Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge of paralegal standards and competencies. Prepare effectively and increase your chances of passing!

Practice this question and more.


What term describes overdue payments for alimony or child support?

  1. Arrears

  2. Collaterals

  3. Delinquencies

  4. Debts

The correct answer is: Arrears

The correct term for overdue payments for alimony or child support is arrears. When a court orders an individual to pay alimony or child support, those payments are expected to be made on time, per the court's schedule. If the payments are not made when due, they accumulate and are referred to as arrears. This term highlights the specific situation of missed payments in family law contexts, distinguishing it from more general financial obligations. While the other terms mentioned may sometimes relate to issues of payment or financial responsibility, they do not specifically describe the context of overdue alimony or child support. "Delinquencies" could refer to any type of default on payments but lacks the specificity related to family law obligations. "Collaterals" typically relates to assets pledged as security for a loan and is not relevant in this context. "Debts" is a broad term that encompasses various forms of financial obligation and does not particularly denote overdue child or spousal support. In summary, "arrears" is the precise legal term used in family law to indicate past due payments specifically related to alimony and child support. This clarity is essential in legal documents and proceedings regarding such matters.