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.

Child Support in Wisconsin

10 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

10 Resources

1. Wisconsin Bureau of Child Support (BCS) — Free

State agency within the Department of Children and Families administering Wisconsin's child support program including establishing paternity, setting orders, enforcing payments, and processing modifications. Fathers can open cases, request reviews, and track payments online. Serves statewide through county child support agencies. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, and any existing orders to establish or modify a case.

608-266-9909 · 201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Milwaukee County Child Support Agency — Free

Wisconsin's largest county child support office serving Milwaukee County with paternity establishment, order setting, modification, enforcement, and license suspension reviews. Fathers can open or review cases, set up payments, and request modifications after income changes. Located in the downtown courthouse. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders to your first appointment.

414-615-2500 · 901 N 9th St, Room 101, Milwaukee, WI 53233 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Racine County Child Support Agency — Free

Serves Racine County residents with the full range of child support services including paternity establishment, order setting, modification, enforcement, and interstate case coordination. Fathers can open cases, request reviews, and resolve arrears questions. Walk-in intake during business hours. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or court papers to your first meeting.

262-636-3175 · 730 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

4. Winnebago County Child Support Agency (Oshkosh) — Free

Serves Oshkosh and Winnebago County with child support establishment, paternity testing, order collection, modification, and enforcement services. Fathers can open cases, schedule reviews, and handle interstate transfers. Located in the county administration building. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or court paperwork to your intake appointment for fastest processing.

920-236-4600 · 320 Washington Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Rock County Child Support Agency (Janesville) — Free

Serves Janesville, Beloit, and Rock County with child support services including paternity establishment, order setting, modification, collection, and enforcement. Fathers can open cases, request reviews after job changes, and set up income withholding. Located in the county courthouse. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing court orders to your intake appointment.

608-757-5400 · 51 S Main St, Janesville, WI 53545 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. La Crosse County Child Support Agency — Free

Serves La Crosse County and surrounding western Wisconsin with child support establishment, paternity testing, order modification, collection, and enforcement services. Fathers can open cases, request modifications after income changes, and track payments. Located downtown. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or interstate paperwork to your intake appointment for efficient processing.

608-785-6130 · 300 N 4th St, La Crosse, WI 54601 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Marathon County Child Support Agency (Wausau) — Free

Serves Wausau and Marathon County with child support establishment, paternity, order setting, modification, and enforcement services covering central Wisconsin. Fathers can open cases, request reviews, and handle interstate matters. Walk-in and phone intake available. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or court paperwork to your first appointment for fastest case setup.

715-261-1900 · 500 Forest St, Wausau, WI 54403 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

8. Eau Claire County Child Support Agency — Free

Serves Eau Claire County with child support establishment, paternity testing, collection, modification, and enforcement services for western Wisconsin families. Fathers can open cases, request order reviews, and set up income withholding. Located in the county government center. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders to your intake appointment for efficient case processing.

715-839-2336 · 721 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Sheboygan County Child Support Agency — Free

Serves Sheboygan County with the full range of child support services including paternity establishment, order setting, modification, collection, and enforcement. Fathers can open cases, request reviews after job or custody changes, and resolve arrears. Walk-in intake available during business hours. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or court papers to your first appointment.

920-459-3120 · 615 N 6th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Fond du Lac County Child Support Agency — Free

Serves Fond du Lac County with child support establishment, paternity testing, order modification, collection, and enforcement services for east-central Wisconsin. Fathers can open cases, request order reviews after income changes, and track payment history. Located in the county center. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders to your intake for quickest case setup.

920-929-3330 · 160 S Macy St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 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.