Child Support Forms by State

By Danielle Gilmore, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed June 13, 2023

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Each state has its own child support laws and guidelines. Parents or legal guardians can petition the court for a child support order to care for the minor child. This may involve using specific state forms. 

Child support is an important (and often difficult) issue for many parents. What is a fair amount to pay? Who determines the child support payment? Will the child support obligation be fair? It can be a difficult endeavor for both parties, aside from the emotional challenges of splitting up a family.

If you're unmarried, you will likely have to get the court to establish the parentage for unmarried fathers. Married parents must deal with custody orders, parenting plans, and possible spousal support. If there are domestic violence issues, you might have to get a protective order/restraining order.

To make the issue a bit more complicated, child support laws and processes vary from state to state. Every child support case is different. However, there are a lot of generalities. That makes out-of-state enforcement easier to navigate. Typically, you can go to a family court through a court order for a child support order. Expect to pay filing fees under some circumstances. Please look at the links below to find state child support forms and related resources for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Get Professional Help With Your Child Support Claim

When it comes to getting the best possible arrangement for your family, brushing up on the law and getting the necessary state child support forms is just the beginning. If you have a simple child support case, look into a self-help center. Or you may need legal advice. If you have additional questions about child support laws in your state or need representation, an experienced, local child support attorney can help.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Some states allow you to set up child support with forms and court processes
  • You may need legal help to set up or modify child support arrangements
  • If there is conflict, an attorney can advise if the other parent’s actions are legal 

Get tailored advice about paying or receiving child support. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

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Don't Forget About Estate Planning

Once new child support arrangements are in place, it’s an ideal time to create or change your estate planning forms. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.

Start Planning