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 Missouri, the Child Support program is administered by the Family Support Division (FSD) under the Department of Social Services, rather than the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The FSD provides child support services to custodial and noncustodial parents, including locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and establishing, enforcing, and modifying child and medical support orders. The FSD also handles the collection and distribution of child support payments. These services are generally available to all parents for little or no cost. It is important to note that while the FSD assists with these matters, it does not represent either parent in a legal sense. Instead, the FSD represents the state's interest in ensuring that children receive financial support from both parents. Parents who require legal representation must seek their own private attorney.