At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian child support lawyers are skilled, reliable, and solutions-driven advocates for parents. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, our firm is always prepared to go the extra mile to protect your best interests. If you have any questions or concerns about a child support case, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Meridian law office for a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation.

What to Know About Child Support Laws in Idaho

As a parent in Meridian who is divorced or separated, you may have questions about how child support actually works. Though the federal government can sometimes get involved (such as for enforcing overdue child support with the interception of a tax refund), child support cases are generally handled at the state level. Child support in Idaho is established under Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Idaho Code. There are also official child support guidelines in place. Here is an overview of the key things that parents in Meridian, ID should know about child support: 

  • How Much Child Support: To determine the amount of child support, Idaho applies the Income Shares Model. The approach estimates what parents would have spent on the child if they lived together. Each parent is then assigned a share of support proportional to income, and it is adjusted for parenting time.
  • How Long for Child Support: Support generally continues until the child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 19. With that being said, a court in Ada County may extend support for disabled children who remain dependent. To be clear, duration is statutory and not subject to waiver by agreement.
  • When Can Child Support Change: In Idaho, child support orders may be modified if a material and significant change in circumstances occurs. Some common examples include a job loss, one parent’s financial windfall, or changes in custody. Either parent may petition the court for a review of a modification. 
  • How Unpaid Child Support is Collected: There are many legal tools available to challenge overdue child support. Indeed, nonpayment of child support can result in wage garnishment, suspension of licenses, tax refund interception, or contempt proceedings. Idaho courts have broad authority to enforce compliance. 

How Our Meridian Child Support Lawyers Can Help

Child support cases can be complicated. As a parent in Idaho, you may have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At Foley Freeman, PLLC, we are proud to be leaders in family law. With an office right here in Meridian, our attorneys are community-focused and results-driven. You can learn more about the firm and contact us directly with specific questions about your case. Along with other things, our Meridian child support lawyers are ready to: 

  • Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of your case; 
  • Gather and organize all supporting financial documents and records; 
  • Represent you in any child support negotiations with your co-parent; and
  • Take your child support case as far as needed to get the best outcome. 

Child Support in Meridian: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can child support be agreed on outside of court in Idaho?

Yes, parents in Meridian may reach an agreement. Though in a divorce, that agreement must be approved by the court. Judges review the agreement to confirm it meets guideline standards. Courts in Ada County give parents wide latitude to come to their own agreement, especially when they have professional legal representation.

Does overtime income count toward child support in Idaho?

Yes, all income/financial resources count. That means that overtime and bonuses are considered if they are regular and reliable. However, courts may exclude irregular or speculative income if they are not reflective of a parent’s true financial means.

How often can child support be reviewed in Idaho?

Under Idaho Code § 32-709, support can be reviewed every three years. It can also be modified earlier if a material and substantial change in circumstances is shown. Either parent may file the motion for a change. 

Contact Our Meridian, ID Child Support Attorney Today

At Foley Freeman, PLLC, our Meridian family lawyers have extensive experience handling child support cases. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, we are here as a family law resource. Contact us right away to arrange your fully private, no obligation case evaluation. With an office in Meridian, we represent parents in child support cases in Ada County and all across the wider region.