an administrative hearing, the ALJ may impute income based on testimony, including statements from the other parent about cash income or under-the-table work. DCS will not raise these issues on its own, so parents must present evidence if they want the ALJ to consider a higher or more accurate income figure.
Does DCS consider whole-household income for deviations?
Only if a parent raises the issue. DCS will not investigate household support or deviation factors unless you present evidence.
How accurate are DCS income calculations?
DCS relies on limited data. If the parent has irregular income, cash earnings, or business income, the calculation is often incorrect unless challenged.
Hearings, ALJs, and Legal Representation
What is an administrative hearing in a DCS case?
It is a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Parents present evidence, question witnesses, and argue legal issues. The ALJ issues a written decision.
Who is an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)?
ALJs are neutral decision-makers who apply administrative law. They do not investigate or raise arguments for either parent.
Can I have an attorney represent me at a DCS hearing?
Yes. An attorney can argue statutory deviations, challenge inaccurate income findings, present evidence DCS overlooks, and protect your rights throughout the process.
What evidence can I present at a DCS hearing?
You may present financial records, tax documents, proof of household support, evidence of underemployment, and testimony. ALJs only consider what you submit.
How do I challenge or appeal a DCS decision?
You can request a hearing, present evidence before an ALJ, and appeal the ALJ’s decision to Superior Court. Deadlines are short, so early action is important.
Interstate Support and UIFSA Issues
What happens if the other parent lives in another state?
DCS can enforce child support across state lines under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. They may also request enforcement in another state.
Can DCS enforce an out-of-state child support order?
Yes. DCS can enforce orders from other states and collect support based on existing court orders.
How do I move a child support case to Washington?
You can ask DCS or the issuing state to transfer jurisdiction under UIFSA. The child’s residence and the location of the previous order both matter.
Enforcement Tools Used by DCS
How does wage withholding work?
DCS can directly garnish wages from an employer once a support order is final. Garnishments begin quickly and continue until the debt is paid.
Can DCS seize my tax refunds?
Yes. DCS can intercept federal and state tax refunds to pay past-due support.
Can DCS suspend my driver’s license or passport?
DCS can request license suspensions and refer cases for passport denial when support becomes seriously delinquent.
How do I stop or challenge wage garnishment?
You must request a hearing, show the order is incorrect, or negotiate payment terms. Garnishment continues until the issue is resolved.
Strategic Questions and When to Use the Court Instead of DCS
When should I avoid DCS and use Superior Court instead?
Cases involving cash income, irregular earnings, business income, deviations, whole-household support, or contested information are better handled in Superior Court.
When does it make sense to convert a DCS order to a court order?
If you need a deviation, want more detailed findings, or need flexibility for future modifications, converting to a court order is often the better choice.
Why do parents often get better outcomes with an attorney during DCS proceedings?
DCS and ALJs rely only on the evidence parents present. An attorney can identify the right documents, highlight deviations, challenge imputations, and protect your rights.
Work With Pacific Northwest Family Law to Protect Your Rights in DCS Proceedings
DCS does not investigate fairness, and ALJs only consider the evidence parents provide. Many parents end up with incorrect support orders because they do not know what information to present or how to challenge DCS findings. An attorney can make sure your financial picture is fully represented, identify legal issues DCS will never raise on its own, and protect you from unfair results. Whether you need help responding to a notice, preparing for a hearing, or moving your case to Superior Court, we can help you take the right steps and protect your financial future.
Reviewed by Attorney Zachary C Ashby, Pacific Northwest Family Law, November 2025.