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

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Wyoming child support interest does not run on unpaid installments, which are judgments by operation of law. A one-time 10% late payment penalty applies after 32 days, and a separate court judgment can bear 10% interest.

Does Wyoming charge interest on child support arrears?

Not on ordinary installments. A periodic payment or installment of child support that is unpaid on the date due becomes a judgment by operation of law and shall not bear interest (Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102(c)). Other decrees and judgments for the payment of money bear interest at 10% a year from rendition until paid (1-16-102(a)), so a separate court judgment you obtain for arrears can carry it.

Does the penalty also apply to medical support?

The penalty applies to a judgment by operation of law for periodic child support or maintenance (1-16-103); ask the program whether medical support items are included in your balance.

What is the Wyoming penalty instead?

A judgment by operation of law that is not paid within 32 calendar days from the date it arises is subject to an automatic late payment penalty of 10% of its amount (1-16-103(b)). The Wyoming arrears calculator counts it on every installment except the newest.

Scenario at 10% penalty, no payments	Penalty	Total owed
12 unpaid installments of $500	$550.00	$6,550.00
24 unpaid installments of $500	$1,150.00	$13,150.00
36 unpaid installments of $500	$1,750.00	$19,750.00

The penalty is one time per installment, not a yearly rate.

Will the credit bureaus hear about it?

The state can report a parent who owes support to credit reporting agencies (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 20-6-111 to 20-6-112).

Who receives the payments?

The paying parent pays the Clerk of District Court or the State Distribution Unit, which gives the money to the parent with physical custody (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 20-2-309). Keep receipts.

Does the Wyoming penalty apply to every installment?

It applies to each judgment by operation of law that stays unpaid past 32 days. A payment made inside the 32 days avoids it.

When does Wyoming 10% interest apply?

When a court enters a separate judgment for the arrears: that decree or judgment bears 10% interest from rendition until paid (1-16-102(a)). Ask the court whether your order says so; the calculator’s interest box lets you test it.

Is Wyoming child support interest simple or compound?

The statute states 10% per year; the calculator uses simple interest, and it applies only if you enter a rate.

Where do you get the official figure?

From the Wyoming Child Support Program or the district court clerk. See whether arrears can be changed and file to modify if your circumstances changed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Wyoming interest rate on child support arrears?

Installments that are judgments by operation of law bear none; a separate court judgment bears 10% a year.

What is the Wyoming late penalty on child support?

Ten percent of the judgment, if unpaid 32 calendar days.

Is the Wyoming penalty charged again each month?

No. It is a one-time penalty per judgment.

Does a Wyoming payment within 32 days avoid the penalty?

Yes, the penalty applies to judgments unpaid more than 32 days.

Where can I check my Wyoming child support balance?

With the Wyoming Child Support Program or the district court clerk.

Official sources

Going through a divorce or custody case in Wyoming?

A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Wyoming attorney

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.