Ask the experts… hire an attorney or hire Support Collectors?
Hi,
My ex and I divorced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2003. Our divorce papers stated a certain amount for him to pay monthly for child support but he never has. He has sent a payment here and another there but no more than one years worth. It’s time to do something. He now resides in Chicago, IL and I live in St. Louis, MO. I contacted an attorney friend of mine and he referred me to a friend of his that does Child Support Recovery in St. Louis. I plan to call him tomorrow to set up an appointment but saw your website tonight. Main question… what percentage do you keep and what is the advantage using you vs. just hiring an attorney on my own?
Thanks!
Lisa,
xxxxxx
Support Collectors Responds:
hi Lisa,
It’s always a good idea to speak to an attorney as private agencies will not prosecute the case for non-payment. The collectability of the case needs to be determined to know exactly what can or should be done.
If you were to go with a private agency, for SCI there is no application or start up cost and unlike an attorney there’s no upfront retainer or hourly rates to pay. Our fee is earned on by successfully collecting; if we are able to collect and get support started, our fee is 30% of what is collected. You would always receive 70% of any payment collected. If we work the case and cannot collect, there is no fee due from you; our file would be closed and the time and effort put into the case is on us. This is the big difference is between an attorney and private enforcement; attorneys generally ask for a retainer of some amount up front and as they work the case the retainer is spent and not returned to you,
I’d be happy to discuss your case with you to try and determine what can and cannot be done to help. Please let me know of you would like to chat!