Legal Question in Family Law in Vermont

Re: child support

I am not licensed to practice law in Vermont, so these comments are related only to Montana law. That means these comments are not legal advice, only what might apply in Montana.

Can you eliminate interest and other charges associated with past due child support? Drum roll . . .

Maybe.

If you can pay only a monthly amount to whittle down the past due support, you aren't in a good position to negotiate.

But, if you are able to pay the entire arrearage in one lump sum payment, you are in a better position. You can make a lump sum offer, payable within X days. The receiving parent can agree or make a counteroffer.

If the state has been providing financial benefits to the child, you are not in such a good position, because your support obligation was supposed to take that financial burden off the taxpayers. Therefore, the state might not want to ignore the accrued interest and other surcharges.

Talk with your lawyer about the possibility of negotiating a settlement. If you are representing yourself, call the case manager and talk about the possibility.