Building a Payment Plan the Court Will Approve

If you’re behind on support, a realistic payment plan can stop enforcement headaches and rebuild trust with the court and the other parent. The plan must be clear, affordable, and easy for payroll and the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) to implement.

Start with the math. Request an official arrears statement “as of” a specific date, including interest. Create a budget that covers current support first and dedicates a fixed amount to arrears. Judges prefer steady monthly payments over vague promises of future lump sums. If you expect a tax refund or bonus, include it as an extra payment in the plan, not a substitute for monthly installments.

Route through withholding or ACH. Propose increased wage withholding that includes the arrears installment—one deduction simplifies compliance. If you’re self‑employed, offer automatic ACH drafts on the 1st and 15th tied to your revenue cycle. Avoid “I’ll pay when I can.” Automation equals credibility.

Set milestones and review dates. Include a 90‑day check‑in to verify deductions and postings. If income fluctuates, propose a minimum installment plus a percentage of commissions or overtime toward arrears. Provide for year‑end true‑up based on tax documents to ensure the plan tracks actual earnings.

Address add‑ons. Arrears on reimbursements are still arrears. Commit to paying new add‑on reimbursements within the order’s timeline so you don’t add to the pile. If large medical balances exist, negotiate provider payment plans and attach them as exhibits so the court sees a full picture.

Make a down payment if possible. Even a modest purge payment ($200–$500) can unlock license reinstatement or pause contempt. Bring the money to court or show proof you’ve paid via the SDU the week before the hearing.

Put it in an order. Don’t rely on handshake deals. Ask the court to enter your plan as an order with specific amounts, due dates, and enforcement if missed (license stay lifted, automatic review). Provide the order to payroll and confirm the first deduction appears on your stub and in the SDU.

Communicate and adapt. If a setback hits, notify your caseworker before you miss a payment and propose a temporary adjustment with proof. Courts appreciate transparency and effort; silence invites harsher remedies.

Bottom line. A good payment plan is math plus automation plus accountability. Put it in writing, route it through official channels, and revisit on schedule to keep progress steady.

Template language. “Beginning 05/01/2025, obligor shall pay $X current support plus $Y per month toward arrears through wage withholding. An additional 10% of gross bonuses or commissions shall be applied to arrears within 10 days of receipt. A review hearing is set for 90 days to verify postings. Upon two consecutive missed payments without good cause, license stay may be lifted.” Judges appreciate enforceable triggers and clear math.

Realistic numbers. Judges see through aspirational plans. Bring a simple budget that shows net income, rent, utilities, transportation, food, and the proposed arrears installment. If the numbers barely leave gas money, revise downward so you can actually comply. A smaller plan you keep beats a larger plan you miss.