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 South Dakota, the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) within the Department of Social Services operates similarly to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in other states, providing child support services to custodial and non-custodial parents. These services are typically offered at low or no cost. The CSSD represents the state's interest in ensuring that both parents contribute to the financial support of their children, rather than representing individual parents. The division assists with locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and setting up, enforcing, and modifying child support and medical support orders. Additionally, the CSSD is responsible for the collection and distribution of child support payments. It's important to note that while the CSSD facilitates these services, it does not act as a legal representative for either parent in personal legal matters related to child support.