Since 1995, Virginia law has allowed interest to be charged on child support debts, just as interest is charged on other debts. If the debt is owed to the custodial parent, any interest collected is disbursed to him/her. If the debt is owed to the State of Virginia for public assistance benefits paid, any payments on interest are retained by the State. Fees are charged primarily for genetic testing and legal proceedings. The funds collected for fees are retained by the State. Remember that DCSE cannot close a case until all fees have been paid.