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Up 1. How do I know I can trust ACI
With over 25 years of experience, ACI has established a proven track record of helping families in an honest, ethical and professional manner. We have helped thousands of parents just like you collect their court ordered support. In fact, some of our clients have even taken the time to write a letter detailing of their experience with ACI. Our web site includes a sampling of the types of letters our office receives every month. We are also licensed and bonded and have an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau.
Up 2. How do I know if I'm eligible for help from ACI?
If you meet these requirements, you're eligible:
You currently have or are aware of a court order awarding you child support and/or spousal support (alimony);
You are not currently receiving any form of government public assistance, such as AFDC, TANF or food stamps; and
You are owed at least $2,000 in past-due child support and/or spousal support.
If you meet the above requirements, then we can definitely help you collect what is owed to you.
Up 3. My children are over 18, can you still help me?
Yes. In most cases, the unpaid support is still owed and can be legally collected. However, state laws vary as to how many years of back support can be collected. In many states, such as Minnesota, we are allowed to collect up to ten years of past support and are also allowed to charge interest on the past-due amount. In some states collection costs and attorney's fees may be recovered as well.
Up 4. What if I already have a case open with my local government child support office? Can you still help me?
Yes. By law you have the legal right to request the services of a private firm such as ACI. We maintain a cooperative relationship with public agencies nationwide and work together to transfer information regarding your case. Many
clients have found that after using our services once, the absent parent never becomes delinquent in his or her
support obligation again.
Up 5. What if my case has been closed by a government child support agency, am I still able to collect?
In most cases, ACI is able pursue your delinquent child support even if the government or public agencies will not.
Up 6. Do I need to have a Lawyer?
No. If necessary, we can provide legal services. If legal action is needed, ACI’s network of attorneys will represent you in court.
Up 7. Does ACI work nationwide?
Yes! We help families anywhere in the United States.
Up 8. How can I determine the how much back support is owed to me?
You may contact the government child support agency currently responsible for processing your child support payments. They can send you a statement of arrears. If you have not been working with a government child support office, or if a government child support office has closed your case, you will need to research your own records to determine the correct balance. Upon retaining ACI to work you case, we can help you determine your balance and will provide you with an affidavit of indebtedness.
Up 9. How do I get started?
You can get started right now get started right now . It only takes a few minutes.
Up 10. How is working with ACI different than the government agency I've already been working with?
We are able to devote the time and resources to your case and particular needs that government agencies are simply unable to do. These resources include highly trained investigators that will track down even the most evasive absentee parent. Additionally, ACI’s lawyers who would represent you in court are friendly and helpful. Remember, we don't get paid unless you do!
Up 11. How much will it cost for ACI to help me? When will I have to pay?
When it comes to the cost of our services our philosophy is simple - we don't get paid unless you do. We are so confident in our ability to collect child support that we won't ask for any advance fees. ACI’s offers FREE client sign up and charges no intake fees to commence work on your case. ACI works for a small percentage, contingent upon our success to collect for you.
You keep 70% of what we collect! Compare this with other private agencies that charge $500 intake fees and increase their fees once lawyers become involved.
Up 12. I don't have a copy of my court order, how do I obtain one?
You will need to contact the clerk of the court in the county where your divorce or paternity action was finalized. Even
if your court order is many years old, the clerk of the court will have a copy. They will instruct you as to what you will need to do in order to obtain one. If you are having trouble, simply click on the “Contact Us" button. The contact us
page contains our toll free telephone number, our fax number, our physical address and our email address. Feel free
to call us and one of our child support advisors will gladly assist you.
Up 13. I see much of your site it related to child support, but I'm owed spousal support (alimony) can you still
help me?
Absolutely yes! Though the majority of our cases involve child support, we do have a fair amount of spousal support cases and have had great success. Fortunately, many of the laws to enforce child support can also be applied to
enforce spousal support.
Up 14. I'm concerned about my privacy; will you release my information to anyone?
ACI understands that your privacy is very important to you. Therefore, we have a very strict company policy that prohibits the release of your personal information to anyone.
Up 15. What if I don't know where the absent parent is located?
We understand that oftentimes people will lose communication with the absent parent. Fortunately, our services also include a team of licensed private investigators and locate specialists with many years of experience tracking down
even the most evasive of absent parents. These are specialized services the government CSE office simply does not have the time or resources to devote to your case. Remember though, it is a team effort and so completing the application to the best of your ability will assist them greatly with their efforts to locate the absentee parent quickly
and efficiently.
Up 16. What should I look for when choosing a private enforcement agency?
First, you want an enforcement agency that has a proven track record and one that you are comfortable with and can trust.
You also want to fully understand all the fees associated with their service. Many agencies charge "intake fees" or "application fees" in addition to the percentage contingency fee that is paid out of amounts collected. Regardless of whether these fees are paid upfront or out of your first support payments, these additional fees mean that you will receive less of the money that is collected for you.
You also should be aware of any additional fees that may be charged for hiring attorneys or investigators. Due to
the fact that our collection and enforcement system successfully collects in the majority of the cases we handle, we
are able to employ skilled collection professionals and provide excellent customer service all while maintaining some
of the lowest fees in the industry. To you, this means more of the child support ends up in the hands of those who
most need it, you and your children.
Up 17. Will I have to appear in Court?
In most cases, if you already have an order to receive support you will not need to appear in court to receive support. If necessary, an ACI attorney will represent you in court.
Up 18. Will I have to fill out a lot of forms?
Our forms are easy to complete. For your convenience, you may download the forms from our Website. If you have questions or need assistance, we're here to help. Am ACI representative will be happy to assist you with anything you need. To get started simply click on the Client Sign Up button and follow the easy steps.
Absentee << Childsupport and Alimony FAQ
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