Meridian Child Custody Attorney

At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian child custody lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights as a parent. We are skilled, knowledgeable, and solutions-focused. Going through a custody case can be challenging. You need legal representation that you can trust when it matters the most. If you have any questions or concerns about a child custody dispute, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Meridian law office for a fully confidential consultation with a top-rated Idaho family law attorney.

Understanding Child Custody Laws in Idaho

As a parent in Meridian of young kids or teenagers who is going through a divorce or a separation, it is normal to feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn next. It is imperative that you have an understanding of the Idaho child custody laws. Child custody in Idaho is governed by Title 32 of the Idaho Code. Notably, custody cases determine both the legal authority to make decisions for a child and the physical placement of the child. Here is an overview of some of the key points that parents in Meridian should know about Idaho state law:

Legal Custody: Legal custody is decision-making power. It is the authority to make decisions about education, health care, and religious upbringing. In Idaho, courts often lean heavily towards awarding joint legal custody so both parents remain involved. However, sole legal custody can be awarded when cooperation is not possible or not best for the child.
Physical Custody: Physical custody determines where the child lives day to day. Idaho law encourages frequent and continuing contact with both parents when it serves the child’s best interests. Physical custody also usually addresses the concept of child visitation. In Idaho, parenting plans are often used (and tailored) to the needs of each family.
Best Interests of the Child Standard: Idaho law requires judges to apply the best interests of the child standard in every case. Under state law(Idaho Code § 32-717), courts are directed to consider a range of factors when evaluating custody. These include the child’s relationship with each parent, stability of the home environment, and the ability of each parent to provide care.
Modification of Custody: Custody orders are not permanent. The law in Idaho recognizes that things change. A custody order/arrangement that once worked well may no longer be suitable for your family. A parent may request modification if there is a substantial and material change in circumstances. Courts will only approve changes if they benefit the child.

How Our Meridian Child Custody Lawyer Can Help

For parents, navigating a child custody and/or child visitation case can be complicated. It is normal to be filled with questions about your rights and your options. At Foley Freeman, PLLC, we are proud to be parents first. You can learn more about the firm and contact us directly with specific questions about your family law case. Our team is proactive. When you reach out to our Meridian law office, you will be able to connect directly with an Idaho child custody lawyer who can:

Listen to your story and answer your child custody questions;
Investigate your case, gathering all relevant supporting evidence;
Advocate for you in child custody settlement negotiations with your co-parent; and
Develop a comprehensive child custody strategy designed to protect your parental rights.

Child Custody in Meridian: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can parents make their own custody agreement in Idaho?

Yes. In fact, they are encouraged to do so. Parents can agree on custody and submit a parenting plan to the court. Judges usually approve such agreements. Though they need to serve the child’s best interests. Still, Idaho law strongly encourages parental cooperation.

What happens if a parent violates a custody order in Idaho?

The other parent can file a motion for enforcement. Courts may impose sanctions, change parenting time, or hold the violating parent in contempt. Still, when this happens, it is usually best for parents to try to start by addressing the matter at the lowest possible level of conflict.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Idaho?

There is no set age. Courts may consider a child’s preference if they are old enough to express a reasoned choice. The final decision always rests with the judge. For reference, courts in Idaho will often let children who are 12 and older provide input. Though kids do not make the final call.

Contact Our Meridian, ID Child Custody Attorney for Immediate Help

At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian child custody lawyer is standing by, ready to help you establish and protect your rights. Contact our family firm today for your strictly confidential case evaluation. From our office in Meridian, we represent parents in custody and visitation cases in Ada County and throughout the region in Idaho.

Testimonials

Mark Freeman and the Team at Foley Freeman have assisted my family & me with personal and business matters for many years. They have always provided a service that is friendly and welcoming, while implementing a professional, diligent service. They have assisted us with matters such as defense, estate planning, Buy Sell Agreements, liquidation negotiation and purchases, real estate ventures, and lien filings. I would highly recommend the team at Foley Freeman for any of your legal needs.

Keith Lewis

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the attorneys at Foley Freeman PLLC for more than twenty years. They have professionally and successfully represented my interests in personal and business matters, including assisting with business purchase and sale agreements, contract reviews, estate planning, and arbitration issues. I recommend them without hesitation.

Steve Sedlacek

Mark Freeman is our most trusted attorney for all of our estate planning needs. He and his staff were of the utmost professionalism and walked my wife and me through all the steps to make sure we had our assets, including properties in multiple states, our life insurance, and money protected for our children and future family legacy. He answered every question we asked, and even addressed issues that could come up that we hadn’t thought of. I highly recommend Mark for any estate planning needs.

Steve Angiolini

Foley Freeman was amazing to work with! We have never needed legal counseling before and contacted them with time-sensitive needs. They were very kind, eager, and thoroughly explained everything to us. We were not pressured to make decisions or made to feel that our “small” legal issue was a waste of their time. Highly recommend their services to anyone with any legal needs.

Candice M. Sumner

I just want to say thank you. This was the first time I have ever hired a lawyer, and I must say that I made an excellent choice when I went with you. You were very prompt in responding to my queries and did an excellent job. I will definitely recommend you to anyone in need of a lawyer.

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We are Leaders in Child Custody Law in Meridian