At Foley Freeman, our firm has helped clients navigate divorce, establish paternity, modify family law orders, and complete adoptions. We bring a high level of professional expertise to every case we accept. Family law issues can be tense, and our firm has experience in various methods of resolving disputes, including mediation.

We spend a great deal of time getting to know your objectives, which helps us craft individualized legal solutions. To schedule a private consultation, please reach out to a Meridian family law attorney today.

Our Family Law Focus

We have assisted clients with various family law matters, including:

Divorce

We can help clients legally dissolve their marriage based on irreconcilable differences or a fault ground, such as adultery or desertion. Call our office. Our Meridian family law attorneys know how to negotiate an amicable divorce, but we aren’t afraid to litigate, either.

Child Custody

Parents can decide on custody between themselves, or they can ask a judge to decide the issue. Judges follow the best interests of the child standard, which includes consideration of many factors, such as which parent can provide a stable home. Visitation arrangements are also part of this process, and we help parents reach agreements that work for their children and their lives.

Child Support

Idaho has adopted guidelines that judges use to calculate child support. The major factors include each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the details of the custody arrangement. Sometimes a child needs more support for medical expenses or for unusual needs. We can help ensure you receive the child support you are entitled to, or don’t end up paying too much.

Division of Property

Marriage is an economic union, and your community property must be divided in a divorce. Some issues arise regularly, such as trying to determine which assets are community and which are separate. Contact our Meridian family law attorney if you have questions.

Maintenance (Spousal Support)

Our family lawyers have helped men and women seek maintenance payments after divorce, which can reduce the financial distress they experience. Idaho allows maintenance in limited situations, and we can advise if this is an option for you.

Modification and Enforcement

Our Meridian family law attorneys can help parents modify an existing support or custody order, or we can deal with enforcement issues. For example, a parent might refuse to pay child support, so additional action is required to get what you are owed. When circumstances change, such as a job loss or relocation, we can help you return to court to adjust a child support order or custody arrangement.

Paternity

Fatherhood creates rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity is necessary when a couple is not married, and there are several ways to go about it. We can advocate on behalf of either side in a paternity dispute and help protect parental rights for both mothers and fathers.

Adoption

Foley Freeman can assist clients in their adoption journey, including those seeking to adopt a stepchild, foster child, or baby from out of state. Let us review all the legal requirements and get you caught up on what to expect from the adoption proceedings.

Domestic Violence and Family Law

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families in Meridian, Idaho and throughout Canyon County. If you or your children are in an unsafe situation, Idaho law provides tools to protect you, including protective orders and emergency custody arrangements. Courts take domestic violence seriously when deciding child custody and visitation matters.

Our attorneys advocate for clients who are dealing with domestic violence in the home. We work to protect both parents and minors from further harm while pursuing a fair legal outcome. Legal representation in these situations is important because the other side will often have an attorney too.

Guardianship and Incapacitated Adults

Family law extends beyond divorce and child custody. It also includes cases involving incapacitated adults who can no longer make decisions for themselves. A court can appoint a guardian to make personal and medical decisions on their behalf. Our firm handles these matters throughout Ada and Canyon Counties.

Incapacitated adults, including elderly parents or adults with disabilities, deserve the same legal protection as minors. Our attorneys can help families pursue guardianship or conservatorship when it is in the best interests of a vulnerable family member. This is one of the more sensitive aspects of family law, and we approach it with care.

Termination of Parental Rights

In some situations, a court may consider the termination of a parent’s rights. This can happen in adoption cases, cases involving domestic violence, or situations where a parent has abandoned the child. Termination is a serious legal step, and courts only take it when it serves the best interests of the child.

Our attorneys handle termination cases with the seriousness they deserve. Whether you are seeking to terminate the rights of an absent parent to clear the way for adoption or you are defending your own parental rights, we are here to help. These family law cases are often emotionally difficult, and having strong legal support makes a difference.

Meet Foley Freeman

We started our firm in 1978 out of a small house in Meridian. Over the past 45 years, we have grown to one of the largest and best-recognized firms in Southern Idaho. With hundreds of satisfied clients, we have received considerable recognition from the legal industry, including a rare AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Our dedication to the community shows up in everything we do, and we are proud to continue to provide legal services to Meridian families. Our attorneys are members of the Idaho State Bar and the family law section, staying current on changes in Idaho law that affect our clients. Serving Meridian and the surrounding region has been our mission for over four decades.

Misconceptions about Family Law

Contact our office to receive accurate, timely advice about your domestic dispute. Some popular misconceptions about family law include:

  • A mother is always given custody of a baby. That’s not true. A court looks at many factors to assess the child’s best interests. Of course, some mothers do get custody, especially if they have done most of the child-rearing and have a stable home.
  • Divorce is expensive. It certainly can be expensive. But there are ways to speed up and simplify a divorce, such as negotiating and mediation. Our firm can explain more in a consultation.
  • You leave the divorce with your home if your name is on the deed. The name on the deed doesn’t matter if you acquired the home while married. In most cases, the home will be community property, which is divided. Either spouse might end up with the home, or you might need to sell it to split the equity.
  • Community property is always divided 50/50. That’s the usual result. However, Idaho law does allow judges to sometimes depart from the 50/50 split. Some considerations include the ability of each spouse to support themselves after divorce, as well as their needs.

FAQs: Family Law in Meridian, Idaho

How is child custody decided in Idaho?

In Idaho, judges decide child custody based on the best interests of the child. The court looks at many factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the stability of each home, and the child’s own wishes if they are old enough to express them. Parents who are actively involved in their child’s life and can provide a consistent, safe environment tend to fare better in custody decisions. A Meridian family law attorney can help you understand how these factors apply to your family law case.

What are child support obligations in Idaho?

Child support obligations in Idaho are calculated using state guidelines that factor in each parent’s income, the custody arrangement, and the number of children involved. A judge can also adjust the amount when a child has special medical or educational needs. Child support obligations do not end just because circumstances change; you must return to court to have a child support order modified. An experienced family law attorney can help you with both the initial calculation and any changes later on.

What is the legal process for filing for divorce in Meridian, Idaho?

The legal process for filing for divorce in Meridian, Idaho, begins with one spouse filing a petition in the district court. The other side must then be served and given a chance to respond. From there, the parties either reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, or the matter proceeds to litigation before a judge. Idaho requires at least a six-week residency before filing. An experienced family law attorney can walk you through each step and help protect your interests throughout the legal process.

What happens to visitation rights if a parent relocates?

When a parent moves out of the area, visitation arrangements often need to be changed. Idaho courts want to make sure that children maintain a strong relationship with both parents, even when one moves away. A judge will look at what arrangement serves the best interests of the children and may adjust the visitation schedule accordingly. If you or the other side is planning a relocation, speak with a Meridian family law attorney as soon as possible.

Do I need an attorney for a family law matter in Meridian?

You are not required to have an attorney, but having legal guidance from a family law attorney greatly improves your ability to protect your interests. Family law cases involve Idaho law, court procedures, and legal documents that can be hard to handle on your own. An experienced family law attorney can help you seek the best possible outcome in divorce, custody, adoption proceedings, or any other family law matter.

What is mediation, and how does it work in family law cases?

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement without going to court. It is commonly used in divorce and child custody cases in Meridian, Idaho. Mediation is often faster and less expensive than litigation, and it gives both parties more control over the outcome. It is not always the right fit, especially in cases involving domestic violence, but for many families, it is a good option. Our attorneys can provide legal support and counsel during the mediation process.

Speak with a Meridian Family Law Attorney

Foley Freeman has handled family law matters for more than 40 years. We are eager to meet and determine if we can help you, too. Whether you are considering divorce or want to know more about adoption, it’s never too soon to call. We practice law throughout Meridian, Idaho, Boise, and Canyon County, and we are ready to advocate for your family. Contact us today at (208) 888-9111 for a consultation.