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 North Carolina, the Child Support Services (CSS) division within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides child support services similar to those described. The CSS offers these services to custodial parents, guardians, and non-custodial parents at minimal or no cost. The primary goal is to ensure that children receive support from both parents 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 CSS works towards the best interest of the child, it does not represent either parent in legal matters. Instead, it operates on behalf of the state to ensure that parental responsibilities are met. Parents or guardians in need of these services can apply through the county CSS offices or online through the state's official CSS website.