Many independent child support collection agencies boast impressive success rates and client testimonials. However, it's important for parents to use caution before considering the use of an independent collection service.
In addition, it's important to note that these repossession services are separate from each state's Office of Child Support Enforcement, which collaborate with the federal OCSE under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
Before you sign up with an independent child support agency, ask the following questions:
In addition, it's important to note that these repossession services are separate from each state's Office of Child Support Enforcement, which collaborate with the federal OCSE under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
Before you sign up with an independent child support agency, ask the following questions:
What is the Cost Associated With Your Service?
The most that your local Office of Child Support Enforcement can charge you is a $25 processing fee to open your case. Independent child support collection agencies can set their own fees. Most of the time, these companies will only charge you in the event that they're able to successfully help you receive unpaid child support. However, you've probably been waiting for that money for a long time, and the original intent of the money was to support your children. Is giving a portion of that money to a collection agency in your best interests?
Specifically, What Can You Do for Me That My Local OCSE Can Not Do?
In reality, a repossession service can't really do more for you than your local Office of Child Support Enforcement. The OCSE works with various agencies on a federal level, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Department of Defense (DOD), to locate parents, establish paternity, and enforce child support orders. The nature of many child support cases necessitates the collaboration of these agencies in order to ensure the successful collection of unpaid child support.
How Do You Decide Which Cases You'll Accept and Which Cases Get Rejected?
The agency's success rate may look impressive, but you have to consider the number of the cases they didn't take.
Has the Better Business Bureau Processed Any Complaints About the Agency?
Take the time to research the company's reputation through the Better Business Bureau. They can tell you whether any complaints have been filed against a particular agency, whether those complaints were resolved, and whether the company is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
