# RCW 26.18.040: RCW 26.18.040: Support or maintenance proceedings

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S040

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 26.18.040
- **Heading:** RCW 26.18.040: Support or maintenance proceedings
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 040

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 26.18.010 RCW 26.18.010: Legislative findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S010.md)
- [RCW 26.18.020 RCW 26.18.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S020.md)
- [RCW 26.18.030 RCW 26.18.030: Application—Liberal construction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S030.md)
- [RCW 26.18.035 RCW 26.18.035: Other civil and criminal remedies applicable.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S035.md)
- [RCW 26.18.040 RCW 26.18.040: Support or maintenance proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S040.md)
- [RCW 26.18.050 RCW 26.18.050: Failure to comply with support or maintenance order—Contempt action—Order to show cause—Bench warrant—Continuing jurisdiction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S050.md)
- [RCW 26.18.055 RCW 26.18.055: Child support liens.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S055.md)
- [RCW 26.18.070 RCW 26.18.070: Mandatory wage assignment—Petition or motion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S070.md)
- [RCW 26.18.080 RCW 26.18.080: Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Issuance—Information transmitted to state support registry.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S080.md)
- [RCW 26.18.090 RCW 26.18.090: Wage assignment order for unpaid maintenance—Contents—Amounts—Apportionment of disbursements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S090.md)
- [RCW 26.18.110 RCW 26.18.110: Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Employer's answer, duties, and liability—Priorities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S110.md)
- [RCW 26.18.120 RCW 26.18.120: Wage assignment order—Employer's answer—Form.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S120.md)
- [RCW 26.18.130 RCW 26.18.130: Wage assignment order or income withholding order—Service.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S130.md)
- [RCW 26.18.140 RCW 26.18.140: Hearing to quash, modify, or terminate wage assignment order or income withholding order—Grounds—Alternate payment plan.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S140.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T26_C18_S040. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.