If you are on public assistance, the County Attorney's Office will pursue an order for child support or paternity. If the father signs a Recognition of Parentage, the county will seek only a child support order which will NOT address legal custody, physical custody, or parenting time. If the father does not sign a Recognition of Parentage, then the county will start a paternity action which will address child support, legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time. If you are not on public assistance, you can still apply for services from the county's Child Support Office for a $25 fee; however, the County Attorney's Office might not pursue your case very quickly if you are not on public assitance. You may bring your own action to pursue child support but the type of action you will need to bring will depend upon whether the father signs the Recognition of Parentage. Many attorneys offer a free consultation if you want further information.

If you are on public assistance, the County Attorney's Office will pursue an order for child support or paternity. If the father signs a Recognition of Parentage, the county will seek only a child support order which will NOT address legal custody, physical custody, or parenting time. If the father does not sign a Recognition of Parentage, then the county will start a paternity action which will address child support, legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time. If you are not on public assistance, you can still apply for services from the county's Child Support Office for a $25 fee; however, the County Attorney's Office might not pursue your case very quickly if you are not on public assitance. You may bring your own action to pursue child support but the type of action you will need to bring will depend upon whether the father signs the Recognition of Parentage. Many attorneys offer a free consultation if you want further information.