Unpaid installments become vested judgments as they accrue in most states, which prevents retroactive reduction. Interest accrues in many jurisdictions, and arrearages survive bankruptcy discharge.
Enforcement mechanisms are extensive.
Alternative Names:
Support Arrears|Past-Due Support
Why it Matters?
Vested judgment status means arrearages cannot be reduced retroactively even where the obligor's circumstances changed or the other parent agreed to accept less, which catches obligors who relied on informal arrangements. Interest at statutory rates compounds substantially over years. Arrearages are also nondischargeable in bankruptcy and enforceable through license suspension, tax intercept, and passport denial.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Can arrearages be reduced retroactively?
Do arrearages survive bankruptcy?
