In Pennsylvania, child support arrears are past-due payments that remain legally enforceable until paid in full. Parents who fall behind may face wage garnishment, license suspension, liens, or even jail for willful non-payment. Those owed support can collect through court petitions, administrative actions, or judgments, while parents behind on payments may seek payment plans or order modifications.
If you live in the Pittsburgh area and are dealing with unpaid child support, whether you owe money or are trying to collect it, the process can feel stressful and overwhelming. At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we work with parents on both sides, helping those owed support recover what is due, and assisting those behind on payments to find a realistic path forward.
Understanding Child Support Arrears in Pennsylvania
Arrears are the total amount of child support a parent owes when they have not paid the full court-ordered amount. This can include entirely missed payments or partial payments that do not meet the monthly obligation. In Pennsylvania, arrears are tracked by the Domestic Relations Section, and interest may be added to the balance in some cases.
It’s important to understand that arrears are separate from your ongoing support obligation. Even if you begin making your current monthly payments on time, the arrears balance will remain outstanding until it is paid in full or the court approves an alternative resolution.
Legal Consequences of Not Paying Child Support
Pennsylvania uses a variety of enforcement tools to ensure child support obligations are met. Some are triggered automatically through the state’s Domestic Relations Section, while others require a court order. If you are behind on payments, you could face:
- Wage garnishment through your employer
- Interception of tax refunds
- Suspension of driver’s license or professional licenses
- Liens on property
- Seizure of bank accounts
- Denial of passport applications
- Contempt of court hearings that may result in fines or jail time for willful non-payment
While most enforcement actions are civil, willful failure to pay over an extended period can also lead to criminal charges.
Collection Options for Parents Owed Support
If you are owed child support, you have several options to collect:
- File a petition for enforcement through the court
- Work with the Domestic Relations Section for administrative actions such as wage garnishment or tax intercepts
- Seek a judgment for the arrears so interest can accrue and additional collection tools become available
- Request a contempt hearing if the other parent refuses to pay despite having the ability
We can guide you through these processes, prepare the necessary filings, and represent you in court to help you recover the full amount owed.
Rehabilitation Options for Parents Behind on Payments
If you owe child support and are falling behind, ignoring the problem will only make it worse. Many parents are able to work toward catching up without facing the harshest penalties.
Options include:
- Payment plans arranged through the court to gradually reduce arrears
- Petitioning for a modification if your income has decreased due to job loss, disability, or another significant change
- Requesting temporary relief if you have a short-term financial hardship
- Making partial payments to demonstrate good faith while resolving your situation
Our team can help you review your finances, prepare a modification request, and work with the court to reach an agreement that protects your rights while meeting your obligations.
Why Choose Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace
Child support issues can be emotional, complicated, and financially stressful. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a strategy that works for your situation. Whether you’re seeking to collect overdue payments or resolve arrears you owe, we offer:
- Extensive family law experience in Pennsylvania courts
- Balanced representation for both payors and recipients of child support
- Clear communication so you always know where your case stands
- Practical solutions aimed at protecting your rights and reaching fair outcomes
Our approach is both empathetic and results-driven, because we know these cases are about more than numbers — they’re about your family’s stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support Arrears
Can arrears be forgiven in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, no. Child support arrears are considered a legal debt. However, the receiving parent can agree to waive some or all of the balance, and the court must approve the arrangement.
How far back can child support be collected?
Unpaid child support can be collected until the balance is paid in full, no matter how old the debt is.
If I lose my job, do my payments stop automatically?
No. You must request a modification from the court to reduce your payment amount. Otherwise, the original order remains in effect.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support?
Yes, but jail is typically reserved for cases of willful non-payment when the parent has the ability to pay but refuses.
Talk to Us About Your Child Support Concerns
At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we work with Pittsburgh families on both sides of child support arrears issues. Whether you need help collecting overdue payments or finding a realistic way to catch up, we are here to help you move forward. Contact us today to discuss your options.