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 Vermont, the Office of Child Support (OCS) within the Department for Children and Families operates similarly to the Child Support Division in the Office of the Attorney General in other states. The OCS provides child support services to both parents and caregivers at little or no cost. The primary goal of the OCS is to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents. The services offered by the OCS include locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, setting up and modifying child and medical support orders, enforcing these orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. It's important to note that while the OCS provides these services, it represents the state's interest in securing financial support for children and does not act as an attorney for either parent in the child support process.