Child Support Arrears: How Interest Accrues and What That Means for You

Unpaid child support in California accrues interest at 10% per year — one of the highest rates allowed under state law. For arrears that have been building for years, the interest component can equal or exceed the principal.

How Arrears Are Calculated

Arrears accumulate when a paying parent fails to make required payments. Each missed payment becomes a judgment by operation of law on its due date. Interest begins accruing on that date at the statutory rate. A parent who owes $30,000 in principal arrears has been accumulating $3,000 per year in interest — which itself compounds.

Arrears cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Unlike most debts, domestic support obligations survive bankruptcy. A paying parent who files Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 cannot eliminate child support arrears. Custodial parents who are owed arrears retain their full enforcement rights regardless of any bankruptcy filing.

The California Child Support Recovery System gives custodial parents the exact tools, templates, and step-by-step guidance to enforce support orders, calculate arrears, and use every enforcement mechanism available — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.