In many circumstances, parents will fall behind in their monthly payments. As a result, it can become difficult, if not impossible, to catch up. These individuals can receive threatening notices from the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) that claim the parent owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in due back support.
In many cases, arrears can be adjusted and credit can be obtained for payments that weren’t credited. Sometimes a compromise of arrears may be negotiated, and at the very least a payment plan can be negotiated.
The DCSS will take enforcement action if the parent does not act first. Enforcement action may include suspending a California driver’s license, intercepting a tax return, levying accounts, and even applying quasi-criminal contempt charges for failure to pay support, or possible criminal charges.
Generally, a large amount of what DCSS claims is owed consists of interest and penalties. There are strategies for handling back child support problems, including negotiation on payment of interest and penalties.