COVID-19 COVID-19 is currently affecting court and appointment scheduling. If you have a court hearing or office appointment scheduled, please contact Family Support (253-798-7444) several days ahead to confirm the date and time of your hearing or appointment.
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.
Where to Start
The Family Support Division does not represent individuals in child support cases. For a case to be initiated by the Prosecutor's Office, it must be referred by the Division of Child Support (DCS).
Resources
Below are some additional resources for help with child support and family law:
Para asistencia en español, por favor comuníquese con nuestra oficina al número 253-798-2996 o al 253-798-6522.
How can we help?
Pierce County wants to hear from you. Please select one of the following to talk to elected officials and staff, or to report problems in our community.