I started this blog to warn people about Supportkids. They are a company (or should I say WERE) that fed off of desperate single parents trying to get child support. I opened my case in 2002. Since then, they have taken over $25,000 dollars from my kids and I. Every time I tried to terminate my contract, I was denied. Several people have responded to my blog with horror stories of their own. We all had the same question, what can we do to stop them?? Well my friends, I think our ship has finally come in. Thanks to a fellow victim Redhatty, I was just informed Supportkids is no longer. Yes, thats right!! For those of you who have a case with them, log into the website and it will inform you that they are no longer handling your case. This is the information you will see on their website:
Your child support case is now being serviced by Richard J. Boudreau & Associates.
Richard J. Boudreau & Associates (RJBA) can be reached at:
Phone: 1-866-997-2449
Email:
childsupport@rjba.com
Mail: Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
5 Industrial Way
Salem, NH 03079
I hope that my blog and experience has had a hand in putting this company out of business. I cant tell you how relieved I am that the thousands of single parents struggling to make ends meet might finally get a break. They were allowed to do what they did for far too long. Its about time that someone stepped up to the plate and did something to put them out of business. I have contacted them (RJBA) via phone and e-mail regarding my case. This development is very recent as I just logged in on Tuesday and the information above was not posted. I suggest you get your information about your case to the above people ASAP so that you dont get lost in the system. I was instructed that a fedex package will be coming within the week with more information. WOOHOO!!!! We won!!!!! I will keep you posted.
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182 comments:
I'm a glad im not the only one getting screwed by these people!! they were taking almost half of my child support I also tryed to get out of the contract but was denied. my question is could we possiably get that money back?
I have already notified the DA's office about Supportkids. They said all I had to do was send them a letter stating that the payments should no long go to Supportkids and they will start forwarding them to me!! I also attached a copy of the info I got when I logged on to my account, which basically forwarded all case information to RJBA. Im crossing my fingers that this nightmare is finally over!!!!!
This is what Redhatty received when she inquired about her account:
RICHARD J. BOUDREAU & ASSOCIATES, LLC
5 Industrial Way
Salem, New Hampshire 03079
Toll Free 866-997-2449
"Caring for those who depend upon us"
Thank you for your inquiry - your concern is our top priority.
Welcome to Boudreau & Associates Child Support Enforcement Division. We are
the new servicer of child support accounts formerly handled by SupportKids,
Inc. We are a National law firm dedicated to ensuring that custodial
parents receive the child support arrears owed.
Within the next 7-10 days, most custodial parents will be receiving a packet
of information concerning their account. Included in the packet will be
certain documentation to sign and return to this office. A postage prepaid
envelope will be provided.
If currently receiving payments via direct deposit or pay card, custodial
parents will instead receive a check from us until we receive updated
information.
We look forward to making this transition as smooth as possible.
Please note that this email is an auto-reply due to the current volume of
emails. Feel free to call us with your concerns.
Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
Child Support Enforcement Division
5 Industrial Way
Salem, New Hampshire 03079
1-866-997-2449
WOW, ,you have been beating those keys tonight to let everyone know! I'm gonna have a glass of champagne to celebrate the demise of SupportKids, you all join me with your preferred beverage :-)
I'm just glad it's over.
The first toast goes to you my friend...thanks for the heads up!!!
Make mine a Captain Morgan and Diet....
I dont know about getting the money back but if there is a class action against them, Im in. They have taken thousands of dollars from me. I am so ready to take it to the next step!!! One can only hope:)
I was, thankfully, able to terminate my contract after they intercepted like 2 payments and they sent my money back because I showed them proof that they had nothing to do with collecting it.
I'm glad they're out of business because they really were a rip off and a bunch of scammers.
I hope that law firm will give you an option to deny them handling your cases, if that's what you want, and you don't continue to be screwed over by the new company.
Since you didn't sign a contract with them, it should be pretty easy to get out of it but don't sign anything they're sending you!! Just contact the DA or child support enforcement dept of the social services and request them to send the payments to you directly.
Great advice....I have already notified the DA and told them to discontinue payments to Supportkids and I will not sign ANYTHING that they send me (the new company). I think because my contract was with Supportkids and not them you're right, I shouldnt have a problem. We shall see.
Well, I too found the Support Kids web site cleaned out. I am trying to find a way to start a class action lawsuit. Anyone up for getting this started? We definitely have the criteria for this. We need to get our funds back for our children. Please email me with your stories and/or documentation at Tljoiner001@aol.com ....I am game to do whatever I can to help recover our child support. Teri
I started a petition for parents that have been taken advantage of by Support Kids and am hoping to have enough signatures to send to the Attorney General of Texas Greg Abbott. Please read and sign the petition and hopefully we can make a difference in numbers.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/27812.html
WOW!! This is to good to be true. I signed up with them way back in 2007 and have been very disgusted sice then. I wish I would have done my homework on them. But, I logged in this morning and found the same thing about my account now being with this law office. Now, would they still take 34% percent of the payment? I will be calling them first thing Monday morning! Lori thanks so much for what you and others have done!!! I WISH N PRAY that a class action lawsuit would follow for Supportkids. Maybe I should get together with some folks and see how we can go about that...
When I called Boudreau & Associates they informed me that they will be doing away with some needless charges Supportkids has been adding on, like that 475.00 fee they take on the 1st payment made. Boudreau & Associates said that that money belongs to the child and parent, it was a needless fee. The collection fee will still remain. They assured me that within the next 30 days that we will see a big change on how thing are done. It sounds like they do care. They did say that there has to be a cost for the services,and that all contract remain active. They said lets face it, not all parents would have just paid because they had too. Time will tell if they mean what they say? I hope so change would be nice.
Folks, be sure to google Richard J Bouderau & Associates. I did & I sure don't trust them anymore than Support Kids. I know I will have my case revert back to the state (who is the primary collector anyway)
None of us have enough reason to be too happy yet, lets see what they say in the "package" we are all to receive.
Not all cases must have changed because mine says the same thing as it did before, but my friends says to call that RJ place. She called them and everything seems the same on her case like it was before, except she had to wait a long time to get through.
I hope that you all will sign the petition that has been started and lets move toward regaining what has been taken from our children. Here are the links to my blog and the petition. I will be contacting the Attorney General of Texas this week to received further instructions and also the Attorney General of Virginia of which I believe is filing a lawsuit on behalf of parents in Virginia....I will update as it unfolds....I am also linking another forum with the same complaints. Together we can get things done.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/jackson-ga/TA3MDGTGH0S10Q6BI
http://www.topix.com/forum/state/ga/T5H0TCBQ22LQMFTEI#lastPost
http://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/2009/05/support-kids-parents-unite-to-fight.html
I dont trust the new company. My contract was with Supportkids, if they are no longer, neither is my contract. I think paying over 25,000 is plenty and they dont do anything anyway. The payments go to the DA first. Im not signing ANYTHING!!!
has anyone been able to through to Richard J. Boudreau & Associates today? How long did you hold? I've been waiting forever and i dont have all day.
I'm not signing anything that has to do with this stupid company, i dont feel like waiting 2 weeks to get my payment! My CSE tech. said that the family support registry would be sending me my checks. Lori is right supportkids are no longer so I also feel the contract is no longer!! They didn't find out any information on the non-custodial parent I'm the one who did all the work.FYI im all the way in denver colorado. Thanks! Good luck to everyone out there!
I've also tried to call throughout the day. Long long hold time. but when i did get thru last week they had vague answers to my questions. I also googled them and could find anyting on the net good about this company. I am choosing to have my account handled locally, this is just too frustrating to me. i am tired. These people see us as a gold mind. even if they do collect a certain percentage is should be lower than 34%, way lower. Some of these moms have lost their jobs and are depending on these checks and when these checks come in lowere than they should be, really hurts. I am grateful for the way out. I wont be signing anything.
Wow! Persistence produces result! Well done you.
If they are out of business how can you do a class action lawsuit? I don't understand how that could happen if their is no company. I'm willing to sign, I just need to know how that would work.
This is wonderful news Lori and I am writing the DA as well. Please everyone sign this petition to not only stop our current contracts but to hopefully start a class action suit and recoup some of our support money taken out in bogus fees. Here is the link again...Thanks all and God Bless!!!
http://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/
I serch the net and R.J.Boudreau & Associates is a National Collection Law Firm. Collections is their business. This could be good news for those of us who still have not recieved one dime in support in years. They track down people for a living and force them to paying or the sue. I'm happy to see a new and better servicer working my case. I just hope they can locate my spouce and force him into paying, that would be nice.
In response to why all the complaints? If you have had a great experience with Support Kids and have not had the negative and fraudulent impact then I am happy for you. On the other hand I exercised my option to end my contract with Support Kids with good reason and was not allowed to do so. Each one of us has our own specific reasons for complaining and I have spoken to my lawyer and was told to send a letter to the Child Support office in the state that my court order was issued and let them know to send the payments directly to me. I will be glad to not have 34% taken out of my children's support anymore. If you believe that Support Kids acted on fair practices then I wish you well but do not agree with you.
Here is an article from the state of Virginia filing suit against Support Kids.
In Virginia, Governor Kaine Announces Suit Against Supportkids, Inc
Commonwealth sues Texas-based private child support collection agency
RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Attorney General Bob McDonnell today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has sued Supportkids, Inc., a private child-support-collection company based in Texas. In filing this suit, Virginia seeks to prevent Supportkids from interfering with the orderly enforcement of child support obligations in Virginia.
“Any actions that impede the Commonwealth’s efforts to lawfully and fairly collect child support must be addressed,” Governor Kaine said.
Under Virginia law, child support payments must be routed through the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). This process ensures that both parents are given credit for supporting their children.
The Commonwealth believes that Supportkids interferes with the orderly enforcement of support obligations and tracking of support payments in the following ways:
Supportkids, Inc. sends wage-withholding notices to employers of noncustodial parents. In these documents, the company refers to itself as “Child Support Enforcement,” a name easily confused with Virginia’s “Division of Child Support Enforcement.”
Supportkids, Inc. also directs, unlawfully, the employer to send payments directly to the company’s office in Texas, rather than to Virginia’s DCSE.
It then charges the custodial parent a 34% fee before forwarding the remainder of the payment to the custodial parent, regardless of whether it has undertaken any work on behalf of the parent to collect such payments.
Attorney General McDonnell observed that SupportKids’ practice has disrupted DCSE’s coordinated system for enforcing child support; there are noncustodial parents who are not being credited for the support they pay to their children. Some noncustodial parents are improperly having wages withheld by two withholding orders — one obtained through the DCSE and one through Supportkids, Inc. “Most importantly, custodial children are not receiving the full support payments to which they are entitled under Virginia law,” McDonnell said.
The Commonwealth does not oppose the use of private child-support collection agencies; however, when those companies threaten the interests of Virginia's children and disrupt the Commonwealth’s system for enforcing support obligations, it will take action to protect its citizens.
Contact a Child Support Lawyer
I wouldn't celebrate the switch to the law firm, just yet. It appears they are as shady as the original corporation with which you had trouble. They are not a law firm per se, but a consumer collection agency just like the company you just got rid of. Sort of out of the frying pan and into the fire. I've counseled my sister-in-law to sever relationships with these con artists immediately as the "attorney" appears even more shady than Support Kids, Inc.
first thank you buck.
to all he is researching this major problem.
no one knows till tonite what ive been goning through. hired this co. because, the state of WI would not help me. was treated like crap. whasted alot of long distant phone calls. so looked for help. didnt jump into it but after mths. of no support. iand trying to do work 40+hrs and do it on mine on. i signed up with support kids. i didnt want to bather my family, who helped us out of a really bad marriage. oh and raiseing 5 children. i know my spelling is bad. so hey my x is not stupid, but he did pay and i had no problem paying. but now its hard again. and they wouldnt release me, and gave my case over. breachof contract. can we sue for that? looking into it. plus theres more i could say. and i have all papers! keep your paper work.
I just found out this morning that supportkids was no longer handling my case. I really didn't understand how supportkids payment system worked and it was impossible to reach anyone I'm really glad that experience is over. Its sad that they would take from the kids that they claim they were trying to help.
I used to work for Supportkids and I loved what the company stood for. GETTING FAMILIES SUPPORT THAT WERE NOT GETTING.
I am not here to start a verbal war because everyone has their opinion. I just wish everyone would understand our job was not to screw people like everyone seems to think, but GET YOU CHILD SUPPORT.
Those that complained about not getting out of your contract - did you read it? Did you understand it before you signed? Did you tell us you were getting payments already or were you just so pissed off at your ex that you forgot to mention that and now are upset because SK was earning a fee on something you lied about already getting? There are reasons for everything and not ever reason is valid for getting out of a contract - I'm sorry so many of you were unhappy. I'm sorry so many of you are reveling in the joy of people out of work.
Anyway, I know lots of people are happy that SK is under, however, I want you to know that I was up until 4 the morning I found out SK was no longer an employee for many of my friends. My concern so much wasn't about us finding new jobs (after 10 years, thank you) but for THE PARENTS! I worried what would happen to those applying, those getting their payments, those happy with the service.
- JB
If support kids was actually doing all of the work in collecting payments and if the parents weren't recving anything at all before support kids then yes the ones that are complaining are wrong and ungrateful. But for those that do the leg work and work with their state and local agency and payments are being collected because of them and not because of support kids then the complaining and the petition and the wanting to law suit/refunds etc is warranted. you shouldn't be paid for service that you didn't do. all support kids ever did for me was make phone calls. I'm the one that provided phones, locations, job info all of that. They told me that they would be hiring private investigators etc.... this is why i signed because that's what i was hoping for, for someone to go the xtra mile that i couldn't. but they didn't. if i would have know that what me and my local office were doing was gone be enough i would have never signed. but i did, and it was a big mistake, that i have learned from. and i do want my money back. sorry for those that lost their jobs, this isn't the message bored for that..... Lori you are an angel in disguise.... cudos to u and tljoiner. signed....PH
i signed up with supportkids after two years of getting no child support. i couldn't get the state of indiana to enforce him to pay. after he was in arrears of 5,000 they took my case. i must have been one of the lucky one's because i never had a problem with supportkids. they were always able to track my daughter's father down when he would change jobs. and only took 15% of the payment which i understood that they did need a fee but it was a lot better than what i was receiving which was nothing. i was a little irritated though when i found out my case was being handed over to another company without even being informed. i had to find out when i was seeing if i had a support check coming to me. i just hope to keep receiving payments without any hassles.
Ok now I want to know how is it that Desiree was only getting 15% taken out when every one else was having 34% taken out. Good for you Desiree! cool beans. I hope things continue to work out for u with this new ripoff company.
I was happy with Support Kids. My child support order sat at the Los Angeles County Child Support office for 10 years with NO support collected. I figure 66% of SOMETHING is better than 100% of NOTHING!!!
I called the Attorney, and am skeptical because of the bad stuff I've read about them on the web. BUT if they can keep my support coming in, more power to them. They dont know the DEADBEAT they are up against.
Hi,I went to supportkids to check to see if a check came in and read the blurb about how it is now being handled by that Richard Boudreau & Associates. That ticked me off. We should have been notified beforehand. After calling and speaking to the new people, I want nothing to do with them. They said in one breath that Support kids went under and then in the next that they didn't but their parent company, Child Support (?), did. I tried to say that would mean my contract was void but the lawyer/collector insisted my contract is still legal and it is legal of them to collect the money for the parent company who is still around. Confused yet? The fees will remain the same, nothing will change except that we are now working with a collection agency now. yuk! They also said all direct deposits are cancelled for now and checks will be physically mailed. The guy I talked to was a condescending jerk and I would rather get a P.O. box for my ex to mail the checks then deal with these people!
Hello everyone! I found this site the other day (the only one I might add), that had information on what is going on with Support Kids. I've had them for 7 years and tried to get out of my contract and could not. They have been collecting on my interest which was not part of the deal let alone misleading me to thinking they did all the work. Anyway, I wanted to let you know what I found out about Support Kids today and what I was told to do by the original DA's office that was handling my case. They told me they did all the work - not Support Kids. I was told that I was sent over $300 over the last 2 months and I have only gotten 3 checks of $24. There is no record with the BBB so I was told to start filing a complaint now and to let everyone else who has had them to also file with the BBB.
Contact your DA and give them your change of address so your checks go straight to you with out the 33+ deductions. Personally, I will never let anyone but the DA handle my support money again. Meanwhile...I'm missing money and am in the process of waiting to find out where it's being held at.
Best wishes everyone and thank you for starting this blog!
Michelle
A lot of single parents depend on child support for survival. For a company to take 34% is wrong. To me, if they take 34% out of 2 paychecks a month they are receiving 68%. No, it doesn’t technically add up but I was trying to make a point. I understand people are out of work secondary to Supportkids closing. That’s too bad but when I called for help with my case those same people gave me attitude and sent me denial letters when I requested termination of my contract. Do I hold a grudge? You betcha. Did I read the contract? Not the fine print, obviously. Yep, I know “It’s my fault for signing”, which is what I have been told for the past 6 years. Do I kick myself in the ass? Oh heck ya!! I have no one to blame but myself. When is it enough? I appreciate your feed back, it made me look at the human aspect of the situation. In any case, I don’t have sympathy for that company as a whole. The Universe has a strange way of working things out. This means, you should truly look at the way you treat people because it comes back 10 fold. If you are doing wrong, it will eventually catch up to you. There was never a bottom line, it was never enough. Im glad the state of Virginia did something about it. It had to be done.
I'm looking at my contract and it says "This entire agreement is between SupportKids and me."
Further down it says that "Supportkids is entitled to take out its fee and will then promptly send me the balance withing five days of receiving good funds."
Yeah, well, that hasn't happened. Usually takes at least 2 weeks for me to receive anything after they are done with their %. They have been withholding my money now for almost 2 months. They broke the contract, plain and simple.
Lesson learned and will passing it on to my grandchildren. ;-)
Hi everyone....First let me address the "anonymous" that seems to have problems with these postings of negative impact on Support Kids. I state that I am very happy if you have not had problems with Support Kids and you should be thankful.
For the worker that was laid off by Support Kids I am truly sorry for your plight but at some point in this process and not knowing exactly what your position was within the Support Kids system I would think that you would have had some questions on the continued high fees taken from parents and the inability to send payments in a timely manner.
The question of us reading our contract for me is not a problem. Yes I read the contract and when I saw the opt out of the contract when Support Kids hit a dead end and could no longer work a case, I found it to be to the point and if I had the documentation to prove this it would be as simple as that. When I tried to present my case for option out and my child support was coming from the Child Support office not only was I not allowed to opt out, my case worker described to me a lower fee being taken from the payments but it would have to be approved by their boss. The next tier up approved this status but then again that was not enough and it had to go to a vice president. Well after speaking to this person which at this time I will not name at least twice and was told we will see what we can do for you. I then had two emails that I saved where I was degraded and told that I was not worthy to have them lower my fees nor let me out of my contract.
Child support cases are complex especially when spouses do not communicate and Support Kids under the guise of helping parents (in my opinion) was looking out for their greater good.
I have information that Support Kids was over extended financially with local banks (which I am investigating) and was using our support to pay their debts and would not let people out of their contracts in order to pay their own debts.
Why would the Governor and the Attorney General of Virginia sue Support Kids if there was not merit to do so? So, if you have your own reasons for lashing out at the ones of us that are trying to right the wrong for our children please think about the fact that Support Kids took that money from our children and that needs to be corrected.
For those of you that have not signed the petition or gone to my blog please find the link below....
Thanks,
http://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/2009/05/parents-against-support-kids-fraud.html
Teri
If you do not have pertinent information about the conversation at hand I suggest you move on. Disgruntled case workers with a chip on their shoulder have no place on MY blog. You are probably an unemployed Supportkids worker anyway. How else would you have a copy of the contract? I can appreciate a person’s freedom of speech, not assholes. If you have something further to say, rather than hiding behind an anonymous comment, e-mail me. Don’t take the coward’s way out.
Just for the record, everything I have I have worked for. If you think $300 a month put any dent in feeding 2 growing boys, you need a reality check. Im not looking for a free ride, the father of my children was. Enough said. Now Mr. Case Worker, time to go out and find a life. Your BS is not wanted here.
I haven't heard anything and am still waiting for a payment that was made and they recvd last week. So no more anonymous posting capabilities huh?
After the latest call between Richard J Boudreaux & Associates and myself, I have been told that our contract transfers over - that there is a "provision" in the contract allowing that - now I know there is a provision for outside companies to help collect support if needed, but there is nothing about if Support Kids goes out of business that I automatically become the client of another company!!
Unfortunately, the State of Louisiana is not being cooperative in this situation. They require something from Support Kids saying they are out of business - yeah, like that's gonna happen.
Trying to get in touch with my local DA, not much luck there either, looks like I'll have to go to the office.
This is - so far - even more of a nightmare
I live in NC and have been a client of Support Kids for 5 years. I have experienced the same issues as each of you. They took almost 50% out of each check I received which should have been weekly. I just spoke to a gentleman at RJBA, very rude gentleman and was no help other than to tell me that they took over the contracts we had with Support Kids and the payments would stay the same so I guess we now have someone else to fight for whats rightly ours.He could not even tell me if a check had been processed for me. Please keep us informed as to possible legal action. I am in all the way.
Please sign our petition for those who have not and lets work together to right the wrong.
Thanks,
Terihttp://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/2009/05/parents-against-support-kids-fraud.html
I have been a client of supportkids for about 5 years now. I have also tried to end my contract. My reasons were because I wasn't getting squat! The contract clearly states I can end my contract for a few reasons, the one I was using was the no payments after a year. For two years in a row I went with no support (my ex is well over 65k behind) then wouldn't you know it, a month before my year was up I would get a whopping 13.20 check. Whoa! Hold me back! They refused to cancel because I had gotten a check within a year. I can hardly see 13.20 (20 that he sent in) in a years time support. I never complained about the fee. I knew what I signed up for. I would have loved to get something from this deadbeat. The state had no interest in helping me. Now at the end of March of this year there was another payment of 13.20, with 3 more to follow. I have yet to receive those 4 checks and from what I'm reading here, it doesn't look like I will get them or they will even clear if I do. Very sad. I really hope those that are out some real money will be able to get that back. To those paying and those receiving, it is simply not fair. I signed your petition tjoiner. Please count me in the fight if it comes to this new lawfirm collecting. I sent them an email already asking to be taken off their collections.
I'm curious about the contract. I really need to dig mine up and look at it. If it clearly states I am with Supportkids then I see I have a valid fight but like we know, many times debts are sold to other companies - is this legal for them to do this to us? I may try to ask our legal counsel at work to pick his brain to see if he can think of any loopholes out of this.
To the people out of work now because of supportkids going under, I'm sorry for you. I know this was your job and this is not a direct result of you but you have to understand the anger behind this whole situation especially being we weren't told squat about this!!!! We found out simply by checking on our cases. That was BS in my opinion!
To answer your question PH, nope, I disabled the Anonymous Comments because I was tired of people using this post in a negative way. I dont have to answer to anyone for who I am or what I have. I did a follow up blog as well because it made me that mad.
QUIA...Wow, great article and thank you. I think its a good thing this company isnt in my town (or state for that matter) because I would be knocking on their door. You cant get rid of me that easy. Unrelenting...like I said, I started this blog 2 years ago in their honor then I got a part time job writing out of the deal. It was a win-win situation:)
Thanks for all the support from you guys. We have to remember, we are in this together. Its a shame that not all States work the same way. I think we can beat this...BTW, I got a form letter from the new company. When I tried to respond, it said there was no such e-mail. Lets see what Fedex brings!!
Please, everyone take a minute and sign the petition. We have to be heard.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/27812.html
WOW so much info!!! But I am like a lot of you. I knew what I was getting into with the fees. CLEARLY STATED!!! However, the four reason that are listed as far as being able to get of/"cancel" your contract are easy to read as stated by some of you!!! I have all of the paperwork and when I faxed in my letter to cancel, I was also denied to terminate the contract. There was no full explanation besides we have found that you cant according to yor contract(or some crap like that). A few days after that, yeah I received a payment of like (I believe 800 or so)..It was like that had the $$$ sitting around waiting or something. But I have all of my paperwork and a copied n pasted doc of my case history n payment info from their websit before they shut it down!!! So, I can validate all of my claims!!! SO THE HELL WITH SK!!! and the bitter case worker, yeah I am sorry too; HOWEVER when you do dirt you get dirt!!! There is no way you think working for a company like SK, knowing what they are about, you think good will come to you!!!
I am printing out the forms now to change my address back to mine, as well as, sending a letter to these new retards as well... I'm thinking should I email my ex and let him know about whats going on with SK and this new company and to send the payments to the court directly?? I think I will... good luck to us and our children!!!
I just contacted Support kids and they seem to still be in business. Can anybody let me know how I can get my payments sent directly to me. I called my local child support office and they told me that I would need a letter from SK stating that they would no longer receive my payments. I live in the state of Maryland. I would appreciate any assistance that anyone can give to me.
Thank you...
Okay, today's phone conversation was with Stephanie Parker (ext. 412), the Supervisor at Boudreau & Assoc. Child Support Division.
After arguing (nicely) with 5 different "workers" that My contract clearly states it is between SupportKids, Inc AKA CSE Child Support Enforcement and myself, and NOT "SupportKids Funding" and myself, she has agreed to pull my physical file and review the contract.
I also requested both on the phone and in writing a copy of the contract they have on file, no questions at all as to why.
I finally received the email from SupportKids saying they are no longer handling the case & forwarded it to my State CSE office, maybe that will suffice as to proof for them.
Boudreau & Associates has either been hoodwinked by SupportKids (and they are not yet aware of it) or they are just as much a set of crooks as SK. Which it is I do not know yet.
Right now I have 2 support checks "in limbo" as Boudreau & Assoc. have not received them from SK YET. No idea how long it will take to transfer them either.
Folks, Boudreau's #1 argument is that our contracts are with "SupportKids Funding" Please review your contracts and see if you can find "SupportKids Funding" ANYWHERE in the contract & let us all know.
I think it may differ state to state, but I am not sure.
Anyway, looks like Tue or Wed before I have more news...
Hi RedHatty,
Thanks so much for that great information. I have a question though, I went on SK website but didn't see anything about them transferring my case to this other company. Should I be expecting something in the mail about this?
Thank you...
Lisa B,
I don't know what to tell you. something like 50,000 cases were transferred to Richard J Boudreau & Associates. Why yours doesn't appear to be I cannot tell you. If you can get in touch with a human at SK, ask them. Sorry :-(
Thanks RedHatty! I have been trying for 2 days now to actually talk to someone, but of course no such luck. Thank you for all of your helpful information! This website is great!
I was with supportkids for less than a year and honestly im glad they are closed. I was just notified via mail today from my state department of child support about the changes. I am sending back my change notice immediately. In the 9 mos support kids had my case they did nothing. Well I take that back, my case worker PAM, did put a meaningless lien on mr wonderfuls property. But its a general lien, not tied to anything specific so his bank accounts remain full, his property is still there etc... and my child remains with less standards than he should have. I am going back to the state for recovery methods and you can bet I wont be signing any more private contracts.
My supportkids caseworker was nothing but rude, condasending and critical of our current family situation. I never knew my current family had anything to do with past obligations?
You know Lauren, thats what pisses me off. We are the ones raising the kids but we're treated like second class citizens looking for a handout. It makes no sense. People act like we are criminals. What they really should be focusing in on are the parents that dont help support their kids. If everyone did what they were supposed to, there would be no need for any of this. I dont get it. I hope things look up. Im glad your DA's office was more understanding then some. It makes you wonder sometimes who's side they are on. The ones that give us nothing but grief. Ugh!!
well i just logged on to my account and seen that my case was transferred luckly they only took the fee of 400 saying my balance is 75.00 so is this new company secured i mean what should i do cause the state didn't do squat either my baby daddy owe's me at least under 20,000.
i am not sure what to do - when i deal with the state - it's slow as molasses and i get no where - that's why i used supportkids in the first place
i called an attorney - he wants $2500 up front and $200 per hour - ouch
i am going to go back to the state but i don't have much confidence that anything will happen - i gave them paperwork in january - and haven't heard a peep from them
so . . . i may use this new collection agency - 'cause my deadbeat dad needs some roughing up
any other suggestions on what to do would be appreciated - help!
Well, Seveen, that decision is yours. I know they have ways of hunting down the dead beats but I dont think its worth it. However, not everyone shares my opinion. They will take 34% forever and you will never be able to break the contract. I would ask for more information from the company before you sign anything. I think they have bit off more than they can chew and they have alot of angry parents out there. Know what you are signing if you choose to sign up with RJBA. Cover your butt.
If our cases are automatically trasferred, then why do we need this "package" from the new company. I don't see why they would need our signature on anything since they are already collecting our childrens money. It seems obvious to me that we have no say so about who collects our money if they can just take our case from support kids and never miss a beat. So if anyone gets one of these packages, please let us know what kind of hogwash is enclosed. I sugest we put our signature where it belongs....on the petetion. If we all go and sign it then we can show them they can't take advantage of us.
I agree with you Carla.
I know that companies sell existing loans all the time. One company goes out of business and the other company buys them. However, we HIRED these people. It was OUR choice for them to help us. I dont think its the same thing. We dont OWE them anything. I dont think anything should be automatic. They are collecting for us. If we choose not to go with the new company to collect our child support, that should be our decision. They are back peddling. My DA is holding all of my payments until the new state disbursement is complete. About 10 to 14 days, then it will be released into my account. They (SK/RJBA)did get a payment before I switched. We shall see how they plan on paying. They said they will not have direct deposit. Why?? because we havent given them permission. I think thats the key here. Im just speculating though.
Our cases are NOT LOANS that can be sold to another comapny, BUT... they are "debt obligations" that can be used as collateral for financing.
I think this is what SK has done, used our cases as collateral to SK Funding, for all operating loans.
This does NOT transfer ownership of the case though.
This is looking more and more like an extreme case of fraud, and I hope that we get some Attys and DAs involved in the prosecution of SK AND SK Funding.
It will be VERY INTERESTING to see what documentation has been sent to RJBA regarding all this, they may also be victims of SK fraud, or they may be willing participants in continuing the fraud against us.
I contacted my attorney last week and I should hear something this next week whether my case against SK and this new Support Kids LLC. As soon as I do, I'll come back to give an update.
Does anyone's contract with SK say that they will take their 34% from what the DA earns and collects too? Mine doesn't and SK never told me that was what they were going to do. I'm stoppin mad to find out that SK has lied to me all these years and weren't earning their money, just kickin back taking in check's deposited into their SK bank account that the DA deposited in to it.
Anonymous, yes, my contract clearly states 34% here's the section
"Service Fee: After the Case Development Fee has been collected, Supportkids will charge a Service Fee of 34% of each payment received. If no support is collected, there is no Service Fee. After Supportkids has collected the Specified Amount, I will not have to pay the Service Fee. This fee covers investigation, enforcement and payment processing activities during the life of this agreement. The Service Fee applies to payments received regardless of
whether they are designated as current support or arrears. Actions by attorneys, government agencies or other people which contribute to the collection of my child support will not affect the terms of this agreement."
I just read though the whole blog and so many different versions are written about what has happened. I wonder where you are getting your information? So much of it varies from each other someone has to be making up stuff or have a really bad source.
Please point out the contradictions you claim to see. We have said that our cases have been transferred to Richard J Boudreau & Associates, without our prior consent or knowledge. From there we have all talked with RJBA and have heard different stories from them, we just share what we hear back with others.
Maybe the "bad source" is RJBA, did you consider that possibility, or are you another SK supporter here to defelct from the thread?
BTW, there are 2 different blog posts, this one and http://singleparentsunite.blogspot.com/2009/05/supportkids-are-donewhat-about-da.html
be sure to read them both
Redhatty, mine does not say they will charge for what the DA collects too.
I hired Support Kids to collect on arrears owed that the DA was not able to collect, not to collect on what the DA was already doing and without a charge.
Here is a link to a past lawsuit against SK that was won. Please edit out if I am not allowed to post the link here. Thank you!
http://www.consumerlaw.org/issues/cocounseling/content/ZippererSJDecision&Order.pdf
Also, I was told that there is a couple of comparable agencies in Florida that are in some trouble too because of similar problems, but am still searching on more info on it.
Michelle
I forgot to add...Support Kids told me that they do not collect on tax returns and that I would have to do that on my own. Last week when I called the DA, they told me that they are collecting from tax returns for past due owed to them and the wages he earns are collected from and paid to me. So my question is, why was SK not able to collect tax returns if their contract says they can collect on "government" agencies too?
Michelle
Michelle, I am happy for you that you managed a "partial win" against SK!!! You Go GIRL!
Unfortunately, the case clearly states the contract provisions of all child support will be applied to the past due amount, and you did not win on that point.
You did get them for violations of the DTPA, which is better than nothing.
Too bad you didn't win any money in the case :-(
Unfortunately, we are all victims and fools at the same time. We signed on with this company in the hopes of getting our arrears and we got screwed out of current obligations too.
I know I did not pay close enough attention to that paragraph in the contract when I signed it & I think many others here can probably say the same thing. Just as many of us thought 66% of something was better than all of nothing.
Unfortunately, that is all water under the bridge now that the cases are in the possession of RJBA, and a whole new fight is about to begin.
Redhatty, that is not my case. It's one that I found in an internet search.
I'm still waiting for my attorney to go over everything and I should hear something this next week. I'm hoping that there can be a class action suit!
Thank you! :)
Michelle, I do not think that SK was ever authorized to collect from "govermental" agencies. I know they had to directly forward to me the original check form my state that had the tax intercept monies, I also (though I may be wrong) do not believe SK had authorization to garnish unemployment checks or social security benefits.
Nothing in their contract states that they have that capability either.
I posted my entire contract on the other post in this blog, see if it looks like yours.
That court documentation was very helpful. It shows that there is hope for all of you out there that are not getting the cooperation from your State. I think we need to do a class action suit. However, Im not sure how to do that when the company is in another state. Any suggestions?
Yep to those of you that didnt know, they dont collect the money, the DA does on my case then sends it to SK. They are getting paid for doing nothing. That happens on the majority of the cases.
I just want to thank all of you and your input. Im so glad my blog can help with everyone going thru this.
If you are tired of scrolling, Ive written 2 others posts:)
http://singleparentsunite.blogspot.com/2009/05/supportkids-are-donewhat-about-da.html
http://singleparentsunite.blogspot.com/2009/05/rjba-supportkids-take-over.html
Thank you for all of your input. Happy Memorial Day.
I would like to cooment about an actual ex-employee (also a friend)telling me they felt terrible because they knew the weren't doing ANY work and collecting money off of checks. That person acknoledged it. It sounds like the employee that commented earlier seemed to be (for lack of a better term) brainwashed. I had asked them since I was a client. I, along with others, agree that 67% would be better than nothing.
If you sign that paper for Boudreaux - you will be enlisting for more of this to continue. I called the Attorney General CSU this morning (for Texas) and was told to contact the Texas Banking Commission to file a complaint. I am also going to send a Revocation for Power of Attorney to the AG's office. The problem here is people are signing things they believe will assist them. That's called business. What's sad is this business uses people. What most people signed was a Power of Attorney to Support Kids and the contract was bought by Richard Boudreau - so they can turn a profit. My guess (and that may be all it is) is that this person sees this as an opportunity to make the same deal SK did. So SK, turned a profit of selling their book of business to Boodro - so when they go under they can have something to go home with and start up a new business idea. The business owners want money. They see ways to get it. So keep your eyes open and don't sign a thing. Revoke and run!
Has anyone actually received their package from RJBA yet? I haven't & I need it to prove to my state that SK is no longer handling my case.
If anyone had received it, please let us all know what is in it & what the wording is!!
I received my fedex from RJBA today. They want you to sign a new authorization release that gives them controll of your child support money and to release all information to them. Also they want direct deposit info. With Sk they sent you a paypal card or something like that. I called my local CSE and they said all I have to do is do a change of address. I live in Alabama. Hope this informs all on what they will receive,
The simple fact that Support Kids mislead is a case in itself. Saying that they have their enforcement officers in Texas collecting child support when in fact (for most of us), the DA was doing the work. VERY misleading!
If RJBA is holding us to contract, then I guess they don't mind if we hold them for the same. ;-)
I haven't received anymore payments since last month and the DA said they sent money into SK's bank account. I asked RJBA about my money two weeks ago and they tell me they will get back to me. Still waiting for them to get back to me about my money. I got my packet from them yesterday via FEDEX. I'm not signing it!
Thanks Lori for keeping your blog going! :)
M
Redhatty, my contract does not say the same as yours - which is quite odd and I wonder why, unless they changed there contracts since I signed up with them. Wonder if anyone else has a different contract.
Michelle
They may have differently worded contracts for different states.
How is yours different? Does it say SupportKids Funding anywhere on it?
No, it doesn't saying funding anywhere, it says Support Kids INC.
Here is the first paragraph on the first page of the contract.
This agreement is made between me XXXX (Client Name, and Support Kids Inc. ("Supportkids"). I am the custodial parent and will be the client of Supportkids. I ask Supportkids to enforce and collect a specified amount of child support from the non-custodial parent (NCP), whose name is XXX. NCP has failed to comply with court order or legally binding agreement. Supportkids promises to take action to enforce and collect this child support owed to me as described below.
/
The last paragraph before signatures says:
Supportkids is a Texas Corporation. This agreement is entered into in Travis County, Texas and shall be interpreted according to Texas law. After Supportkids signs below, a copy pf this signed agreement will be sent to me upon request.
/
I'm going to go back and see what the exact differences are again as soon as I get more time, but like you said, probably just reworded differently.
I originally got my contract in Cali back in 03.
Michelle
Can't edit in here?
a copy pf this - should read a copy "of" this.
BTW, I was told by two different RJBA reps that they are withholding my support payments till I sign their paperwork. >:/
Michelle
Wait a minute, the paper they want us to sign is a direct deposit form. What do they mean they wont give it to you until you sign? They cant do that. What if someone doesnt have a bank account? I havent talked to any of these morons and they're pissing me off. Well Michelle, I got a check from them today and I havent sign squat. Thats against the law...it has to be. This company is a joke. We are not criminals...it is OUR money for the CHILDREN. Its court ordered. They cant hold it.
Man, does anyone out there live in New Hampshire?? Salem?? Someone needs to check this place out. I bet its a garage in someones back yard....Grrrr, now Im really pissed! They wont be getting anything more from my DA, Thank God...They have a hold on my checks for 10 to 14 days to make sure the state disbursement is correct (into my account) before they release it. I cant wait to hear the response I get to my certified termination letter...I just might hire a lawyer.
The RJBA reps told me on the phone that they will send my payments via checks after I sign and return the packet that they send to me.
They gave me no information on how much I have or anything. All they seem to be interested in is me signing their contract.
Not sure if I mentioned here already but I also found out from the DA that my payments are done with them as of last month that I have nothing more owed to me. What strange timing let alone it doesn't add up. I was owed over $25,000, got payments around $100 a month from SK for almost 6 years plus a 10% interest.
Michelle
Edit..."plus was owed 10% interest ".
I'm so flustered right now that I can't type.
Guess I'll call it a night and tomorrow I'll figure out how to sign up on here so I'm not labeled as another anonymous.
Michelle
Here is an interesting article from back in 2002.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,344041-1,00.html
Part of the article
"
Supportkids maintains that it has no way of knowing whether checks are government intercepts or wage garnishments that Supportkids put in place. It says its policy is not to charge fees on funds that its 400 "enforcers" do not collect. But Paula Gardner, who resigned as an enforcer at Supportkids earlier this year, says that policy meant little in practice. "We were asked to have employers reroute wage-garnishment payments to Supportkids whether we filed those garnishments or not," she says. She recalls her first case in November of last year. "We did nothing for it, and Supportkids took a third of the money," she says. "The mom's name was Mary, and she sent me a handwritten thank-you card."
/
Wish we could take a poll on how many dissatisfied Support Kids Inc customers tried to get out of contract because Support Kids was not doing THEIR job!
My ex-husband hid from me for three years. I am in NJ and my case was being handled by Ocean Cnty Prob Dept. They did nothing to help me. My ex was living in Fla working off the books. However one day I got mail from CSE saying they had located him. I have been getting $ for three years, as well as my ex's income tax refund check. CSE did for me what the probation office never could. I am still not sure what to do with this form from Boudreau & Asso. Up until now may payments from CSE were deposited into an ADP total pay card, and I want to keep it that way. I don't want to give this agency my checking acct info. What is everyone else doing with the release form from this new company? Thanks--Donna
I faxed mine over to my attorney's office, contacted the DA and changed the address they had on file to my home address and am not signing it.
I'm not familiar with how things work in your state Donna, but I did not know that a probation office took care of child support collections. I've only heard that the state department of social service was in charge of child support collections.
Personally, I would double check with who was originally in charge of collecting the child support and see if they have been really the ones doing the work and collecting.
LADIES LISTEN UP!! I have been doing some research on this RJB and Associates and I happened upon the BBB Report on them and it's not good! They have an F RATING!!!
Here is the BBB website so you can check for yourselves!
http://www.bbb.org/concord/business-reviews/lawyers/richard-j-boudreau-and-assoc-llc-in-salem-nh-92002209#ratingdetails
My mother in law has been dealing with Support Kids since 2007 and is now having to deal with this RJB and Assoc. If the BBB does not trust them, then neither do we! We refuse to do business with a company that has that bad of a rating! Be careful with this RJB and Assoc. They could scam you just like Support Kids did!
Here is a link to Updates & Rebuttal. They are old but filled with useful information.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/095/RipOff0095705.htm
Looks like I'm going to spend another long day researching and making more calls.
I understand how you all feel about Support Kids. I myself have used their services, and although I wasn't always happy about some of the decisions they made on my case I can honestly they have done more for my son than the State of Texas. I was happy getting something than nothing. I was constantly in contact with the state trying to get a court date considering I had not been in court in 9 years since the original date but I always got the run around. I was told my case was in the Enforcement process. Ok, what does that mean? I said that is the same answer I have been getting for 8 years and NOTHING has ever been enforced. I told them at least make a phone call to him. What are my taxes paying for? So all I am saying is that we all went to Support Kids for the same reason - our State agencies did LITTLE TO NOTHING for us. So just remember that before you start bashing them the way you are, at some point you were receiving nothing and ask yourself what was your state doing for you when Support Kids was? I like to keep in mind that a lot of business were affected by the economy and Support Kids were considered a small business. My heart goes out to the employees who I have spoken to there who are single parents, who now have NO job and had a case with Support Kids as well and they are no longer receiving money AND the State of Texas still hasn't started to help them. I have always taken care of my son on y own, with out Government Assistance in any way and since Texas is still handling my case it will probably be that way until my son is an adult. I am sure the owner of this blog will delete this posting since it is not in favor of the majority of the attitudes I see here, but if we all believe in Democracy, I ask you leave this posted so we all get to tell our sides. We want the states to be fair to us in regards to equal support by both parents.. can you do the same?
Everyone has a right to their own opinion. How much should a service like this cost? When a company refuses to put an end date on the money they collect as their fee, when do you say enough is enough? Children lives depend on any money received. Their service is great in theory but there comes a point where you are thinking to yourself, how much more of my childs support to they need? I think 6 years of 34% is excessive. Thats when you come to the conclusion that they are in it for them, not my children. All they were doing was collecting the money from my DA. Should they get paid 34% of child support for getting a check and writing a check? If thats the case, Im in the wrong business. It sounds like easy money to me and very profitable. The problem is, I couldnt do that to someone else. I understand a fee but there needs to be a final total. For them to continue to take that money forever and never let you get out of their contract is BS.
I agree with Lori, SK sounded great in theory and yes I had been through many hassles because of the nature of my case. However, I did all the work and all the research and when I was told my case was dead, I used my opt out clause. Then I was asked, why in the world would you think your case warrants getting out of your contract? Well, because I followed the guidelines of the opt out. SK got GREEDY and wanted more and more money. 34% for life is not stated clearly in their agreement. The only thing that SK had that we as individuals did not have was a company and federal ID to do business or I certainly would have been able to force the ex to cough it up. So, please save the defense of SK, if you liked them and had no problems then great and I am happy for you. If you read all the stories on here you would see that SK was not the hero they proclaimed to be for many parents. Enough is enough and you might want to read all the articles posted because SK decided not to help all the poor children in New York because their state law prevents any private agency from collecting over 15%. If you really want to help the children, isn't 15% enough to take from their mouths? Not to mention the state of Virginia filing suit against them and Florida waiting in the wings. I don't think we all can be wrong about SK.
re: "So just remember that before you start bashing them the way you are, at some point you were receiving nothing and ask yourself what was your state doing for you when Support Kids was?"
The state was collecting for me! I had hired Support Kids to only collect the arrears in the full amount of $10,000, at least so I was lead to believe by Support Kids that is what they would do.
I clearly explained to them that I already had the state collecting and needed help in collecting the arrears.
No problem they stated, they have special officers and attorneys that can put liens on the NCP's assets and collect it.
Obviously I was hoodwinked.
And we aren't talking a hand full of disgruntled here, we are talking hundreds of reasonable complaints against Support Kids. There have been lawsuits against Support Kids, there are lawsuits in progress. There are lawsuits against other companies like Support Kids.
The only thing I ask myself is how much longer one must wait for all the truths be exposed and justice prevail against Support Kids and other similar fraudulent companies.
I can't log in right now and forgot to sign my name to that above post.
Sorry about that.
Signed,
Michelle
I got my second payment from the DA yesterday and still no word from RJBA. It can be done ladies:) Dont give up hope.
Oh my god. If this is all true? The contract between myself and supportkids is broken. It's not legally binding to Boudreau. He cant just legally take over. And how do we collecy the money stolen from us? I live in AZ. The custodial parent lives in CA, but the court order came out of NEV. They collected one payment in Jan 07 and I havn't heard nothing since.I will sighn the petition. I'm shocked that employees at this companay knew nothing of the crimes being committed against us. Yes, CRIMES AGAINST US!!!
After reading a post from another parent I continued to do some research and found out that effective June 4, 2009 RJBA was granted a license to collect Child Support in Texas. Im so disgusted now..I contacted my states attorny general as well as the governor of my state of NJ, Gov Corzine. I have my change of address form filed out, as well as the direct deposit and revocation of authorization form ready to mail off. SO lets see what happens!!!!!!!!!!!
Private Child Support Enforcement Agency
Name:
Home Office:
Home Office Mailing
Address:
Website:
CEO:
Registration No.:
Home Office Phone
Number:
Status:
Effective Date: Expiration Date: Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
5 Industrial Way
Salem, NH
5 Industrial Way
Salem, NH 03079
None
Richard J. Boudreau
20
603-890-1644
Open
06/04/2009
06/04/2012
Branch #
Branch Name
Address
20-1
50 Tower Office Park
Woburn, MA
None
Complaint Contacts Information
Contact Name:
Title:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Adam Zlotnick
Attorney
603-890-1644
azlotnick@rjba.com
oh here is the website for that information
http://www.banking.state.tx.us/asp/entities/bkdetail.asp?charterno=9997&entity=80&status=active
I also tried to get my case turned back to the state because they charged so much. I have a special needs child and his tution was at that time $2,900.00 a month. They would not let me out of the contract. I had to work two jobs to aford his special school. I wish the state could take over and get his income taxes. I'm owed almost 100 thousand dollars. I'll probably never see it.
I was told by RJBA that if I got child support from my local Child Support Recovery Unit.And didn't tell them or give them thier part of it. They could come back on me for it later. But from what I've heard on this site. Idon't think they can. So,should I have my local CSRU go ahead.
I also haven't got child support i 5 months and RJBA said by the SK contract I could cancel services i 7 more month if they didn't get any C.support for me.So,I was thinking,let my local CSRU handle my case and try and get support for me.Then cancel RJBA in 7 months[Feburary].
OH,just wanted to say: I signed the Petition. Let's get these SOB'S
Deb,
Did you sign a contract with RJBA? If you did not then don't. If you can get your money through your child support office then do so. It has not been proven in any court that RJBA has a right to your support or any part of it. That is your children's money....Thanks for signing the petition....
NO,I HAVEN'T SIGNED ANYTHING WITH RJBA!!!! AND I WILL NEVER SIGN ANYTHING WITH RJBA!!!!
But,they are still sending letters and calling my ex and the state he is living in. They are very mad to the point. Of the state he lives in closing my case!!
My state's CSRU has got his state calmed down for now.But how long will that last??
Deb, I don't know but you don't have to all caps me....I know you are upset and believe me I understand as we all do. I cannot answer anything definitive. What I do know is that you need to read all of the comments on here and my blog and it contains addresses and names and numbers of people that most of us have all ready sent complaints too. It is a long, long, process but you need written documentation to take this to the next step. So, check out my blog and read through and make sure to send everything certified mail so you have a receipt and keep copies.
It does not matter if RJBA blows their stack, you just need to give your ex a heads up that he may receive all kinds of official looking letters but tell him not to sign anything unless you can get the document verified through your local and state support offices.
Hope this helps....We are all hopping mad at what has happened and I am still working on a class action suit but all of this unfortunately takes time. But you can be proactive and fill out the revocation of power of attorney in your state and file it with the support office. Be sure to include that it revokes and and all assignments made by SK Funding because your contract was with SK and not SK Funding. When this does come to a head it will make a difference in the fine print.
Anyway, hope this gets you started for now and please check back for updates.
Here is my blog...
http://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/
tljoiner,
Sorry,about the all caps.
Thanks for the infor/ advise.
Deb,
You are very welcome, just post if you have any more questions....and if you make any progress. We are here to cheer each other on too....
If you didnt sign a contract with RJBA they have no right to your money. Do a termination letter to them. All of the parents that had their accounts forwarded were asked to sign a direct deposit/contract with them. They are not Supportkids, they are a completely different company. Dont let them use scare tactics. They are full of shit!!
So,what do I say in a Termination letter??
So,what's diffrent between SK and SK funding??
Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
5 Industrial Way
Salem, New Hampshire 03079
RE: Supportkids Account (insert case #)
Dear Mr. Boudreau,
Please except this letter as a termination of the agreement between myself and Supportkids. This termination went into effect the moment Supportkids went out of business. They did not own my debt therefore they have no legal right to sell it. The debt is owned by me and only me. Any further action regarding the money owed is between me, the non custodial parent, and the District Attorneys office. I did not hire your company and do not require your services to collect any debt owed to me. The DA’s office has been notified of my wishes and Supportkids has been taken off of my case. I do not give you authorization to except payment on my behalf, nor to investigate any further issues with regards to this matter.
This is what I wrote
RJBA is not in business with Supportkids. The bought their debt, basically. Read some of the other posts and use the info. Alot of people have been doing leg work on this since May. There may be something to help:)
LORI,
I now know what you wrote,but did it work? Did they Terminate your account-contract? And stop all further investigation.
Hi Deb.
Lori, TLJoiner and I have managed to et our support cases reverted back to our state collections offices, yes.
But you need to realize that we began the process within a day or 2 of SK changing over to RJBA.
I was the one who first saw the change & I contacted Lori (found her via a google search) and what you see here is documentation of the processes we went through.
When you received your "Welcome" letter from RJBA (or your packet) what did you do? Did you contact them immediately & say I don't want you handling my case?
That is what each of us did. We let them know IMMEDIATELY by phone that we were not interested in their services. We knew what our contracts stated and we REFUSED to "play along" with RJBA.
This began for us back on May 15th.
It's now August. If you haven't been in contact with RJBA at all, or in contact with your local child support offices, you may not have as easy a time as we had - and ours was NOT easy.
We each sent letters to RJBA, SupportKids, and our local CSE offices advising RJBA to cease & desist, we sent revocations of power of attorney, and made TONS of phone calls. We called and wrote District Attorneys & Attorney Generals in at least 3 states.
There are at least 4 separate blog posts (and the comments on them) here that document each and every step we took.
The best thing to do is #1 read every thing in this blog, in all of the posts regarding SK, make a chart of the steps we took, see which ones apply to your situation and follow those steps.
I cannot promise you that you will be successful this long after the change-over to RJBA, but you won't know until you try.
But asking any of us to "give you the short-cut" version is not very fair on your part either. There are literally hundreds of comments between the 4 different blog posts & it is up to you to read them and learn from them.
If you are still lost after that is done, then we will do whatever we can to help you. But you have to help yourself first & the way to do that is to have the knowledge that is given freely here already & use it to make a game plan for yourself.
Not 1 individual thing worked for us, it was a process, and most likely it will be a process for you too.
Thanks Red, I couldnt have said it better myself:) For the record Deb, I have been getting child support directly from the DA since June. I havent heard a word from RJBA since the termination letter back in May.
My pleasure Lori. Thanks for making sure all the info stay up for people like Deb who are coming into the game later than we did.
I am sure this blog has helped a lot of SK/RJBA victims already
Red,
Thank you for your informative post. I agree with Lori that I could not have said it better.
I refer new parents, custodial or non custodial to my blog as well for updated information.
Teri
http://tljoiner-trustthetruth.blogspot.com/
Oh Teri, I didn't mean to forget you in my post!! SORRY!
Your blog & petition have also been a wealth of information!!
Anyone reading this, that is still going through the saga, don't forget to check Teri's blog, and PLEASE! Sign the Petition!
Thanks for your compliment :-)
I know it's been a couple of months, ladies, but you know what???
We done good!
Red,
Yes we have....and I am going to continue to fight with the others in whatever way that I can....
You are so welcome...anything I can do for the cause and to put those SOB's out of business...not to mention, make new friends:)
I see on the petition I'm the only one that signed it from Iowa.So, I'm going to Iowa legal aid today. To see if they can help me to get things going here in Iowa.For myself and everyone else. I'll let everyone know what they said.About things here in Iowa.
Well,I went to Legal Aid.They took my case and are going to start ivestigating things.And start a Revocation of power of attorney.For starters.
Way to go DEB!!!!
I HAVE TO SAY. YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL VERY IGNORANT. HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO NOT GET ANY MONEY AT ALL?? ARE YOU TOO IGNORANT TO UNDERSTAND THE THIRD GRADE READING LEVEL USED IN EVERY CONTRACT??? LAST TIME I LOOKED AT THE CONTRACTS THEY WERE EXTREMELY CLEAR AND NOT AT ALL HARD TO UNDERSTAND. YOU PEOPLE AMAZE ME, YOUVE OBVIOUSLY NEVER WORKED IN COLLECTIONS. DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU ARE GOING TO GET BETTER RESULTS?? THIS IS A MAJOR COLLECTION AGENCY AND YOU THINK YOU WILL GET BETTER TREATMENT?? AT LEAST THE PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES OF SUPPORTKIDS CARED ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY COLLECTED FOR. MAYBE YOU SHOULD ALL RE-EVALUATE YOUR POSITION ON THE TOPIC. YOU ALL SEEM TO HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS BUT NEVER MENTION THE FACT THAT SOMETHING WAS ACTUALLY BEING COLLECTED FOR YOU. YOU ALL FORGET WHY YOU CAME TO SUPPORTKIDS IN THE FIRST PLACE, YOU WERE GETTING NOTHING.
No response needed except Anonymous you need a referral to an anger management counselor.
Lori
I 2nd that comment!! To Anonymous.
First of all, none of us are ignorant and how dare you come on my blog and pass judgement. Who are you to say anything? A supportkids employee, or rather, ex employee? Maybe you work for RJBA? Either way, there is no room for name calling or ignorant responses here. If you dont have something important to say or to help the cause, move on. I could care less what you think. Im sure if this conversation was face to face with any of us, you'd think twice about saying it. HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR?
Way to go Lori!! You took the words right out of my mouth!!
I sent an email to RJBA on the 28th of July about them backing off,canceling,my account ect...
They finally emailed me back today.
Here's the kicker.You know the part of SK contract that says: When This Agreement Ends
Wll they inserted RJBA next to all the places it says SK.Like it's their contract.
I copied off the email and took it to my Lawyer at Iowa Legal Aid today.
This is a debt collector
Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
5 Industrial Way
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 890-1644
(603) 890-6790 (fax)
(866) 890-1644 (toll-free)
The law offices of Richard J. Boudreau & Associates is accepting applications for ? TELEPHONE COLLECTORS No Experience Needed. Please call 866-890-1644 ex.461 view or apply to job
From Monster - 30 days ago - save job - block
I think you need to start hiring people who are trained and understand the harrasment laws in each state. Also your people should not be disrespectful to the people they are calling.
Called my work place, they stated my full SSN, address for work, and first name, starting stating that I owed Bank of America, last paymnt date May 2006 for $10.00, then asked if I was who they called for. I said that the employee by that name was not in the office and were they calling for her or one of our 400+ clients and explained to the person that we assist people who are dealing with debt collectors. They were very demading and rude, threatened legal action and hung up on me when I could and would not produce the information they demanded, I am looking to legal action. I asked them if there was anything the needed to say to me, they said no. They did not feel they needed to say the debt collectors mini-miranda, because they claimed to be calling from a debt collection law firm. I just laughed, they apparently did not know that debt collection lawyers are considered to on equal planes as a regular debt collector, (Heintz vs. Jenkins 1995 US Supreme Court overturned the prior exemption!).
they keep calling here, which is a business, saying they are attorneys boudreaux. when now it appears they are nothing more than a debt collector.
They use the ruse of being an attorney because they figure it will scare whom ever they are calling. THE ONLY TIME AN ATTORNEY WILL CALL IS IF THEY HAVE ALREADY SENT A LETTER, SOMETIMES A REGISTERED LETTER! Attorneys and their lakkies don't waste their time calling and harrassing unless they have already forewarned you with a letter.
Thanks Gerri...yep, we know. We're trying to get the word out:)
Likely Richard J. Boudreau Assoc. (see 866-890-1644)from the messages left after the call comes through.
This is a Junk Debt Buyer of Charged off. They are bottom feeders that have nasty & hateful empolyees.
No problem! I hope this gets worked out.
All of you on here wanting to celbrate victory are celebrating way too early. There is NO fee for child support to be collected EVER!!!! If you cant get it through your state then you should keep trying....All these collection agencies are worthless....I am telling you this from the other side of the fence as a wife of a husband who has to pay to SupportKids. They have been taking money for 5 years and only a small portion reached the child and the state is suing SupportKids on behalf of the child to get his money back from them. And as for the RJB comapany they are no better they are still going to charge you for what is rightfully your kids is BS!!! The state doesnt charge you why should someone else who is trying to help you? And when I called asking where our payments were going I got put on hold and then the lies started!! Just a heads up.
Sign me up for a class action lawsuit if you get one started!! misty88s@gaggle.net
Please read my latest post about SK/RJBA dated 8/16.
Hi, my name is Sherri. I posted a comment a few weeks ago on here about my issues with support kids and RJBA. I to have sent a certified letter with return reciept on it and a email to RJBA stating I don't want their services. I have not heard from them at all. I never recieved the packet that they said they were going to send. So I have signed nothing with them. But I may have found a way to bring some media attention to all this. I contacted a local new station here in oklahoma a couple of weeks ago. I recieve a call today that they want to talk to me about doing a news story on this whole thing. I am going to call back and see what we need to do. I will keep you informed. Maybe this nightmare will soon be over for everyone that ever trusted these people to begin with.
Sherrie,
I would be very interested in hearing about any media involvement. Things have pretty much been at a stand still lately and any rejuvenation would be wonderful... I knew in the beginning there would be a lot of time involved in this push...Thanks, Teri
Ok guys this is Sherri and I have a update. Channel 9 news in the state of Oklahoma is sending a consumer watch person named Amanda Taylor to my house tomorrow. She will be here at 2:30 tomorrow. I spoke with her on the phone and she is hoping that we can get some attention brought to this. I am hoping maybe that we can even bring some national attention to this. Keep your fingers crossed. I will update as soon as the interview is over tomorrow.
Thanks for the update....much appreciated!
Thats awesome Sherri!! I wish I could see that here in Cali:)
Hello all this is Sherri. Okay here goes. I spoke with some lady at RJBA this morning. I let her do her bs on what they are claiming to have done on my case. NOTHING! I then proceeded to tell her that I had sent them a certified letter and that I had a reporter coming to my home about their company and my case. Well really quick she told me to hang on a minute. About two minutes later some rude guy got on the phone. He proceeded to tell me he didn't care if I had the president himself at my house I would not be let out of my contract. To which I kinda laughed. He didn't like when I told him that they were a bunch of scam artists and hung up on me. The reporter came to my house at 2:30 as planned. She is the nicest person I could have hoped to get involved in this. She asked what I ultimately wanted out of this. I told her I didn't just want help for myself but for everyone else, all of you who are going through the same thing. I want some national attention brought to this as well. She has assured me that she is looking into all of this and had already pulled their BBB reports and was shocked. The story is supose to air in about two weeks. She is having the legal department look at copies of all my Agreement for Services I signed with Support Kids. She says she will find someone to listen to us. I will not give up. I have sent a letter to President Obama and several Represenatives in Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Attorney General. I will scream till someone listens. I think we may have an angel in Amanda Taylor from Channel 9 news in Oklahoma. Only time will tell but I am hopeful. I hope this might give some hope to everyone.
Hey Sherri,
Thanks for the update. Please let me know if you need any other information. Were you able to speak with her about the petition and how many are affected that we know of? This is very promising....
Teri
Hey this is Sherri, I have a question if anyone can answer. How do I go about doing a change of address and a revocation of Poer of attorney? In the power of attorney thing it asks for a date i assume the original one was signed. But I am not sure when i signed it. So what do I do. And who do I change my address with? Sorry if I seem really stupid but these things confuse me. And another thing I was told by the RJBA rep that I signed I contract with Supportkids LLC and that is who owned my case. Well the Agreement for services I signed says that the contract is between me and Support Kids Inc. So they don't even know what they are saying.
Hi Sherri,
http://www.free-legal-document.com/revoke-a-power-of-attorney.html
That link has a sample revocation of PoA form, the only date needed is the day it is signed in front of the notary public.
You should send a notarized copy of that form to #1 Support Kids, #2 RJBA & #3 Your state CSE office.
In the mailing to your CSE office just add an official change of address notice, that doesn't need to be notarized.
Return receipt is recommended, and once you get the green card in the mail, call & follow up with your local CSE to make sure that the address change was enacted.
Ok just to be sure the change of address is the card from the post office?
No, Not a card from the post office, just a letter notifying your state CSE that you want your official mailing address on your account changed to YOUR current address.
Sorry I wasn't clear on that
This is Sherri by the way, Thanks so much I am just trying to get all of this changed. I am taking care of all of this tomorrow. Between dealing with these stupid people and my stupid ex husband my head hurts and I don't think so straight.LOL. Thanks again for all the help.
I also live in Iowa,and my case apparently has not been transferred.However,all case work and updates have ceased until issues are worked out with the state of Illinois where my ex lives.This is going on with all cases in Illinois not just mine. I e-mailed the AG office in Illinois today to see what is going on hopefully I will get a response soon.Since my case was not transferred I don't think I can get out of my contract.Meanwhile my support checks will be where? Got to say that I admire all the hard work you all have done,it's to bad we have to waste so much time trying to get what is rightfully ours,if only our states would have given such an effort none of us would be in this situation.Iowa dropped my case after 10 years with nothing.
Thank you Kim...I hope you are keeping updated on all the recent posts as well. We have some great information floating around....
Dear Valued Customer,
Good News!
As of today, Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC has established a new website for its Child Support Enforcement Customers. The address is www.rjba.com . This website allows you to check your account history. In addition, please review the "frequently asked questions" section for helpful information.
http://www.rjba.com/services/faqs.html
Also, recent changes you may not be aware of:
Payment options for Custodial Parents include check and direct deposit to checking/savings
RJBA has partnered with ADP in the processing of payments in the form of direct deposit
Email address for Customer Service childsupport@rjba.com
Thank you for your patience during the transition period from Supportkids Inc. to Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC. We look forward to helping you recover the support monies due you and your family.
Richard J. Boudreau & Associates, LLC
I don't think soo...
Oh ROFLMAO!!! From http://www.rjba.com/services/child_support_enforcement.html
In order to ensure a smooth transition, we need you to complete, initial, and sign a series of forms. They include:
1. Authorization for Release of Information: This form allows Boudreau & Associates to process your payments as your new servicer.
2. Revocation of Prior Authorization for Release of Information: This form stops SupportKids, Inc. from receiving further payments or information about your account.
3. Direct Deposit Information: If you currently have, or wish to have, your child support arrearage payments sent directly to your checking account, then you must sign a new direct deposit authorization form. Please ensure you include a copy of a “VOID” check.
Today I JUST got a letter from NH DOJ re the complaint against RJBA & in their reply, they clearly use the third party assignment argument.
THEY HAVE SO SCREWED THEMSELVES!!!!
Why should there be a need to revoke authorization from SK if they are the third party assigned BY SK???
Their argument is completely rebuked by their own website. I pray that the NH DOJ goes after RJBA with guns a blazing!
Hell all this is Sherri in Oklahoma. I just spoke with the consumer watch person working on all of this for me. She just informed me that Support Kids filed for Bankruptcy last week. She said she called RJBA and talked to them about my case. They told her that they were more than happy to let me out of my contract that they did not want anyone with them that didn't want to be. They gave her a name and a number for me to call to hear it for myself. She is also meeting with the Stat Child Support agency here tomorrow to make sure that they help me collect from my ex for my daughters. She is still going to run the story and try and see what info she can get to help others in this mess. I will keep everyone updated.
It doesnt surprise me that Supportkids filed a BK...They over spent our money I guess. RJBA told her anyone could get out of the contract that didnt want to have their help? Well, lets see how that works out. Thanks so much for keeping us posted....great job and congrats:)
Hi all this is Sherri, Well the news story just aired. I wish that they could have given more of the info that I gave them but I understand that is how the news works. I was happy to see that they named Support Kids and RJBA by name in the story. I don't know that my story will do anything to help anyone else but I hope that it does. I don't plan on just stopping my involvement in this. Not until everyone that wants away from these companies gets out to.
I'm so thankful for all this info. I didn't have any idea that I no longer need to share my child support with a third party collection agency. Today, I called the attorney generals office and got all the info. After completing the form, I can now keep all of my child support. First go to:
www.oag.state.tx.us
child support
interactive
forms
click on form 1A005
The attorney general says, the action is immediate as soon as they receive the signed documents even though Boudreau already has my case. Thanks so much.
Thanks for sharing. Im glad we could help:)
I have not received anything since my child support account was sent to Richard Boudreau from Supportkids.com
I would like to know WHY Supportkids.com is still up and running and taking new account???
My deadbeat, is $70,000.00 in rearages and finally I have supposed to receive a check that no one seems to know where it went. SupportKids won't talk to me and Richard Boudreau has no clue???
What happend to all the money that SupportKids took for what???
I am extremely confused about this whole thing whom do you believe and yet I have lost my job and he is an Alcoholic and Drug Abuser who is now dying of cancer. Where does this end and why is the custodial parent left out to struggle.
Is your case thru the DA? Try a change of address. Send RJBA a term letter. Were you getting money from SK? Start with your local state but read all of the comments on all of my posts about SK and RJBA. You might get some answers.
Iwas with SK since 2000 and at least I got my money! I never had a problem that I couldn't call and have it rectified in short order with them. But since RJBA has had my account (May 2009) I have yet to recive a payment all I have gotten is the run around. They told me that they have a garnishment against the father a month ago and that I would recive a payment in two weeks I'M STILL WAITING!!!! Is there anything I can do I live in Kansas and don't have the resorces to fight a big Law firm. But I've been waiting for 7 months now for my child support Barbara Gray (Nov. 25, 2009)
I will start a complaint here in GA about support kids over charging us @34%. I just called RJBA and was told, I will receive a letter stating that RJBA per the state of Georgia-is requesting to close my case and reopen it with Georgia? Weird. RJBA have just started not charging me their percentage rate. I wonder why. That's proof too!
Not charging you?? Well then, we have made some progress. I wonder what the catch is??? They need to collect money somehow. Maybe they have been charged with collecting money without prior consent from the custodial parent. Interesting.....
I live in Texas and have been reading this blog for the past year. I have a taped voicemail left by one of SK's employees trying to trick me into signing my attorney general rights over to them. I was also told that they would terminate the wage witholding and send the money they collected back to my ex if I did not sign. I thought go ahead. I called the attorney general and found out there was over 2 thousand sitting there. That was about 2 years ago and I was recieving my full child support from the AG since then. In October he was layed off. I started recieving checks from RJBA, no letter, no info, no nothing. I thought who the heck are these people? They were taking 34%. I sent the checks back with a certified letter stating my rights and that I would not sign anything (also included a collection letter that support kids turned me into.) I pretty much told them to get in line, it seems like they all 3 want a piece of my support. The last two checks I recieved were for the full amount, I still did not sign them. I recieved a call last night from RJBA, Keith Wright, very rude and said to quit sending the checks back, that RJBA has no contract with me and that he sent me a letter stating this. Told him I recieved no letter only checks. He said if I sent the checks back he would tear them up and then later told me he would send the money back to my ex. I asked for his extension and he told me I didn't need it that they have no business with me. He said I need to tell my ex to stop sending them money, called ex and he said money is taken out of his unemployment check before he gets it, thought the AG was getting it. Don't be tricked by these people, be persistant. I will wait and see if a letter arrives and then take it to the child support office. I also noticed the RJBA has changed it's website pertaining to SK. When I first read it it stated that if you have not recieved a payment in over a year your contract could be broke. I didn't see that on there today, I also stated that in my first letter to them. Hope this helps.
Kelly
We are apparently one of the few who are well-satisfied with Support Kids, and ,also, RJBoudreaux. The ex-husband is an itinerant carpenter in the Far West, who works mainly for cash. There was no way at all for us to locate him, much less, get any child support. Support Kids found him, kept up with him, and got regular payments for us. 2/3's of something is WAY better than 100% of nothing. A small price to pay, I would say.
WOW.. I looked up the website for SupportKids.com and was just bout to enter my info but decided to do some investigations first, Thank GOD I did... this blog is the best thing that could happed to the new but I my heart goes out to the ones of you have whom have suffered from these drastic measures...
My ex owes my over $52,000 and I was just informed that the AG office tells the non-custodial parents that as long as they make any payment they will be fine.. she states that if they make a $20-$100 a month, it shows they are doing something...
My daughter is not graduating from high school. So I guess I will have to hire an attorney..
I guess I really need to pick my battles...100% of nothing or $20 to $100 a month...
Thanks to all you have enlightened me on SupportKids, but if they are allegedly gone under, how in the hell was I able to pull all their info up..SCARY!!!!
I meant she is now graduating from high school. It is 4:30am here in Texas.
Im so glad you found my blog and it stopped you from making a mistake. Ive done my job:)
Are you all still fighting Supportkids?
My contract with support kids was sent to RJBA only because I live in a different state /then where the father live. Now my case is with a Lawyer in the state in which I live. Sorry, mj
I am sooo proud to say that I have been released from my contract with supportkids and my case is now closed! Thanks you all for ALL the information- it REALLY did help me!!!
That is so awesome Brandy!! I love hearing when something positive happens secondary to comments that have been posted on my blog. Have a very Merry Christmas:)
I have been trying for 3 years to get out of my contract with them just found out yesterday they're holding $1,488 of my money they say they're researching because if it was a tax intercept I get it all if not they still get their 34% this company is not out of business I repeat it is not out of business still can't get nowhere with them I will try the number above and see what they can tell me
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