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The short answer
Some jurisdictions offer limited reduction of qualifying child-support arrears, often debt owed to the government, but there is no general right to settle all past-due support for less.
What changes the answer
Identify who is owed the arrears: the other parent, the state or both. Programs may apply only to government-assigned balances and require continuing current payments or other conditions.
California's debt-reduction program is one example, not a nationwide rule. An agreement with a parent may need court approval and may not waive amounts legally owed to the state.
Sources: California Child Support: Debt reduction; California example only; California Courts: Trouble paying child support; California example only; LSC: Find local legal help
A practical next step
- Request an arrears ledger identifying the recipient of each balance.
- Ask the responsible child-support agency about current reduction or compromise programs.
- Obtain written approval and understand current-support requirements before paying an offer.
Sources: California Child Support: Debt reduction; California example only; California Courts: Trouble paying child support; California example only; LSC: Find local legal help
Before you agree or pay
Do not assume bankruptcy, unemployment or a private agreement erases support arrears. A modification of future support and compromise of old government debt are distinct procedures.
Sources: California Child Support: Debt reduction; California example only; California Courts: Trouble paying child support; California example only; LSC: Find local legal help
Keep the wider debt picture in view
Start by finding the latest order and the agency’s payment history. Mark what you believe is wrong or unaffordable. A request to change future support is different from a request to correct the record of payments, and both are different from asking about an authorized arrears program.
Your starting checklist
Keep these records privately. You do not need to upload them here.
Checks stay on this page only.
Questions worth asking
- Can the other parent forgive all child-support arrears?
- Which part of my records changes this answer, and what should I do next?
Common questions
Can the other parent forgive all child-support arrears?
The answer depends on who is owed the arrears, the order and applicable law. Amounts assigned to the state may require a separate agency program. A private understanding may not change the official balance; obtain the necessary legal approval and accounting.
Where should I start?
Request an arrears ledger identifying the recipient of each balance. Ask the responsible child-support agency about current reduction or compromise programs.
Does using this guide change a payment or legal deadline?
No. Reading a guide or completing Find My Options does not file an appeal, answer court papers, stop collection, or create an agreement. Use the actual notice and the responsible court or agency to verify deadlines.
Sources & further reading
- California Child Support: Debt reduction; California example only
- California Courts: Trouble paying child support; California example only
- LSC: Find local legal help
Sources checked October 19, 2026. Rules and programs can change. This article uses AI-assisted research and has not received attorney or other professional signoff. Read our editorial standards.
Keep exploring
Educational guidance for U.S. debt situations. This page does not decide legal rights, eligibility, fees or suitability. If you have a court, property or service deadline, seek appropriate help promptly; reading this page does not extend it.