When Is Child Support Late

Credit Report Scores - Who Determines Them?

There are three major credit reporting agencies: , , and .

Each of these credit reporting agencies receives information from credit grantors such as credit card companies, stores granting credit, mortgage companies, and banks. They compile your credit history and compute your credit report scores.

They provide your history and credit report scores to others who have a genuine interest in your credit worthiness.

Deadbeat Parents and Child Support

If your deadbeat parent owes more than $1,000, you should make sure his debt is reported to the major credit bureaus:

Equifax Credit Reporting Agency
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Telephone: (800) 685-1111

Experian Credit Reporting Agency (formerly TRW)
Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
Telephone: (888)-EXPERIAN(397-3742)

Trans Union Credit Reporting Agency
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064
Telephone: (800) 888-4213

Most state Department of Social Services agencies send credit reporting agencies monthly lists of deadbeat parents who are more than $1,000 behind in their support payments after giving obligors notice and an opportunity to contest the overdue amount.

If you are having trouble finding your deadbeat parent, please consider using the resoucres of Net Detective.

Credit Report Scores - How to See Them

Each of the three credit reporting agencies can provide you with a one-time copy of your credit report. Equifax, Experian, for example, will provide your report online for a fee of $9. Trans Union charges from $7.50 to $9 for your credit report.

All three credit reporting agencies will also provide a one-time copy of a "3-in-1" credit report. This contains your credit reports and your credit report scores from all three reporting agencies. Trans Union charges $34.95 while Equifax and Experian each charge $39.95.

Credit Report Scores - Improving Then

A good score helps you get the best loans. The loan officer will be glad to see you because you will:

• Qualify for a larger loan
• Get a loan faster
• Get the best interest rates.