Child support offices help ensure that children receive financial support from both parents by establishing support orders, collecting and distributing payments, and enforcing compliance when support goes unpaid — providing a critical safety net for millions of families nationwide.
There are 52 states with Child Support Offices locations across the United States. The federal child support program collects over $30 billion in support payments annually on behalf of approximately 15 million children, making it one of the most cost-effective family support programs administered by the federal government.
Child Support Offices in the United States
Browsing by state helps custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and legal guardians locate the child support enforcement office serving their county or city so they can open a case, check payment status, request a modification, or inquire about enforcement actions.
Common Services
- Child support order establishment and genetic paternity testing
- Child support payment collection and custodial parent disbursement
- Enforcement of delinquent support through wage withholding and license suspension
- Child support order modification based on changed circumstances
To open a child support case, contact your state or county child support office and bring a government-issued ID, the child's birth certificate, and any existing custody or divorce decrees. Services are available at little or no cost, and the agency can help locate the non-custodial parent if their address is unknown.
For official information, visit Office of Child Support Services (ACF).
About Child Support Offices
Child support enforcement offices are state and local government agencies that help establish, enforce, and modify child support orders to ensure children receive financial support from both parents. These offices are funded through a federal-state partnership administered by the Office of Child Support Services within the Administration for Children and Families, and services are available to custodial and non-custodial parents as well as legal guardians.
Common Services
- Child support order establishment and paternity determination
- Child support payment collection and disbursement
- Enforcement of support orders through wage garnishment and other means
- Child support modification requests based on changed circumstances
To apply for child support services, contact your state or county child support office and bring identification, proof of the child's relationship to the non-custodial parent, and any existing court orders. Services are generally available at low or no cost, and the agency can assist with locating the other parent if their whereabouts are unknown.
For official information, visit Office of Child Support Services (ACF).