Child custody and support in Idaho

Custody of the Children In Idaho

Child custody is determined based on what is in the best interest of the child or children involved. The court considers a number of factors to determine what would be in the best interest of the child. These factors include: wishes of the child, the bond between the child’s parents and siblings, wishes of the parents, and the child's adjustment to home, school and his or her surroundings.

The court assumes that a child’s best interest would be served through joint legal custody. Legal custody permits a parent to have decision making power regarding major decisions in a child’s life. Legal custody is not the same as physical custody, and legal custody does not mean that a parent will have 50-50 access to the child.

Idaho Child Support Guidelines

In Idaho, child support guidelines set by the state will apply in virtually every case. Both parents' gross income and certain child related expenses will be taken into consideration when calculating child support. Child support payments shall continue until the child reaches 18 years of age, and will extend through the child's high school education, if that is beyond the 18th birthday.