Quick answer: In New Mexico, interest accrues on delinquent child support at 4% from the date it is delinquent until paid. Support is due on the first of each month and is delinquent if not paid then. Payments go to current support first, then arrears, then interest. The state agency can forgive accrued interest on support assigned to the state.
This New Mexico child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid installments and simple interest at 4% under NMSA 40-4-7.3, and flags the passport threshold. Change the rate if your order or judgment says otherwise.
New Mexico child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What New Mexico says |
|---|---|
| Interest | Accrues on delinquent child support at 4% from the date it is delinquent until paid (NMSA 40-4-7.3(A)) |
| Consolidated judgment | Interest at 4% from entry until the judgment is satisfied (40-4-7.3(B)) |
| Due date | The first day of the month unless the order sets another; delinquent if not paid then (40-4-7.3(C)) |
| Payment order | Current support, then delinquent support, then a consolidated judgment, then interest (40-4-7.3(D)) |
| Forgiving interest | The department may forgive accrued interest on support assigned to the state if that will likely lead to more collections (40-4-7.3(E)) |
| Licenses | A licensee who is not in compliance with a support judgment cannot renew a license (Parental Responsibility Act, 40-5A-5) |
How do child support arrears work in New Mexico?
- Interest and method. See the New Mexico child support interest rate.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in New Mexico.
- Time limits and forgiveness. See whether New Mexico child support arrears expire or can be forgiven.
What does this arrears calculator check?
You enter the monthly support, the number of installments unpaid and the annual rate (4% by default). The calculator adds simple interest from each delinquency date and flags the passport line. It does not model partial payments, which are applied to current support first. To change the amount going forward, see the New Mexico child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the New Mexico child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Mexico charge interest on child support arrears?
Yes. Interest accrues on delinquent child support at 4% from the date it is delinquent until it is paid.
What is the New Mexico interest rate on child support arrears?
Four percent, per the 2004 amendment to the delinquent support interest statute.
When is New Mexico child support delinquent?
Unless the order sets another date, support is due on the first of the month and is delinquent if not paid by then.
How are New Mexico support payments applied?
To current support first, then delinquent support, then a consolidated judgment, then interest.
Can New Mexico forgive child support interest?
The department may forgive accrued interest on support assigned to the state if that will likely lead to collecting more support.