Quick answer: In Virginia, an order for child support is a final judgment for any sum in arrears, with interest at the 6% judgment rate unless the obligee waives it in writing. Licenses can be suspended at 90 days or $5,000 of delinquency, and child support judgments can be enforced for 20 years.
This Virginia child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid installments and simple interest at the rate you enter under Va. Code 20-78.2, and flags the fee, license and passport thresholds.
Virginia child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What Virginia says |
|---|---|
| Judgment | An order or decree of support is a final judgment for any sum in arrears (Va. Code 20-78.2) |
| Interest | Included in the order at the judgment rate, from the date support is established or retroactively modified, unless the obligee waives it in a writing submitted to the court (20-78.2) |
| Judgment rate | 6% a year; the rate in effect at entry of the judgment stays (6.2-302) |
| Attorney fees | The order may include reasonable fees if arrears, excluding interest, are at least three months of support (20-78.2) |
| Licenses | On petition after 30 days’ notice, if delinquent 90 days or more or $5,000 or more (63.2-1937) |
| Enforcement window | Judgments created by nonpayment of child support can be enforced for 20 years, and the period can be extended (8.01-251) |
How do child support arrears work in Virginia?
- Interest and method. See the Virginia child support interest rule.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in Virginia.
- Whether arrears can be changed. See whether Virginia 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 (6% by default). The calculator applies simple interest to each installment after its due month and flags the fee, license and $2,500 passport lines. It does not model partial payments. To change the amount going forward, see the Virginia child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the Virginia child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Virginia charge interest on child support arrears?
Yes. The order includes interest on the arrearage at the judgment rate unless the obligee waives it in writing.
What is the Virginia interest rate on child support arrears?
Six percent a year, the judgment rate.
Can the other parent waive Virginia child support interest?
Yes, in a writing submitted to the court.
When can Virginia suspend a license for unpaid child support?
When delinquent 90 days or more or $5,000 or more, on petition after 30 days' notice.
How long can Virginia collect child support arrears?
Judgments created by nonpayment of child support can be enforced for 20 years, with extensions.