Yes. Wisconsin charges interest on unpaid child support. Interest is added to past-due support, keeps building even while the parent is making payments, and is owed on top of the support itself. Wisconsin’s child support program collects the interest along with the unpaid support, using the same enforcement tools.
The rule for interest on unpaid child support in Wisconsin comes from Wis. Stat. § 767.511, and the Department of Children and Families applies it to past-due support. If current support has ended, interest still builds on the unpaid balance. Our Wisconsin child support law guide covers calculation, modification, and enforcement.
Payments are generally applied first to current support, then to older unpaid support, and last to interest. Interest is not charged on unpaid birth costs or fees. Interest on support owed to a parent goes to that parent, and interest on support owed to the state goes to the state.
Interest is one of several collection tools. The child support agency can also increase income withholding and intercept tax refunds to collect past-due support and interest. See what happens if you don’t pay child support in Wisconsin.
If you are owed support, contact your local child support agency about the balance and enforcement, and read how to enforce child support when your ex won’t pay. If you owe support, following a payment plan can stop some enforcement actions, but it does not stop tax refund intercepts. A parent can forgive past-due support owed to them through a court-approved stipulation, and that decision cannot be reversed.
Renier Hotopp Law Offices reviews arrears balances, including interest on unpaid child support in Wisconsin, and pursues or defends enforcement through our Wisconsin family law attorney services. Read more about the firm.
