Interest on Child Support Arrears in Oregon: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Oregon child support interest is 9% a year, simple, on a money judgment under ORS 82.010. A payment is delinquent only after one month, and the state program adds interest only on request with an accounting.

Does Oregon charge interest on child support arrears?

Interest on a judgment for the payment of money is 9 percent a year, accruing from the date the judgment is entered unless it names another date (ORS 82.010(2)). The legal rate also applies to all moneys after they become due unless the parties agreed otherwise (82.010(1)(a)). Oregon’s child support program does not add interest automatically; a support-collector resource says interest is added only if a party requests it and provides an accounting. The Oregon arrears calculator shows a scenario.

Is Oregon judgment interest simple or compound?

Simple, unless a contract provides otherwise (82.010(2)(b)). One twist: interest accruing from entry also accrues on interest that accrued before entry (82.010(2)(c)), so interest from before a judgment can itself earn interest after it.

Each figure assumes no payments and interest from each due date.

When is an Oregon payment delinquent?

Only if not paid in full within one month of its due date; a monthly obligation paid in installments is delinquent when not paid in full by the first installment date in the next month. That rule does not apply to the accrual of interest (ORS 25.166(4)). Payments are due on the first of each month (25.166(1)).

What about past support in Oregon?

Past support is support that could have been ordered under the guidelines for a period when no order was in effect, accumulated as arrears for the benefit of the child (OAR 137-055-3220). It is calculated on current income and counted in full months, not prorated.

How are Oregon payments applied?

The legislature told the agency to set rules for the order in which payments go to child, medical and spousal support and arrears, and for how they are applied to principal and interest (25.165, as described in the chapter). Ask for a ledger that shows how each payment was applied.

Does interest apply to fees and costs?

Yes. Interest on a judgment also accrues on attorney fees and costs entered as part of the judgment (82.010(2)(d)).

Can I ask the court for credit for past payments?

Bring proof of every payment, including those made directly to the other parent, and ask for a credit when the court determines the arrearage; the judgment is final only as to what accrued before service (107.135(7)), and credits apply as described there.

Can a judgment start interest on a later date?

Yes. Interest accrues from entry of the judgment unless the judgment specifies another date (82.010(2)(a)). Read the judgment for its own date.

Does a lien include interest?

Yes. For a judgment lien on personal property, the liability for unpaid support includes the unpaid support, interest and costs of lawful execution such as attorney fees and costs of notice and sale (25.670(1)).

Where do you get the official Oregon figure?

From the Division of Child Support or the court. See whether arrears expire or can be forgiven and file to modify if your circumstances changed.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• ORS 82.010: legal rate of interest
• ORS chapter 25: delinquency, withholding, liens and licenses
• ORS 107.135: finality of accrued support
• OAR 137-055-3220: past support
• 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
• 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports

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