Child Support Enforcement Stealing from Children and Ruining Custodial Credit
Written by Sonya B. from Texas - a true story
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        I have been divorced since 1994, but did not instate child support payments until July 7, 2000. The payments were supposed to be made by my ex husband James Bell through a collection agency named by the court, Guardian Ad Litem, which is ran by attorney Bo Brown. For two years I did not receive any money from the Guardian Ad Litem.

        Then suddenly a bunch of billboard signs started popping up in 2002 by a company named CS Advance, now Parent Power. I went down to check out this new company on November 15, 2002. They gave me $300 up front and promised they would help me collect my child support. In return I had to sign a contract giving them 30% of my back owed child support ($800.00). Four days later they had me come back to their office and resign another contract giving them $2,585.00.  They said it was because I was owed more money than they realized. After a year of constant calling and faxing, I gave up on CS Advance too.

        On October 6, 2003, I completed my paperwork with the Attorney Generals Office and had my first check on November 3, 03 (LESS THAN ONE MONTHS TIME!!!!).

        The divorce papers say that the payments have to be made to Guardian Ad Litem, so the AG is forwarding the money to them still. Upon cancellation notice GAL and CS Advance began to collect and keep my money. GAL said it was for their miscl. fees. CS Advance kept filing and old Power of Attorney with GAL in order to get the money. CS Advance got the $300 they advanced me and then took another $144.00. I was told I would be released from my contract by Diane Chatman, an employee of CS Advance when she was preparing the paperwork I needed to switch to the Attorney General. I then filed a complaint against CS Advance with the Texas Banking Commission, where I was told every thing they are doing is legal!!!!!!! CS Advance told the Texas Banking Commission they would settle my account for $500.00 - the other money they took. I got a letter postmarked and dated April 19, 2004. The letter requested I pay $366.27 by check or CREDIT CARD by April 23, 2004 (how many days did I have??? If I had wrote a check, it would not even get there buy the time allowed by CS Advance!!!).

Wait a minute, what is wrong with this picture. They are supposed to collect money for me & my children. When they were not able, now they want me to pay them $30% of the backed owed child support that I have still not received.

       I called them last week to try and settle this account. They have filed a law suit against me. The constable came by to serve me papers today. I have to file an answer in 10 days, which means hiring an attorney.

        I am still single and just started receiving payments to help my children after ten years. I took out the equity in my home to live off of a few years ago and depleted my children's college funds to be able to afford braces for my daughter. How can these places steal my kids money and ruin my credit? I am not able to pay. I told them. I cannot afford an attorney either. My children are on reduced lunch at school and the state Health Insurance Plan.

        Also, at the same time I was with CS Advance, my ex husband was paying child support to Kelly Bell for their son Patrick Bell through Kaufman County. Why were they able to get money, but not CS Advance?

        Also, Articles of Incorporation are dated Sept. 10, 2002, just a month before I joined CS Advance! On Oct. 14, 2003 First Amended & Restated Articles were filed, meaning new officer and directors were appointed along with a name change. Currently Parent Power is not even in Good Standing with the Comptroller of Texas!

Can any one help me?

PS THANK GOD FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL!!!!!!! Not only did I begin receiving payments in less than 30 days of completing my paperwork, they gave my case a review on Jan 7, 2004 where the monthly support was increased from $420. to $540. a month!!