How Long Child Support Arrears Last: Collection Limits, Back Support and Forgiveness in Wyoming
Wyoming child support judgments can go dormant after five years without enforcement and revive when collection resumes. Support before service of a modification petition cannot be changed except by agreement.
Can Wyoming child support arrears be changed?
Not for support before service of a modification petition: an order is not subject to retroactive modification except by agreement or from the date notice of a pending petition was served (Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311(d)).
| Question | Wyoming rule |
|---|---|
| Support before service of a petition | Cannot be modified except by agreement (20-2-311(d)) |
| Interest | None on installments; 10% on a separate court judgment (1-16-102) |
| Late penalty | 10% after 32 days (1-16-103) |
| Dormancy | A support judgment goes dormant after more than five years without enforcement; revives on notice of collection (policy 9.10) |
| Assigned arrears owed to the state | The district attorney will not negotiate or waive them without the IV-D Director’s written permission (policy 9.10) |
| Parents remarry each other | The court may also eliminate arrears not owed to the state (Judicial Branch packet) |
Do child support arrears expire in Wyoming?
We found no limitation period in the sources we read, and we are not stating one. The Child Support Program says a support judgment can become dormant if the last attempt to enforce it was more than five years ago; a dormant judgment is not subject to collection but is revived as soon as the paying parent is notified of any effort to collect it (Child Support Program policy 9.10). Ask a licensed Wyoming attorney.
What if my order did not include withholding?
The court may enter an income withholding order if one was not entered originally and support is not being paid (Wyoming Judicial Branch). Withholding is automatic in most orders.
Can I ask the court to lower the monthly arrears payment?
The court or the department may decrease the monthly payment in emergencies or once the arrears are paid (20-2-311(c)); ask the court for a payment arrangement.
Can the state forgive what I owe it?
The district attorney for the Child Support Program will not negotiate or waive assigned arrears owed to the state without the written permission of the IV-D Director (policy 9.10). Ask the program about relief.
What if the parents remarry each other?
The Judicial Branch packet says the obligation ends when the parents remarry each other, and the court may also eliminate arrears not owed to the state (self-help packet).
Is the satisfaction recorded?
When the program has a court judgment, its attorney files a satisfaction of judgment within 15 days of full payment (policy 9.10). Ask for a copy.
Do arrears survive when the child turns 18?
Yes. Installments already owed stay judgments. See the Wyoming child support end date calculator.
What should you do about a large balance?
Get the official balance, compare it with the Wyoming child support arrears calculator, ask for a payment arrangement, and if your circumstances changed, file to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Wyoming judge reduce past-due child support?
Not for support before service of a modification petition, except by agreement.
Do Wyoming child support arrears expire?
We found no limitation period; judgments can go dormant after five years without enforcement and revive on notice.
Can Wyoming parents agree to change past support?
Retroactive modification is allowed upon agreement of the parties.
Does Wyoming forgive state-owed arrears?
Not without the IV-D Director's written permission.
Do Wyoming arrears survive when the child turns 18?
Yes. Installments already owed stay judgments.
Official sources
- Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102 and 1-16-103: interest and penalty
- Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102: interest on judgments
- Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311: adjustment; arrears in payments
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: child support common questions
- Wyoming Child Support Program policy manual 9.10: judgments
- 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 Wyoming statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wyoming attorney.