International Cases
The United States government has arrangements with other countries to provide child support services. These international child support agreements specify procedures for establishing and enforcing child support orders across borders.
Contact your child support office to learn how international cases are handled in your state.
The U.S. government has arrangements with these countries to provide child support services. See the latest official list of foreign reciprocating countries (PDF). Click on the link to access the country’s official reference documents.
-
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to apply for services?
No. Residency or citizenship is not required for you to apply for child support services.
-
How do I apply for child support services in the U.S.?
To apply for child support services in the U.S., contact your state or local child support office and ask for an application. Find your state child support agency website and contact information on the federal OCSE online interactive map.
-
What services can a U.S. child support agency provide?
The state child support agency may provide a range of services including:
- locate a missing parent
- establish paternity
- establish a support order
- collect support
- modify and enforce a support order
For information about these services, see the federal Child Support Handbook for Families.
-
How can I learn more about the Hague Treaty for International Child Support?
The President signed the Instrument of Ratification for the Hague Convention on August 30, 2016. The Hague Convention becomes effective about 3 months after the U.S. deposits the Intrument of Ratification with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For more information, see DCL-16-11, IM-15-01 and the Hague Convention resources on the OCSE International webpage.
Top International Cases Resources
OCSE International Program Contact
Use our online webform to ask a questionFrequently Asked Questions for Parents
Published: March 18, 2012Answers to parents' frequently asked questionsU.S. Department of State - Passport Services and Child Support
U.S. Department of State information about passport denial for child support arrearages