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 Louisiana (LA), the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) services are provided by the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) rather than the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). These services are available to custodial parents, guardians, or legal custodians who want to establish or enforce child support orders. The CSE program assists by locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, setting up child and medical support orders, enforcing those orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. While the CSE provides these services, it does not represent either parent but rather acts in the interest of the child. The goal is to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial support of their children. Services are typically provided for a minimal fee or at no cost to the applicant, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent parents from seeking assistance.