What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

Child support arrears are payments of overdue child support that are legally owed by the paying parent, but have not been paid. In Massachusetts, if a parent is delinquent in paying child support, the Department of Revenue (DOR) can issue an Order to Show Cause. This order requires the paying parent to appear in court and explain why their child support payments are in arrears. Depending on the judge’s ruling, the paying parent may be required to pay the arrears in one lump sum payment or in a series of payments over time. If the parent is able to pay the arrears in a lump sum payment, the judge may waive the remaining balance. If the parent is unable to pay the arrears in a lump sum payment, the judge may rule for the paying parent to make installment payments that are in addition to the regular monthly child support payments. In addition to making payment arrangements, the judge may also rule for the paying parent to face more severe penalties for failing to pay child support arrears. These penalties may include ordering wage garnishment, which involves deductions from the paying parent’s paycheck to cover the overdue child support payments. In some instances, failure to pay child support arrears may also lead to incarceration of the paying parent. Overall, child support arrears are a serious matter and it is essential that parents are aware of the consequences for not paying them. Parents should always make sure to comply with child support orders or face potential legal penalties.

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What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

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