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 New Mexico (NM), the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) within the New Mexico Human Services Department operates similarly to the Child Support Division in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) described for most states. The CSED provides child support services to custodial and non-custodial parents, often for a minimal fee or no cost at all. These services include locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and setting up, modifying, and enforcing child support and medical support orders. Additionally, the CSED is responsible for the collection and distribution of child support payments. It's important to note that while the CSED assists with these matters, it does not represent either parent in a legal sense. Instead, the division represents the state's interest in ensuring that both parents contribute to the financial support of their children.