The Child Support Division in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for most states provides child support services at little or no cost to mothers, fathers, and other individuals who request services. When providing child support services, the OAG represents the state and its interest in obtaining the financial support and involvement of both parents, and does not represent either parent in providing child support services. The OAG generally assists in (1) locating absent parents; (2) establishing paternity; (3) establishing, enforcing, and modifying child and medical support orders; and (4) collecting and distributing child support payments.

In Colorado, the Child Support Services (CSS) program, which is part of the Colorado Department of Human Services, performs functions similar to those described for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in other states. The CSS provides assistance to both parents regardless of income, aiming to ensure that children receive financial and emotional support from both parents. This includes locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, setting up child and medical support orders, enforcing those orders, and managing the collection and distribution of child support payments. The services are typically provided for a minimal fee or no cost at all. While the CSS works towards the state's interest in securing child support, it does not represent either parent in legal matters. Instead, parents may need to hire a private attorney if they require legal representation in child support disputes.