child support arrears

Child support arrears refer to overdue payments that a parent is legally obligated to pay for the financial support of their child. When a court orders one parent to provide child support, they must make regular payments. If they fail to pay on time or miss payments altogether, those unpaid amounts accumulate as arrears. This can result in legal consequences, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or even legal action to enforce payment. The purpose of child support is to ensure that children receive the financial assistance they need for their upbringing, even if parents are separated or divorced.