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 Utah, the Child Support Division within the Office of Recovery Services (ORS), which is part of the Utah Department of Human Services, performs functions similar to those described for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in other states. The ORS provides child support services to both parents at low or no cost, regardless of income. The primary goal of the ORS is to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents. The services offered by the ORS include locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, setting up and modifying child support and medical support orders, enforcing child support orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. It's important to note that while the ORS provides these services, it does not represent either parent in legal matters. Instead, the ORS represents the state's interest in securing proper support for children.