Interest on Child Support Arrears in Ohio: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
Ohio child support interest is assessed only if a court finds the default willful, from the default date to the new order, at the rate set each year under section 1343.03, currently 7%.
Does Ohio charge interest on child support arrears?
Not automatically. When a court issues or modifies a court support order it determines whether the obligor is in default and the arrearage; if the default was willful, it may assess interest on the arrearage from the date it specifies as the date of default to the date of the new order, computed at the rate in section 1343.03, and it must state the interest in the order and fold it into the new payment plan (ORC 3123.17(A)). The Ohio arrears calculator adds interest only when you say a court did that.
What is the Ohio rate?
Under section 1343.03 the rate is the rate per annum determined under section 5703.47: the federal short-term rate rounded to the nearest whole number plus 3 points, set by the Tax Commissioner on or before October 15 for the next year (1343.03(A)). It was announced as 7% for the current year. A judgment keeps the rate in effect on the date it is rendered until it is satisfied (1343.03(B)). Ask the court which rate your order used.
What does willful mean in Ohio?
The statute leaves it to the court to find that the default was willful. Courts usually look at whether you could have paid and chose not to. Keep records of your income, expenses and payments.
How is Ohio willful-default interest calculated?
As simple interest from each default date at the rate you enter.
| Willful-default scenario at 7% simple | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $227.50 | $6,227.50 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $875.00 | $12,875.00 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,942.50 | $19,942.50 |
The table assumes no payments and a willful default finding.
Is Ohio interest part of the new payment plan?
Yes. If interest is assessed, the court specifies the amount in the support order and incorporates it into the new monthly payment plan (3123.17(A)).
Does Ohio interest apply to all arrears?
Only to the arrearage the court identifies when it issues or modifies a court support order, and only if the default was willful (3123.17(A)). If the court finds the default was not willful, it can still set the arrearage and the new payment order without interest.
What if the default was not willful?
The court determines the default date and the arrearage and issues a new order requiring payment, but it has no authority in that section to assess interest. Show evidence that you could not pay, such as a layoff or illness.
Can the court charge costs too?
Yes. When it issues or modifies a support order, the court may order either party to pay the costs of the action, including attorney’s fees, genetic test fees and court costs (3123.17(B)).
Where do you get the official Ohio figure?
From your county child support enforcement agency or the court. See whether arrears can be changed and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ohio interest rate on child support arrears?
The rate under section 1343.03, set each year: the federal short-term rate rounded plus three points, currently 7%.
When does Ohio assess interest on child support arrears?
Only when the court finds the default willful, when it issues or modifies an order.
Is Ohio child support interest simple or compound?
The statute does not say; the calculator shows a simple scenario.
Is Ohio interest folded into the payment plan?
Yes. The court states the assessed amount in the order and includes it in the new payment plan.
Where can I check my Ohio child support balance?
With your county child support enforcement agency or the court.
Official sources
- ORC 3121.01: definition of default
- ORC 3123.17: default findings and interest
- ORC 1343.03: interest rate
- ORC 3123.03: default notice
- ORC 3123.04: hearing on mistake of fact
- ORC 3123.67: lien
- ORC 3123.55: driver’s license notice
- ORC 3123.44: license notice
- ORC 3121.12: lump sum payments
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 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 Ohio statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Ohio attorney.