What is the definition of Child Support Arrearages?
Child support arrearages are overdue support payments that have accumulated since a court order was entered. Unlike current support, arrearages survive modification and cannot be erased by a later change in circumstances.
How They Accrue
- Missed monthly payments, tracked by the Florida State Disbursement Unit
- Payments made after income withholding starts too late to catch up
- Court-ordered retroactive support dating back to the filing date
How Florida Collects Them
A parent owed arrearages can bring a contempt of court motion or ask the Department of Revenue to enforce. The DOR can suspend licenses, intercept tax refunds, and report arrears to credit bureaus. Interest stopped accruing on most support orders in 2010.
Related Terms
Owed Back Support?
For help enforcing or disputing arrears, visit our Tampa child support attorney page or call Mindi Lasley, P.A. at (813) 873-9047.