Child Support in North Dakota

3 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

3 Resources

1. North Dakota Child Support Division — Free

State agency responsible for establishment, enforcement, and modification of child support orders across North Dakota, including paternity establishment and interstate case coordination. The Bismarck office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at 1600 E Century Ave. Call (701) 328-3582 to open or update a case. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for you and the child, existing court orders, and recent pay stubs.

(701) 328-3582 · 1600 E Century Ave Suite 7, Bismarck, ND 58503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement — Free

Federal clearinghouse providing policy guidance, parent education, and interstate coordination for North Dakota child support cases crossing state lines. Reach the D.C. office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at (202) 401-9373 or use the acf.hhs.gov/css site for self-service tools. Useful for fathers with orders issued in another state. Have case numbers, state of origin, and the children's information ready when you call.

(202) 401-9373 · Federal resource · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. National Child Support Enforcement Association — Free

National membership association offering fathers plain-language resources on child support rights, enforcement processes, and modification procedures applicable in North Dakota. The Washington D.C. office is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at (202) 624-8180. Visit ncsea.org for guides and member directories. Useful before filing a modification request. Have your current order, income information, and case number ready when you reach out.

(202) 624-8180 · National resource · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.