Child Support Services

Making or Receiving Child Support Payments


Please note: The Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney – Child Support Services cannot accept payments.
 The Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) provides several payment options at: 
 https://www.dshs.wa.gov/child-support

For questions about:

  • Making or receiving child support payments
  • Modifying a child support order
  • Establishing parentage

Contact DCS at 1-800-442-KIDS (5437).

________________________________________________________________________________________


Our Role


The Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney – Child Support Services is fully funded by and represents the Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) in the following case types:

State-Initiated Cases

  • Establishing parentage and child support (including out-of-county, out-of-state, and Tribal referrals)
  • Modifying existing child support orders
  • Enforcing child support orders by judicial means through civil contempt

Privately-Initiated Family Law Cases

We represent the State’s interest in privately-initiated family law cases when public funds have supported the child (TANF or State medical).

________________________________________________________________________________________


State’s Interest in Your Case


When would there be a “state interest” in your case?

  • The child is receiving TANF benefits
  • There is a debt owed to the State for past TANF
  • The child is receiving State medical benefits and DCS is providing enforcement services

If we determine there is a State interest, our office will:

  • File a Notice of Appearance with the court
  • Send copies to all involved parties

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Service of Legal Documents


Once the other party in your case has been served, you should serve the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney – Child Support Services if any child in your case has received TANF benefits or is currently receiving TANF and/or medical benefits.

You may serve our office in person or by mail at:

Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Child Support Services
 312 SW First Avenue
 Kelso, WA 98626

________________________________________________________________________________________


Notice


The Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office represents the State of Washington and does not represent either parent. Washington State Law and the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit us from offering legal advice or assisting in the completion of legal forms.

If you need legal help, you may:

  • Consult a private attorney
  • Access self-help resources (see below)

________________________________________________________________________________________


Self-Help Resources


________________________________________________________________________________________


Office Information


Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney – Child Support Services
 Hall of Justice

312 SW First Avenue
 Kelso, WA 98626

📞 Phone: 360-577-3074
 🕘 Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM