Massachusetts and Texas illustrate different approaches to equity compensation. The comparison is educational only and does not predict a Washington result.
CURRENT LAW
Washington uses its own statutes and decisions. RCW 26.09.080 uses a just-and-equitable property standard, while RCW 26.19.071 addresses support income.
- RCW 26.09.080 — Disposition of property and liabilitiesWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
- RCW 26.19.071 — Standards for determination of incomeWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
COMPARISON
Massachusetts’ 2025 child-support guidelines expressly discuss stock options and similar incentives, with guideline commentary and case references. Texas Family Code provisions address separate-property fractions for restricted stock and stock options and require decrees to determine rights in employee plans. Those structures are useful comparisons, not Washington law.
- Massachusetts 2025 Child Support Guidelines — income definitionWashington State Legislature · agency guidance · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Massachusetts law does not determine Washington outcomes.
- Texas Family Code — stock and restricted-stock provisionsWashington State Legislature · statute · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Texas law does not determine Washington outcomes.
POLICY PROBLEM
Different statutory structures show why a Washington reform proposal should identify the award type, service period, and legal purpose instead of importing another state’s formula.
- Massachusetts 2025 Child Support Guidelines — income definitionWashington State Legislature · agency guidance · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Massachusetts law does not determine Washington outcomes.
- Texas Family Code — stock and restricted-stock provisionsWashington State Legislature · statute · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Texas law does not determine Washington outcomes.
- RCW 26.09.080 — Disposition of property and liabilitiesWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
Questions for a qualified professional
- Which state’s law actually governs the proceeding?
- Is the comparison about support, property, or taxes?
- What Washington authority controls the issue?
Frequently asked questions
Can a Massachusetts or Texas formula be used in Washington?
No. Other-state rules may inform policy discussion, but Washington courts apply Washington statutes and binding Washington authority.
Sources
- Massachusetts 2025 Child Support Guidelines — income definitionWashington State Legislature · agency guidance · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Massachusetts law does not determine Washington outcomes.
- Texas Family Code — stock and restricted-stock provisionsWashington State Legislature · statute · United States — federalSource checked: 2026-09-07. Comparison only; Texas law does not determine Washington outcomes.
- RCW 26.09.080 — Disposition of property and liabilitiesWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
- RCW 26.19.071 — Standards for determination of incomeWashington State Legislature · statute · WashingtonSource checked: 2026-09-07.
Educational information, not individual legal advice. Read our disclaimer.