What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

When a parent fails to make timely child support payments in Michigan, the unpaid amount is known as “arrears.” The parent is obligated to pay all arrears owed, in addition to any current support payments. This includes both principal and interest. The Michigan Friend of the Court Bureau, which is responsible for administering and enforcing child support orders, can use a variety of methods to collect arrears payments. These methods might include taking money directly from a parent’s wages, intercepting tax refunds, ordering the attachment of bank accounts, and denying or revoking certain types of state-issued licenses. The Friend of the Court Bureau also has the power to file criminal charges against parents with unpaid arrears. This can result in hefty fines, possible jail time, and the suspension of driving privileges. The court can also transfer the title of any property owned by the parent to the state in order to pay the arrears. It is important for parents with unpaid arrears to be aware of the possible consequences of nonpayment and to take steps to avoid them. Parents can enter into payment plans with the Friend of the Court Bureau to make partial payments, and, if appropriate, seek an amendment to the court order. Parents who are having difficulty making their payments should also seek legal advice to determine what other options are available.

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What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

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