If child support payments are missed for 18 years, the penalties typically include interest on arrears and potentially other fees. While exact percentages vary by jurisdiction, here’s an estimated range for Minimum, Average, and Maximum (MAM) fees expressed as a percentage of the total unpaid child support:

1. Minimum (M): ~10–20%

• Interest Rates: Some jurisdictions have lower interest rates (e.g., 5–6% annually), but compounding over 18 years adds up significantly.

• Other Fees: Administrative or processing fees may be minimal.

Example:

If unpaid child support is $50,000, after 18 years:

• Interest at 5% annually: ~$22,000 (total owed: ~$72,000).

2. Average (A): ~40–70%

• Interest Rates: Many jurisdictions charge 6–10% annually on arrears. Compounding over 18 years significantly increases the debt.

• Collection Fees: Additional enforcement actions (wage garnishment, liens, etc.) could add more costs.

Example:

For $50,000 in unpaid support:

• Interest at 8% annually: ~$77,000 (total owed: ~$127,000).

• Potential collection fees: ~$5,000–$10,000 (total owed: ~$132,000–$137,000).

3. Maximum (M): ~100–150% or more

• High Penalty Rates: In some jurisdictions, interest rates are as high as 12% annually or more.

• Aggressive Enforcement Costs: Court and legal fees, tax refund interceptions, and liens can drastically increase the total.

Example:

For $50,000 in unpaid support:

• Interest at 12% annually: ~$162,000 (total owed: ~$212,000).

• Additional legal fees could push it to ~$225,000 or more.

Key Considerations:

1. State-Specific Laws: Interest rates and enforcement costs differ by location. Some states cap the total penalties, while others allow unlimited compounding interest.

2. Negotiation: Many agencies may allow for reductions or waivers of penalties if payments resume or a lump sum is offered.

3. Guam: Specific rates and penalties for Guam would need to be verified with the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Enforcement Division. They may have different policies.

Let me know if you’d like help calculating a specific scenario or guidance on how to manage arrears!

Mahalo

SIGNATURE:
Clifford "RAY" Hackett www.rayis.me RESUME: www.rayis.me/resume

I founded www.adapt.org in 1980 it now has over 50 million members.
$500 of material=World’s fastest hydrofoil sailboat. http://sunrun.biz