Family law issues are some of the more complex that we deal with at Foley Freeman. The stakes could not be higher. Whether they are seeking a divorce or finalizing an adoption, clients want efficient, stress-free legal services at a reasonable cost. Our firm has tackled a variety of family law issues, so please call a Boise family law attorney to learn more about our services.
Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys
The attorneys at Foley Freeman can assist with all types of family law issues, including those listed here.
Divorce
Idaho recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The fault grounds include:
- Adultery
- Extreme cruelty
- Desertion
- Neglect
- Felony conviction
- Habitual intemperance
- Insanity
Our Boise family law attorneys can help with simple uncontested divorces, or we can negotiate with your spouse’s lawyer to reach common ground on critical issues. We have experience litigating in court when you need a judge to decide important issues.
Child Custody
No issue is more emotional than child custody. Parents can agree to child custody and a parenting plan, but a judge will step in when parents cannot get on the same page. The legal standard for deciding custody is what is in the child’s best interests, and Idaho Code § 32-717 contains a list of factors that guide the judge’s analysis.
Child Support
Idaho has created child support guidelines to simplify the calculation of child support. Nonetheless, some wrinkles can arise, especially if your spouse is trying to suppress their income or if your child has unusual medical or educational needs.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance typically consists of one spouse making regular payments to the other after divorce. In some states, a spouse is entitled to maintenance payments if they have been married for a certain length of time, but Idaho takes a different approach. Typically, we need to show a client lacks sufficient property or job prospects to support themselves. A judge considers many factors when deciding how much maintenance to award and the duration. (See Idaho Code § 32-705).
Division of Community Property
Idaho is a community property state. Most assets a couple acquires while married are community assets, which are divided 50/50 in divorce. Some complicated issues can arise involving, however:
- Whether an asset is community or separate property;
- How to divide business assets, such as a small business;
- Which specific community assets you will take after divorce;
- Dividing retirement accounts the right way.
We can advise clients on which assets to request, based on their post-divorce goals.
Modifications and Enforcement
Sometimes disputes continue even after a judge hands down the divorce decree. We can help if you are trying to enforce a child support or custody order, or if you need to modify it due to life changes. Neither process is easy, and judges do not simply rubber stamp your request. Hire a seasoned family law attorney for help.
Paternity Actions
A man has no legal right to see a child until he establishes paternity, and the state cannot demand child support until paternity is established. Typically, a DNA test establishes paternity. Let us guide you through the process and discuss what happens next. Once a judge determines a man is the father, the court quickly moves onto consideration of child support.
Adoptions
Adding to your family is a great joy. Foley Freeman can help with various adoptions including:
- Stepparent adoptions
- Foster care adoptions
- Closed or open adoptions
- Independent adoptions
- Interstate adoptions
We can discuss the requirements, including the home study and what to expect. Even those going through an adoption agency should seek independent legal advice.
Guardianships
Our firm can help anyone seeking to be appointed guardian for someone else who cannot make decisions for themselves. Often, our clients seek guardianship for an elderly parent, an adult with special needs, or a minor under 18.
Our firm can also help clients seek a conservatorship, in which a court appoints them to manage someone’s finances.
Serving the Boise Community
Our firm opened its doors in 1978 in a small house in Meridian. From these humble beginnings, we have grown to become a recognizable feature of the Idaho legal landscape, with thousands of satisfied customers in different parts of the state. Our lawyers are leaders in the industry and maintain current knowledge of changes in Idaho family law, which we leverage for the benefit of our clients. We offer our Boise clients the same legal knowledge and attention to detail that we have offered the public for decades.
Schedule a Consultation with a Boise Family Law Attorney
Anyone confronting a family law issue should reach out to Foley Freeman today to talk with a lawyer. We offer private, individual consultations where you can openly discuss your legal issue.