Idaho Divorce With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Idaho courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard for all custody decisions. The Focus on Children parenting education program is mandatory when minor children are involved.

Focus on Children — Mandatory

Both parents must complete the "Focus on Children" program (or a court-approved equivalent) when minor children are involved. This is a parenting education class — typically 3–6 hours — focused on helping parents understand how divorce affects children and how to co-parent effectively.

Certificate requirement: Each parent receives a completion certificate and must file it with the District Court. The divorce cannot be finalized until both certificates are on file.

Finding the program: Contact your District Court clerk or visit isc.idaho.gov for approved providers. Online options are available in most counties. Cost: approximately $25–$65 per parent.

Idaho Custody Framework

Legal Custody

• Joint legal custody: Both parents share major decisions — strongly preferred in Idaho when parents can communicate
• Sole legal custody: One parent has authority — when cooperation is impossible or one parent is unfit

Physical Custody

• Primary physical custody: Child primarily lives with one parent
• Joint physical custody: Substantial time with each parent — may affect child support

Best Interests of the Child — Idaho Factors (Idaho Code § 32-717)

Idaho courts consider all relevant factors:

1. Wishes of the parents
2. Wishes of the child (if of sufficient age and maturity)
3. Interaction of the child with each parent, siblings, and significant others
4. Child's adjustment to home, school, and community
5. Mental and physical health of all parties
6. Each parent's ability to meet the child's developmental needs
7. Each parent's willingness to facilitate the child's relationship with the other parent
8. Each parent's character and circumstances
9. History of domestic violence or abuse
10. Any other relevant factor

Domestic violence: Idaho takes domestic violence history seriously in custody determinations.

Parenting Plan — Required

A comprehensive Parenting Plan must be submitted to the District Court. It must address:

• Legal custody designation
• Primary residence and regular parenting schedule
• Holiday and school break schedule
• Healthcare decision-making
• Educational decisions and information sharing
• Transportation and exchange logistics
• Communication between parents
• Relocation provisions
• Dispute resolution (mediation before court)

Idaho Child Support — Income Shares Model

Idaho uses the income shares model (Idaho Child Support Guidelines):

1. Determine both parents' gross monthly income
2. Apply deductions (taxes, FICA, prior support)
3. Use the Idaho Child Support Schedule (combined income and number of children)
4. Allocate proportionally between parents
5. Adjust for health insurance, childcare, parenting time credit

Duration: Child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later (not to exceed age 19).

Income Withholding Order: Idaho courts routinely issue IWOs.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Focus on Children required — both parents — certificate filed | Idaho Code § 32-717 best interests | Joint legal custody preferred | Parenting Plan required | Income shares child support | Support ends at 18/HS graduation | isc.idaho.gov/family-law-self-help

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.