Here is the list that I promised of states and where they stand on the interest issue. Because this is really very short and sweet, look for my BONUS blog also posted today.
States that routinely charge interest on child support arrears:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
California
Georgia
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
States that sometimes charge interest on arrears:
Arkansas
Colorado
Guam
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
P.S. I know that Guam is not a state but I do get clients from there so I added it to the list.
Simone Spence is an author and renowned expert on child support collection. With the mantra “Knowledge is power,” she authored Deadbeats, What Responsible Parents Need to Know about Collecting Child Support and through her firm Child Support Solutions, has assisted nearly 10,000 custodial parents in collecting more than $11,000,000 in child support arrears. Simone Spence is an author, speaker, and has been a child support consultant and coach for over 10 years. She can be reached at simone@dontgetmadgetpaid.com.
Her third book Deadbeat vs Deadbroke will be released this winter. Get sneak peek into book and order advance copy at: http://deadbeatvsdeadbroke.eventbrite.com/
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I have to say I agree with you 100%. I love it that you speak what so many single parents go thru. I am a fan, keep up the great work!
Is interest arrears or is that something else because I believe Pensacola, Florida has this also – –or it appears that there is a interest on not paying on time because my friend is always talking about arrears.
I notice New Jersey isn’t on these lists. I am going to send this to my Assemblymen and see what can be done about it. Thanks Simone for your good work.
I agree with you regarding single parents, the one thing that I would like all single parents to know it is not the worse thing to happen to you being a single parent sometimes we need a moment to breathe after going through a divorce, a moment just to be by ourselves and decide a new path for your life. Awesome work Simone keep up the good job and continue to be a role model, even if you did not set out to be that.
Patricia,
Thank you for your question!
Interest and arrears are two completely different things.
Interest is the charge to the parent owing the child support for making payments late. In this case in can be considered a “late fee’ of sorts because the interest is only levied if the payments are not made on time.
Arrears is the name for the amount of past due child support money. For example, if Bob owes $3000 and $2500 of that is past due, then Bob is $2500 in arrears.
*If Bob’s order includes a provision for interest, then interest would then be applies to $2500 because that is the amount which is in arrears.
Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for that! Presently, New Jersey charges interest on a case-by-case basis. Shameful. This pretty much means that you have to know that you can ask for interest and then bang your head against a brick wall until you bleed in order for them to give it to you. Double shame.
Good to know that I have followers in high places. 🙂 I am going to track you down and reach out to you offline for a follow-up.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and to post your comment.
I have more of a question , not a comment I was told that being backed up on your support payment, should not land someone in jail because it’s a civil matter not criminal, and also the judge is for the state , and your being tried by the state wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest. …. your Facebook friend confused. ……. help