How Long Child Support Arrears Last: Collection Limits, Back Support and Forgiveness in the District of Columbia

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

District of Columbia child support installments are money judgments and cannot be modified retroactively. Recorded judgments are enforceable for 12 years, and withholding orders issued in that time do not lapse before full payment.

Do child support arrears expire in the District of Columbia?

The general rule is that a final money judgment of the Superior Court, when filed and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, is enforceable by execution for 12 years from the date an execution might first issue or the last order of revival, after which it ceases to have any operation or effect (D.C. Code 15-101). The D.C. Code also provides that a withholding order issued by the IV-D agency within 12 years of a support judgment or order does not lapse before complete satisfaction just because that period ends (46-215). Because each installment is its own money judgment, ask a licensed D.C. attorney how the 12 years run on your debt.

Question	District of Columbia rule
Each installment	A money judgment, absolute and vested when due (46-204(b))
Retroactive changes	None, except from notice of a pending petition (46-204(c))
Judgment enforcement	12 years from when execution might first issue or from the last revival, for recorded judgments (15-101)
Withholding orders	Issued within 12 years of the judgment, they do not lapse before complete satisfaction (46-215)
Lien	By operation of law for overdue support (46-224)
Interest	We found none on arrears

Can a judge forgive child support arrears in the District of Columbia?

Not by changing past installments: they are money judgments that become absolute and vested when due, and no modification may be retroactive except from the date of notice of a pending petition (46-204(b)-(c)). The way to limit arrears is to file and give notice of a motion to modify before installments fall due.

Can the court set a payment plan?

The withholding statutes let a party or the IV-D agency ask the court to reapportion periodic arrears payments (46-205(9); 46-208(c)). That changes how fast the debt is paid, not whether it is owed.

Is any arrears debt handled differently?

Support owed to the District for assistance is treated through the District’s subrogation provisions; ask the Child Support Services Division which part of your balance, if any, is owed to the District.

What can you contest in a license action?

Before any proposed denial, refusal to renew or suspension of a license, the obligor is entitled to an administrative hearing before the Mayor. The notice must say how, when and where to contest it and the amount owed. The licensing agency acts within 30 days of the Mayor’s notice, and the obligor can appeal the Mayor’s final decision to the Superior Court (46-225.01(b-2), (b-3), (c)). That is a way to challenge the amount or the process, not to erase the debt.

Do arrears survive when the child turns 21?

Yes. The end of current support does not erase installments already owed. See the District of Columbia child support end date calculator.

What should you do about a large balance?

Get the official balance, compare it with the District of Columbia child support arrears calculator, ask the Division about a payment plan, and if your circumstances changed, file a motion to modify right away.

Frequently asked questions

Do District of Columbia child support arrears expire?

Recorded judgments are enforceable for 12 years, but withholding orders issued within 12 years do not lapse before full satisfaction; ask an attorney how it applies to your debt.

Can a District of Columbia judge forgive child support arrears?

Not by changing past installments; there is no retroactive modification before notice of the petition.

Can I change my District of Columbia arrears payment?

A party or the IV-D agency can ask the court to reapportion periodic arrears payments in a withholding order.

Do District of Columbia arrears end when the child turns 21?

No. Installments already owed remain money judgments.

Does a District of Columbia withholding order lapse?

An order issued within 12 years of the judgment does not lapse before complete satisfaction.

Official sources

Going through a divorce or custody case in District of Columbia?

A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a District of Columbia attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited District of Columbia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed District of Columbia attorney.