How to Dispute Child Support on a Credit Report
Navigate the process of correcting erroneous child support data on your credit report to safeguard your financial well-being.
Child support obligations can sometimes appear on a credit report, potentially impacting an individual’s financial standing. While regular, on-time child support payments are not typically reported to credit bureaus, overdue or delinquent payments, often called arrears, can be reported and negatively affect a credit score. These negative entries can remain on a credit report for up to seven years from the date of delinquency, even if the debt is eventually paid.
Identifying the Discrepancy and Assembling Documentation
State child support enforcement agencies are typically responsible for reporting delinquent child support payments to credit bureaus. Federal law mandates that these agencies report arrears of $1,000 or more, or delinquencies lasting more than 60-90 days. Once reported, the unpaid amount can show up as a collection account or judgment, similar to other forms of debt.
To begin, obtain copies of your credit reports from all three major nationwide credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Federal law provides a right to a free copy of your credit report from each bureau every 12 months. You can access these reports weekly for free through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized source for these complimentary reports. Reviewing all three reports is advisable, as information can differ between bureaus.
Once you have your credit reports, carefully examine each one to locate any child support entries. Identify the specific account number, the name of the reporting agency, and the reported amounts, including any principal, interest, or fees. Note the dates of delinquency and the reported balance.
Gathering documentation is essential before initiating any dispute. This includes payment records such as bank statements, canceled checks, wage garnishment statements, or payment receipts that prove payments were made or that the reported amount is incorrect. Court orders or modifications to child support orders are also essential, especially if the support amount changed or was terminated. Records of communication with the child support agency, including letters, emails, or notes from phone calls, can provide valuable context and evidence. If identity theft is suspected, a police report or a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report would be necessary.
Disputing Directly with Credit Bureaus
After identifying the discrepancy and compiling supporting documentation, the next step involves formally disputing the inaccurate child support entry with each relevant credit bureau. Disputing online is often the fastest method, but mail and phone options are also available.
When submitting a dispute, provide your full name, current address, date of birth, and the account number of the disputed item. Clearly explain why you believe the information is inaccurate or incomplete. For instance, specify if payments were made but not recorded, if the amount is incorrect, or if the debt is not yours.
Attach copies of all supporting documentation, such as payment records, court orders, or communication logs. Never send original documents, as they may not be returned. The credit bureau will forward the evidence you submit to the entity that reported the information, known as the data furnisher, for verification.
Once a dispute is filed, credit bureaus are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to investigate the claim within 30 days. Upon completion of the investigation, the credit bureau will inform you of the results, which could include the information being verified, updated, or deleted from your report. If the dispute results in a change, you may receive a free updated copy of your credit report.
Addressing the Reporting Child Support Agency
Disputing directly with the child support agency that reported the information, often called the “furnisher,” is a parallel and effective strategy. This direct approach can be necessary even after disputing with credit bureaus, as the agency holds the original payment records and can directly correct inaccuracies at the source. The FCRA also allows for direct disputes with furnishers.
Begin by identifying the specific state child support agency or collection agency responsible for the reporting. This information should be available on your credit report alongside the disputed entry. Many state child support agencies have customer service lines, online portals, or local offices that can assist with inquiries and disputes.
When contacting the agency, clearly state that you are disputing information they reported to credit bureaus. Provide your full name, case number, and specific details of the reported inaccuracy. Submit copies of the same supporting documentation used for the credit bureau dispute, such as payment records, court orders, or any correspondence that supports your claim.
The child support agency will investigate your claim by reviewing their records and comparing them to the documentation you provided. If their investigation confirms an error or inability to verify the reported information, they are obligated to update or remove the information and notify all credit reporting companies.