Interest on Child Support Arrears in Georgia: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
The Georgia child support interest rate is 7% a year, starting 30 days after each installment is due, with no need to get a judgment first. The court can change the start date and has discretion to waive or reduce the interest.
What is the child support interest rate in Georgia?
Seven percent a year. All awards, court orders, decrees or judgments rendered under Title 19 that are expressed in money accrue interest at 7 percent per annum, commencing 30 days from the date the award or order is entered or an installment payment is due (O.C.G.A. 7-4-12.1). The Division of Child Support Services applies the same rule: interest calculation begins when the other parent becomes 30 days delinquent (DCSS fees page).
Do I have to get a judgment before interest runs?
No. The statute says it is not necessary for the party to whom the child support is due to reduce any award to judgment in order to recover the interest. Separately, each installment is a judgment by operation of law on and after its due date (19-6-17(e)).
Is Georgia child support interest simple or compound?
The statute sets a rate and a start date and does not provide for interest on interest. The Georgia arrears calculator uses simple interest on each installment, starting 30 days after its due date, so a payment unpaid for 12 months bears 11 months of interest.
| Case | Interest at 7% | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $160.42 | $6,160.42 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $737.92 | $12,737.92 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,735.42 | $19,735.42 |
| 60 unpaid installments of $500 | $4,990.42 | $34,990.42 |
The interest grows faster than the months because older installments carry more months of interest.
Can the court waive or reduce interest?
Yes. The court may modify the date on which interest begins to accrue and has discretion in applying or waiving past-due interest. In deciding, it considers whether good cause existed for nonpayment, whether paying the interest would cause substantial and unreasonable hardship for the parent owing it, and whether applying, waiving or reducing it would help or hurt the parent’s current ability to pay support, including the regularity of current support payments (7-4-12.1).
How much interest builds up at other support amounts?
Twelve unpaid monthly installments, the newest just due, at 7% simple interest starting 30 days after each due date:
| Monthly support | Principal | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300 a month | $3,600.00 | $96.25 | $3,696.25 |
| $750 a month | $9,000.00 | $240.63 | $9,240.63 |
| $1,200 a month | $14,400.00 | $385.00 | $14,785.00 |
What about the general judgment interest rate?
Georgia’s general rule is that judgments bear annual interest at the prime rate on the day the judgment is entered plus 3 percent (O.C.G.A. 7-4-12). The specific Title 19 rule of 7% is the one that applies to child support awards and installments, so do not use the general rate for support.
Do I owe interest on retroactive support?
The agency’s guidance and the statute speak of interest from entry of an award or from an installment due date; ask the Division whether interest is charged on any back support established in your case.
Where do you get the official figure?
From the Division of Child Support Services if it has your case, or the clerk’s payment records. See whether arrears expire or can be forgiven and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Georgia interest rate on back child support?
7 percent a year, starting 30 days after each installment is due.
Is Georgia child support interest simple or compounded?
The statute sets a rate and a start date; this calculator uses simple interest from 30 days after each due date.
Can I avoid paying Georgia child support interest?
Only if the court waives or reduces it, after considering good cause, hardship and your current ability to pay.
Is the Georgia judgment rate of prime plus 3% used for child support?
No. The specific Title 19 rule of 7% applies to child support awards and installments.
Where can I check my Georgia child support balance?
With the Division of Child Support Services or the clerk of court.
Official sources
- O.C.G.A. 7-4-12.1: interest on Title 19 awards
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-17: judgments by operation of law
- O.C.G.A. 19-11-18: arrearage collection and liens
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-28.1: license suspension by the court
- O.C.G.A. 19-11-9.3: license suspension by the agency
- Georgia Division of Child Support Services: interest on child support judgments
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Georgia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Georgia attorney.