California Parents Owe $19.2 Billion in Delinquent Child Support

In the state of California, a whopping $19.2 billion is owed by non-custodial parents in the form of delinquent child support payments.

Even though this number is large by any account, the state has yet to take it seriously. While state legislators have made a few changes to policy over the past few years, this debt has yet to be reduced considerably. Some blame California's high interest rates for the overwhelming child support debt. According to the Department of Child Support Services, most of these parents fall into the low-income category. In fact, an estimated 80% of parents who owe the state money make less than $15,000 per year.

The state's child support interest rates are high - 10 percent annually - but they are still lower than the four states who rank the highest. Records from the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement show that Vermont, Wisconsin, Alabama and Rhode Island charge 12 percent annually.

Are you having difficulty getting the child support you need? If so, contact Cleary & Green to discuss your case with a Los Angeles family lawyer.