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 West Virginia (WV), the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) under the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) performs functions similar to those described for the Child Support Division in the Office of the Attorney General in other states. The BCSE provides child support services to custodial and non-custodial parents, often for a minimal fee or no cost. The agency assists with locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and setting up, enforcing, and modifying child support and medical support orders. Additionally, the BCSE is responsible for the collection and distribution of child support payments. While the BCSE works to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children, it does not represent either parent in legal matters. Instead, it represents the state's interest in securing financial support for children.