Child Support & Paternity
Child support helps meet a child’s everyday needs, including health insurance coverage and child care. St. Louis County Child Support Services works with parents to establish parentage, establish or change support orders, and collect court-ordered support. The County Attorney’s Office handles legal proceedings for the County’s child support program.
Apply for services or contact your worker
For an application, questions about payments or help with an existing child support case, contact St. Louis County Child Support Services:
Duluth: 218-726-2016
Virginia: 218-471-7126
Apply for child support services
Contact Child Support Services and find program information
Establishing paternity
Paternity establishes a child’s legal relationship with their father. Depending on the circumstances, paternity may be established through marriage, a Recognition of Parentage or a court order. Child Support Services can explain available services and coordinate genetic testing when appropriate.
Establishing parentage has legal consequences. If you have questions about signing a Recognition of Parentage or about your individual rights, seek legal advice before signing.
Learn about establishing parentage in Minnesota
Support orders and changes
Support orders may include basic support, medical support and child care support. The amount is determined under Minnesota law and depends on the circumstances of the case.
If your circumstances have changed or support is not being paid, contact your child support worker to discuss the available review or enforcement process. A change in income does not automatically change a court order.
Who our attorneys represent
County attorneys represent the public child support agency. They do not represent either parent or provide personal legal advice. You may have your own attorney advise or represent you.
Child Support Services does not handle divorce, custody or parenting-time disputes. For help with those issues, use the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s self-help resources or consult an attorney.
Find family court information and self-help resources
Find a lawyer