Child Support and Spousal Support Arrears in California

Home / Spousal & Child Support / Child Support and Spousal Support Arrears in California

In California, child support arrears refer to past due payments of court-ordered child support. When a parent fails to make these payments on time, they accumulate arrears, which can have legal consequences. Here are some key points related to child support arrears in California:

1. **Enforcement:** The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has various enforcement tools to collect past due child support, including wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s licenses, and placing liens on property.

2. **Interest:** Unpaid child support in California typically accrues interest at a rate of 10% per year. This means that arrears can grow significantly over time if left unpaid.

3. **Modification:** If a parent is struggling to pay child support due to a change in circumstances, such as a job loss or medical emergency, they can request a modification of the child support order. It’s important to seek a modification rather than simply falling behind on payments.

4. **Legal Consequences:** Failure to pay child support in California can result in various legal consequences, such as contempt of court charges, fines, and even imprisonment in extreme cases.

5. **Payment Plans:** In some cases, the DCSS may work with the parent who owes child support to establish a payment plan to gradually pay off the arrears. If you are dealing with child support arrears in California, it is advisable to contact the California Department of Child Support Services or consult with a family law attorney for guidance on how to address the situation and avoid further legal complications.

Testimonials

She handled my complicated, high conflict custody battle like a pro!

I hired Maryam for my very high conflict and complicated custody battle. She took an emotional, dreadful, and exasperating experience, handled it with expertise, professionalism, and calmness that made it possible for me to be calm and believe that everything would work out. Everything did work out, and I’m SO THANKFUL for her. She’s sharp, smart, confident, and a fighter, all while being reasonable and not making a complicated situation worse. I would HIGHLY recommend her. The best experience I’ve ever had with an attorney. Not for one moment did I ever feel like I was just a paycheck to her, and she was worth every penny. Thank you Maryam, you were awesome!

Excellent and Aggressive Attorney!

Maryam was my divorce lawyer a few years ago. She is personable, punctual and got the job done… We got what we wanted in court as she fought hard for me and was aggressive. She filed all the paperwork that needed to be done on time and correctly. She was also very good at moral support in this tough period in my life but that was just a benefit of using her. I have also called her for legal advice a few times since and she always gave me good legal advice.

Attorney with compassion and conviction.

I really am not sure how I found Maryam originally, but I’m so glad that I did. My divorce and custody battle dragged out for over two years, but in the end I have full custody of my children and have been able to move on with my life. Divorce is emotionally difficult, but having Maryam navigate the legal waters made the whole situation easier. I highly recommend her if you need an attorney who will help you work through your family law matters with compassion and conviction.

Christina C.

I have had a few lawyers in the past 12 years and honestly lost faith in them until I met Maryam. She is absolutely AMAZING! She treats you like your family and makes sure she listens and answers all questions.  Her number one concern is what’s the best decision to be made during some hard times for families. Maryam is respectful of your feelings and helps you make the correct decision for you and your family.  I wish I would have found her years ago! This would have saved me lots grief and money.  She doesn’t want to take advantage of her clients by dragging things out, she gets the job done right and quick. I totally recommend her services to everyone and trust her to fight for my family always! Thank you Maryam for being honest, reliable, and taking care of my family!

A Guardian Angel

There has been no question. My child custody case has been the most trying, exhaustive and draining experience of my life. Apart from the light of my child, there has really been only one other bright spot to the whole experience. Maryam. I never (ever!) expected such compassion in hired legal counsel. Alternately, she has never sugar coated the situation and has been my leader, inspiration and true guide on a very complex and time consuming journey. She has put me to work, and the work has been hard. But her very matter-of-fact approach to why, and her ability to set the example and pace by working so incredibly hard herself, kept me going. As hard as this has all been, I can’t imagine how devastating it would have all felt without this very rare and special person making me feel like they are in my corner from a very genuine place. Words escape me to properly express my gratitude for the fact that lawyers like this really are out there, while rare to find. She’s never cut corners with her efforts and never lost patience with me during a very scattered and overwhelming time in my life. She has gone above and beyond for me, to the point of pleasant surprise which is something I so desperately needed going through this! We had a long, extensive child custody trial and she worked brilliantly both in and out of court to reach an outcome in our favor. Again, I’m at a loss to express my gratitude for her world class efforts so instead, I’ll recommend her from the most honest place in my heart.

Attorney with compassion and conviction

I really am not sure how I found Maryam originally, but I’m so glad that I did. My divorce and custody battle dragged out for over two years, but in the end I have full custody of my children and have been able to move on with my life. Divorce is emotionally difficult, but having Maryam navigate the legal waters made the whole situation easier. I highly recommend her if you need an attorney who will help you work through your family law matters with compassion and conviction.