General prohibition and penalties
Engaging in unfair methods of competition can result in fines in an amount not greater than $2,500 for each non-willful violation and not greater than $20,000 for each willful violation, but these fines may not exceed a total amount of $10,000 for all non-willful violations or a total amount of $100,000 for all willful violations which arise out of the same action. The fines may be imposed in addition to other applicable penalties.
The offenses of "twisting" or "churning" result in a misdemeanor of the first degree and administrative fines not greater than $5,000 for each non-willful violation or not greater than $75,000 for each willful violation. A willful violation under the law must involve fraudulent conduct. Administrative fines for twisting, churning, or fraudulent signatures may not exceed a total amount of $50,000 for non-willful violations arising out of the same action.
When someone willfully submits fraudulent signatures on an application or policy-related document, the person commits a third-degree felony and may also incur fines not greater than $5,000 for each non-willful violation or not greater than $75,000 for each willful violation.
So be careful here. The fines for twisting and churning and fraudulent signatures are the same, but twisting and churning are misdemeanors while fraudulent signatures are a felony.
Hearings and cease and desist orders
The Department and OIR each have power to examine and investigate the affairs of every person involved in the business of insurance in this state in order to determine whether such person has been or is engaged in any unfair method of competition or in any unfair or deceptive act or practice.
Hearing on misconduct
The Department or OIR may conduct a hearing whenever they have reason to believe that any person has engaged in any unfair method of competition or deceptive act.
Cease and desist order; penalties for violation of act
If a hearing is conducted and it is determined that the person charged has engaged in an unfair or deceptive act, the Department or OIR will also issue an order requiring the violator to cease and desist from engaging in such activities. The Department or OIR also has discretion to order the suspension or revocation of the person's certificate of authority or license.
Violation of a cease and desist order may result in the following:
- A maximum fine of $50,000
- Suspension or revocation of such person's certificate of authority or license
FAQs
Washington has removed the age brackets and child support is now the same amount (for the basic support) regardless of the child's age. Now, parents with children younger than twelve years old, will be able to receive more support than before even if their divorce case was finalized before January 1, 2019.
What happens if you don't pay child support in Washington state? ›
Your wages, unemployment, or other income could be garnished. A lien could be filed on your personal property. Your personal property could be seized, such as your vehicle. Your credit score could be damaged.
Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Washington state? ›
Child support terminates upon the child's 18th birthday or graduation from high school, whichever occurs later. The child support Order should set the termination date so both parents understand the extent of their support obligation.
Can parents agree to no child support in Washington state? ›
Parents can agree to waive child support in Washington state once the court approves the agreement, but this is a rare occasion.
How much is child support for 1 kid in WA? ›
Washington State uses a child support formula to determine the base monthly child support amount. The factors include the number of children, their ages, and the incomes of the parents. Depending on the variables plugged into the formula, the base child support payment will be anywhere from $200 up to $3,500 per month.
Do you pay child support on a 50 50 custody Washington State? ›
When both parents have a shared residential schedule (50-50 time with each parent) there still often is a child support transfer payment if there is a difference in incomes between the parents A shared residential schedule may be a basis for a reduced child support transfer payment, but not always.
How far behind in child support before a warrant is issued in WA? ›
If child support payments in Washington are at least six months overdue, the court may suspend, revoke, or deny any driving, professional, occupational, or recreational licenses at or following a routine enforcement hearing; Issuance of a bench warrant for failure to comply with court orders or appear in court.
Does back child support ever go away in Washington State? ›
Although Washington law does establish a timeframe in which you must collect child support arrearages or back child support payments, you can continue collecting child support arrears well beyond your child's 18th birthday. Washington law does have a statute of limitations for collecting back child support.
What is the statute of limitations on child support arrears in Washington State? ›
How long can they collect support from me? DCS has 10 years from the date your youngest child in the order turns 18 to collect unpaid support. What if DCS wants more time to collect support from me? They might ask you to sign a Waiver of Defense/Statute of Limitations form.
Do you still have to pay child support if the child goes to college in Washington? ›
In Washington State, your child(ren) are typically covered under the Child Support Order until they are 18 or graduated from high school, whichever happens last. Post-secondary support is financial support that can be ordered after your child graduates from high school if they plan to attend college.
In Washington State, the remarriage of either parent does not automatically modify child support orders. However, it can be a factor considered by the court when determining child support modification.
How to terminate child support in Washington state? ›
There are five common ways that child support payments end in Washington State:
- The child turns 18 years of age.
- The child graduates from high school.
- The child marries.
- The child dies.
- The child suffered from a disability but is now older than 18 and no longer considered disabled.
There is no set age at which a child can refuse visitation in the state of Washington. Many parents are in the position of having an independent child who simply refuses to visit the other spouse.
Does signing over parental rights stop child support in Washington state? ›
Termination of Parental Rights in Washington
It rarely benefits the child to have his or her mother or father give up all contact and legal responsibility just to avoid paying child support. Even if you do manage to terminate your rights and stop future payments, you will owe past child support payments.
How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Washington? ›
Abandonment: The parent did not communicate with the child for at least 6 months. Permanent neglect: If a child enters the foster care system and the parent does not make any plans for the future of their children for more than one year after the child entered foster care, they could lose rights based on neglect.
Do you still have to pay child support if the child goes to college in Washington State? ›
If a judge orders post-secondary educational support, either or both parents would be responsible for the child's educational expenses after high school. This would include college or vocational school tuition. It would also include costs for school housing, books, and supplies.
What determines child support in Washington State? ›
A judge will calculate the child support formula using a somewhat complicated formula. The most significant factors are each parent's income, daycare expenses, the cost of medical insurance, any social security benefits the child may be receiving and the living arrangements of the children.
Is child support arrears forgiveness in Washington State? ›
In Washington State, child support arrears forgiveness isn't automatic, and parents who fall behind on their payments may face legal consequences including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even jail time.
How often can child support be modified in WA? ›
The statute provides for a review and potential adjustment of child support every two years. If 24 months have passed from the date of the entry of the child support order or since the last modification (whichever is latest), the order may be adjusted without a showing of substantially changed circ*mstances.
