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 Illinois, the Child Support Services division of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) provides similar services to those described for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in other states. The division assists individuals by locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and setting up, enforcing, and modifying child support and healthcare orders. Additionally, the division is responsible for the collection and distribution of child support payments. While the services are designed to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents, it is important to note that the division represents the state's interest in securing this support and does not act as an attorney for either parent. Services are typically available at little or no cost to the individuals who request them.