Quick answer: In Massachusetts, each unpaid child support installment is a judgment by operation of law and a lien from its due date, and an action to enforce it can be started at any time. The Department of Revenue states that it charges 0.5% interest and a 0.5% penalty a month on past-due support in its cases.
This Massachusetts child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid weekly installments and the DOR’s stated 0.5% monthly interest under G.L. c. 119A, and flags the passport threshold. Installments cannot be modified retroactively except from notice of a complaint, so give notice before installments fall due.
Massachusetts child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What Massachusetts says |
|---|---|
| Each installment | A judgment by operation of law on or after its due date, enforceable at any time (G.L. c. 119A, s. 13(a)) |
| Lien | Unpaid child support is a lien in favor of the obligee as of its due date; recording makes it encumber real and personal property (s. 6(b)) |
| Interest and penalties | The IV-D agency may provide by regulation for interest and penalties (s. 6(a)); DOR states 0.5% interest and 0.5% penalty a month (DOR information sheet) |
| Licenses | After a 30-day notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the IV-D agency may issue a final determination of delinquency and notify the licensing authority (s. 16) |
| Retroactive changes | Only from notice of a complaint for modification (s. 13(a)) |
| Passports | The IV-D agency may use the federal program for denial of passports (s. 6(a)) |
How do child support arrears work in Massachusetts?
- Interest and method. See the Massachusetts child support interest rate.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in Massachusetts.
- Time limits and forgiveness. See whether Massachusetts child support arrears expire or can be forgiven.
What does this arrears calculator check?
You enter the weekly support and the number of weekly installments unpaid, and a monthly interest rate (0.5% by default, the rate DOR states for its cases). The calculator adds simple interest from each due date and flags the lien, the 56-day and $500 criterion described in a state audit, and the $2,500 passport line. It does not include DOR’s separate penalty or partial payments. To change the amount going forward, see the Massachusetts child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the Massachusetts child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Massachusetts charge interest on child support arrears?
The Department of Revenue states that it imposes 0.5% interest and a 0.5% penalty a month on past-due support in its cases, and the IV-D agency may set interest and penalties by regulation. For a private order, ask the court.
Is a missed Massachusetts child support payment a judgment?
Yes. Each installment is a judgment by operation of law on or after its due date, and unpaid support is a lien from its due date.
Is there a statute of limitations on Massachusetts child support arrears?
The statute says an action to enforce the judgment may be commenced at any time.
How long do I have to request a hearing on a Massachusetts license suspension?
Thirty days from the date of the notice.
Can Massachusetts waive child support interest?
DOR states it will consider waiving interest and penalties; ask in writing.
Official sources
- G.L. c. 119A, s. 13: judgment by operation of law; retroactive modification
- G.L. c. 119A, s. 6: arrearages; collection; liens; interest and penalties by regulation
- G.L. c. 119A, s. 16: license revocation and suspension
- DOR: Information for parents who pay child support
- G.L. c. 208, s. 36: security and enforcement
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports