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 Idaho, the Child Support Services (CSS) within the Department of Health and Welfare provides child support services similar to those described. The CSS assists individuals by locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, and setting up, enforcing, and modifying child support and medical support orders. Additionally, the division is responsible for the collection and distribution of child support payments. While the CSS offers these services to help ensure that children receive support from both parents, it is important to note that the office represents the state's interest in securing this support, not the individual parents. Services are typically available to all parents for a minimal fee or no cost at all, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent parents from seeking assistance in child support matters.