Washington State Child Support Lawyer Laurie G. Robertson

The federal income tax exemption.

There are no specific laws or rules when it comes to awarding the tax exemptions for a child or for children under Washington's child support laws. 

Although the primary residential parent is frequently awarded the tax credit, this is not always the case.  The court actually has wide latitude to award the federal income tax exemption in several ways.  The court can award it to either of the parents. 

The court can also alternate the exemption between the parents, which seems to be the preference of many judges here in Western Washington.  The court, however, can also allocate it based simply on the parties' income and the best interests of the child.