How to Pay the Interest on Child Support in California

Child support payments ensure children receive the financial framework necessary for a successful start. In California, a non-custodial parent's payments are processed using an income withholding order, which deducts equal payments each pay period. When a parent falls behind, an arrearage is assessed which accrues interest. California applies payments to the current support, followed by the arrears and then the interest. As a result, to pay the interest on child support in California, you must bring the account current and then complete the interest payments.

Instructions

1

Contact the California Department of Child Support Services (see Resources) to request an accounting of your case which confirms the amount of interest, any past due support and the current accrued balance that you owe. The agency will use the accounting to compare past payments to the current amount due and calculate the interest.

2

Pay down the current amount due, if necessary, by sending a check or money order to complete the balance. For example, if you owe $1,000, of which $300 is interest, send a money order or check for $700 to pay off the current amount. Once the account is credited and current, send the remaining balance of $300 to complete the interest payment.

3

Request an income withholding order from the California Department of Child Support Services. The order goes through your employer who can then withhold a specified amount from each paycheck. Initial payments are made against the current amount followed by the arrears and then interest.