How Long Child Support Arrears Last: Collection Limits, Back Support and Forgiveness in Wisconsin
Wisconsin child support arrears can be enforced up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18. Parents can forgive support owed to them by a court-approved stipulation; arrears before notice of a revision cannot be revised.
Can Wisconsin child support arrears be changed?
Not retroactively: in an action to revise child support the court may not revise arrearages that accrued before notice of the action was given, except to correct previous errors in calculation (Wis. Stat. 767.59(1m); 2021 WI App 40).
| Question | Wisconsin rule |
|---|---|
| Arrears accrued before notice of a revision action | Cannot be revised, except calculation errors (767.59(1m)) |
| Interest | 0.5% a month on past-due beyond one month (DCF) |
| Enforcement window | Up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18 (DCF) |
| Forgiving what is owed to the other parent | By a court-approved stipulation; forgiven forever (DCF) |
| What is owed to the state | A stipulation does not change it (DCF) |
| Payment plan | Does not remove a lien or stop a tax refund intercept (DCF) |
Do child support arrears expire in Wisconsin?
After a long window. Cases with past-due support can be enforced up to 20 years after the youngest child reaches 18 (DCF).
Can the agency still collect from me while a stipulation is pending?
The sections we read do not say it pauses collection, so keep paying and keep the agency informed (DCF).
Can the other parent forgive arrears?
Yes. You and the other parent may sign a stipulation reducing or eliminating past-due support owed to you, and the court must approve it. It does not change support owed to the state, and it cannot be reversed: forgiven support is forgiven forever (DCF).
What if I owe the state?
A stipulation between parents does not reduce what a parent owes the state (DCF). Ask the county agency which part of your balance is owed to the state and whether any part can be compromised.
Can the agency stop withholding when arrears are paid?
Withholding may continue at the same level until the past-due support is paid in full (DCF); ask in writing to end it when no support is owed.
Do arrears survive when the child turns 18?
Yes. Current support ends, but past-due support stays enforceable, and income withholding can continue at the same level until the past-due support is paid (DCF). See the Wisconsin child support end date calculator.
What should you do about a large balance?
Get the official balance, compare it with the Wisconsin child support arrears calculator, ask for a payment plan, and if your circumstances changed, file to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Wisconsin judge reduce past-due child support?
Not arrears accrued before notice of a revision action, except calculation errors.
How long can Wisconsin collect child support arrears?
Up to 20 years after the youngest child turns 18.
Can Wisconsin parents agree to forgive child support arrears?
Yes, by a court-approved stipulation, but it does not change what is owed to the state.
Is forgiven Wisconsin child support gone for good?
Yes. If you forgive support owed to you, it is forgiven forever.
Does Wisconsin withholding continue after the child turns 18?
Yes, at the same level, until past-due support is paid.
Official sources
- DCF: collecting past-due child support (interest; payment plans)
- DCF: when child support ends (20-year enforcement)
- Wis. Stat. 767.59(1m): no retroactive revision
- 2021 WI App 40
- 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 Wisconsin statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wisconsin attorney.