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 Maine, the Division of Child Support within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides child support services to parents and guardians. These services are typically offered at low or no cost. The Division's role is to act on behalf of the state's interest in ensuring that both parents contribute to the financial support of their children. The Division does not represent either parent but rather the state in child support matters. Services offered by the Division include locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, setting up and modifying child and medical support orders, enforcing child support orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. It's important to note that while the Division facilitates these processes, it does not act as an attorney for individual parents but rather focuses on the welfare of the child or children involved.