Compromise of Arrears Programs (COAP/COA-FR)

The Compromise of Arrears Programs allow a parent owing back child support to the government to be relieved of that debt. There are two programs:

  • Compromise of Arrears Program (COAP)
  • Compromise of Arrearages-Family Reunification (COA-FR)

A West Covina family attorney can help you through the eligibility requirements and application process for each program, discussed below.

Compromise of Arrears Program (COAP)

Under COAP, a person who owes back child support payments to the government may reduce the debt by up to 90%.

The goal of COAP is to allow child support agencies to focus on collecting current support that is owed to families, rather than past due support that probably can never be collected. It also enables the parent who owes back support to pay current support.

COAP Eligibility Requirements

An applicant may qualify for COAP if:

  • The applicant owes the government at least $501.
  • The applicant has not applied for COAP within the past year.
  • A prior COAP agreement has not been rescinded within the past two years.
  • The applicant has not been found guilty of contempt for failure to pay child support within 6 months.
  • Another state is not in the process of collecting back child support.
  • The applicant has not stopped paying child support in anticipation of COAP.
  • The applicant cannot pay past child support within three years.
  • The applicant has not concealed income or assets and has not intentionally withheld or falsified financial information.

Evidence Required

A West Covina family lawyer can help prepare the application forms and gather the most persuasive evidence possible to support your case. The following documentation must be included with the application:

  • Three most recent paycheck-stubs.
  • Most recent tax return.
  • If self-employed, a profit and loss statement for the last 12 months.
  • Bank statements for the last 12 months.
  • Mortgage statements.
  • Fair market valuations of real property owned.
  • Rent receipts.
  • Utilities receipts.
  • Vehicle information.
  • Value of other assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds.

Compromise of Arrearages-Family Reunification (COA-FR)

The Compromise of Arrearages-Family Reunification (COA-FR) was created in 2001 to help parents with limited incomes who have been reunited with their children. Under this program, up to 100% of the public assistance debt may be eliminated. This gives the parent more money to support the children who are now living with that parent and to reduce the chance that the children will be removed from the home because the parent cannot care for them. The applicant’s current income must be less than 300% of the federal poverty level. A West Covina family attorney can help you apply for this program.

Contact Us

If you’re facing any family law issue, contact the Daniel V. Cota today to schedule a consultation. We represent clients throughout West Covina, Orange County, and South Pasadena. If you would like to arrange for a free consultation, call (800) 351-6860 today.

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