Wisconsin Bureau of Child Support (BCS)

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.

More Child Support in Wisconsin

• Milwaukee County Child Support Agency — Wisconsin's largest county child support office serving Milwaukee County with paternity establishment, order setting, modification, enforcem
• Racine County Child Support Agency — Serves Racine County residents with the full range of child support services including paternity establishment, order setting, modification,
• Winnebago County Child Support Agency (Oshkosh) — Serves Oshkosh and Winnebago County with child support establishment, paternity testing, order collection, modification, and enforcement ser
• Rock County Child Support Agency (Janesville) — Serves Janesville, Beloit, and Rock County with child support services including paternity establishment, order setting, modification, colle
• La Crosse County Child Support Agency — Serves La Crosse County and surrounding western Wisconsin with child support establishment, paternity testing, order modification, collectio
• Marathon County Child Support Agency (Wausau) — Serves Wausau and Marathon County with child support establishment, paternity, order setting, modification, and enforcement services coverin

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.