What We Do

The Family Support Division represents the Division of Child Support, a DSHS agency. The division works with child support agencies throughout Washington State, the U.S. and abroad to establish and enforce child support and to protect the best interests of children in accordance with the laws of Washington State.

Collaboration is Key

In cases where an alleged father dies before he has signed a paternity acknowledgment, our office can sometimes facilitate genetic testing using samples collected by the Pierce County Medical Examiner. The deceased's next-of-kin must give permission for the genetic testing, and the mother of the child also has to agree to the testing.

Although this testing isn't court-ordered or required by the federal government's child support program, we believe it is in the best interest of the child so that he or she has genetic certainty, and the potential for financial support through social security benefits.