Quick answer: In Utah, each child support installment is a judgment on and after its due date. Judgments bear interest at the federal postjudgment rate as of January 1 of the year, but the state agency says it does not calculate interest on state arrears. Unpaid support can be enforced for years after the child reaches majority.
This Utah child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid installments and, if your judgment carries interest, simple interest at the rate you enter under Utah Code 15-1-4. It flags the judgment and passport thresholds.
Utah child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What Utah says |
|---|---|
| Judgment | Each payment or installment is a judgment with the same attributes and effect as a district court judgment on and after its due date (Utah Code 81-7-102(4)) |
| Due date | Payments are due on the 1st; for child support services and withholding they are not past due until the 1st of the next month (81-7-102(1)-(2)) |
| Interest on judgments | Final judgments of the district court bear interest at the federal postjudgment rate as of January 1 of the year; the rate stays for the judgment’s duration (15-1-4) |
| Agency practice | The state agency does not calculate or collect interest until its system can, and does not calculate it on state arrears (ORS policy CS 085P) |
| How long enforceable | Four years after the youngest child reaches majority, or eight years from a sum certain judgment, whichever is longer (78B-5-202(6)) |
| No retroactive change | Due payments cannot be modified retroactively (81-7-102(4)(c)) |
How do child support arrears work in Utah?
- Interest and method. See the Utah child support interest rule.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in Utah.
- How long arrears last. See whether Utah 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 interest rate, if any (0 by default). The calculator applies simple interest to the balance beyond the first month and flags the judgment and $2,500 passport line. It does not model partial payments. To change the amount going forward, see the Utah child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the Utah child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Utah charge interest on child support arrears?
Judgments bear interest at the federal postjudgment rate, but the state agency says it does not calculate interest on state arrears; orders and judgments can include it.
What is the Utah interest rate on child support judgments?
The federal postjudgment interest rate as of January 1 of the year the judgment is entered.
When is a Utah child support payment past due?
Payments are due on the 1st and, for services and withholding, not considered past due until the 1st of the next month.
Is each unpaid Utah installment a judgment?
Yes, on and after the date it is due.
How long can Utah collect child support arrears?
Four years after the youngest child reaches majority, or eight years from a sum certain judgment, whichever is longer.