Washington § 26.09.120 - Support or maintenance payments — To whom paid.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.120 — Support or maintenance payments — To whom paid., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.09.120. Support or maintenance payments — To whom paid.

(1) The court shall order support payments, including maintenance if child support is ordered, to be made to the Washington state support registry, or the person entitled to receive the payments under an order approved by the court as provided in RCW 26.23.050.
(2) Maintenance payments, when ordered in an action where there is no dependent child, may be ordered to be paid to the person entitled to receive the payments, or the clerk of the court as trustee for remittance to the persons entitled to receive the payments.
(3) If support or maintenance payments are made to the clerk of court, the clerk:
(a) Shall maintain records listing the amount of payments, the date when payments are required to be made, and the names and addresses of the parties affected by the order;
(b) May by local court rule accept only certified funds or cash as payment; and
(c) Shall accept only certified funds or cash for five years in all cases after one check has been returned for nonsufficient funds or account closure.
(4) The parties affected by the order shall inform the registry through which the payments are ordered to be paid of any change of address or of other conditions that may affect the administration of the order.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1015; 1994 c 230 s 2; 1989 c 360 s 11. Prior: 1987 c 435 s 15; 1987 c 363 s 5; 1983 1st ex.s. c 45 s 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 157 s 12.]

Notes

Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Effective date—1987 c 435: See RCW 26.23.900.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.09.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.120 cover?

Section 26.09.120 ("Support or maintenance payments — To whom paid.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.09.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.120" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.09.120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.