Boise Child Support Attorneys

Get Help From Our Boise Child Support Lawyer Today

All children are entitled to be supported by their parents. When parents divorce or are no longer together, the courts have to determine how the parents’ resources should be used for their children. The family law attorneys at Foley Freeman provide comprehensive legal support through separation, divorce, and beyond.

When divorcing couples have children, or when parents do not live together, child support must be determined along with custody. A child support lawyer from our firm will assist clients in establishing a child support order that requires both parents to be financially responsible for their children. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a top Boise child support lawyer.

Experienced Child Support Attorneys Serving Idaho Families

Our Boise child support attorneys understand the legal complexities involved in child support cases. Whether you need help establishing a child support order, modifying an existing agreement, or enforcing support payments, our team is here to help. We provide personalized legal guidance to parents throughout the Treasure Valley, including Ada County, Canyon County, and surrounding areas.

Family law issues can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve your children. Our family law attorneys work to protect the best interests of your child while ensuring fair child support agreements are reached. Every case is different, and circumstances change over time. Our experienced attorneys know how to handle the legal process from start to finish.

When parents separate or divorce, determining child support becomes a priority. The child support process involves calculating income, reviewing custody arrangements, and establishing a child support order that serves the best interests of the child. Our child support attorney team provides the legal help you need to work through these family court matters with confidence.

Determining Child Support in Idaho

Whether you are going through a divorce and have minor children, or you are establishing paternity, child support will be determined and ordered. Idaho courts follow the Idaho Child Support Guidelines to calculate the amount of the monthly child support obligation. There are many factors considered in determining child support, such as the parents’ actual or potential incomes, the custodial (or visitation) schedule, the allocation of the tax dependency exemption(s), and the cost of the minor children’s health insurance.

The goal of Idaho child support laws is to ensure both parents contribute their fair share to raising their children. Ada County courts and other Idaho courts use these guidelines to create child support agreements that are fair and generally based on each parent’s income and parenting time. Understanding how courts determine support payments helps parents prepare for what to expect during the legal process.

THE TERM “INCOME” IS DEFINED BROADLY IN IDAHO

What is considered income? The quick and easy answer is “everything.” Anything from W-2 income to single events such as gifts, prizes, and the sale of property can be considered by the court in setting support. For example, if one parent continually produces income by purchasing and selling real property, then that income should be taken into consideration when determining the parent’s actual income.

Whereas, it would not be appropriate to include a one-time receipt of a gift of money in a parent’s income. Oftentimes, problems can arise when one or both parents are self-employed. Trying to determine the amount of income for a self-employed parent can be difficult if anything other than reasonable and necessary business expenses are paid by the business.

Typically, in order to determine a self-employed parent’s income for child support requires a review of the business tax returns as well as the parent’s individual tax returns is required. It may be completely appropriate for an expense to be considered a business expense pursuant to the standards of the Internal Revenue Service, but it may be inappropriate to deduct it as a business expense pursuant to the Idaho Child Support Guidelines. Once these amounts are determined, a court still must consider several factors before awarding child support to either parent.

KNOW THE CHILD SUPPORT FACTORS IN IDAHO

Idaho’s child support guidelines are presumed to be applicable to any given case. However, there are exceptions. Deviations are possible. Once these amounts are determined, a court still must consider several factors before awarding child support to either parent. These factors include:

The financial resources of the child
The financial resources of the parents, generally not including a parent’s resources or obligations with a new spouse
The standard of living the child enjoyed during the parents’ marriage or relationship
The physical and emotional condition and needs of the child, including educational needs or any special needs
The availability of reasonable medical insurance coverage for the child
Tax benefits received by the parent claiming a dependency exemption on his or her income tax return

In addition to child support payments, a court may also order a parent to add to the other parent’s health or dental insurance coverage and/or contribute to extraordinary medical, dental, or educational expenses, child care expenses, and transportation expenses.

How Child Support Orders Are Enforced in Idaho

Once a family court establishes a child support order, both parents must follow it. The custodial parent has the right to receive support payments on time each month. When one parent fails to pay child support, there are legal options available to enforce the order. Idaho law provides several methods to collect unpaid support, including wage garnishment and court action.

Idaho courts take child support obligations seriously. If a parent refuses to pay, the court can impose penalties or hold them in contempt. Our child support attorneys help clients who need to enforce an existing child support order. We also represent parents who face enforcement action and need to seek modifications due to changed circumstances like job loss or changes in income.

Whether you are the custodial parent seeking to collect support or the other parent dealing with enforcement issues, our legal services can help. We work to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and their families. Contact our attorney in Boise to discuss your child support situation and learn about your options.

Modifying Child Support Orders When Circumstances Change

Life changes, and sometimes child support orders need to change too. Idaho law allows modifications when there is a significant change in circumstances. This might include changes in income, custody arrangements, medical needs, or the birth of other children. Both the custodial parent and the other parent can seek a modification if the current order no longer serves the best interests of the child.

Our family law attorneys help parents in Canyon County, Ada County, and throughout Idaho modify child support orders. The process involves filing a petition with the family court and providing evidence of changed circumstances. Ada County courts review the new information and decide whether to adjust the support payments. Our child support attorney team guides clients through each step of the modification process.

When a child reaches a certain age or milestone, child support obligations may end or change. Parents need to understand when support continues and when it stops. Our Boise child support attorneys provide clear legal advice about modification and termination of support. We work to ensure the best arrangement for your family’s unique situation.

WHY TRUST OUR BOISE CHILD SUPPORT LAWYER FOR HELP

Going through a child support case? You may have a lot of questions about your rights and your responsibilities. At Foley Freeman, PLLC, we are providing solutions-focused family law services to parents. Our team handles all types of child support cases. You can learn more about the firm and contact us directly for help with a specific issue. When you reach out to our office, you will have a chance to connect with a Boise child support attorney who can:

Listen to your story and answer questions about your child support case;
Help you gather and organize all supporting financial documentation;
Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your co-parent; and
Develop a strategy focused on helping you get the best possible results.

Our family law practice focuses on protecting your interests and your child’s wellbeing. We provide personalized legal guidance based on your specific circumstances. Every parent deserves an advocate who will fight for fair treatment in family court. Our experienced attorneys bring years of knowledge about Idaho child support law to every case.

Whether you need to establish a child support order, enforce an existing order, or modify support due to changed circumstances, we can help. Our lawyer team understands the legal requirements and works to achieve the best outcomes for families. Schedule a consultation with an attorney in Boise who will put your family’s interests first.

CHILD SUPPORT IN BOISE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How is child support calculated in Boise?

Parents in Boise should know that child support is determined by state law, not federal law. Idaho uses state guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, health insurance costs, and parenting time. The goal is to ensure children receive consistent financial support. Ada County courts use the Idaho Child Support Guidelines (IDAPA 07.02.11) to determine the monthly obligation.

Can child support be modified in Boise?

Yes. Idaho law recognizes that things can change. A child support order or agreement that once made sense may simply no longer be equitable. Either parent may request a modification if there’s a substantial and ongoing change in income, custody, or expenses. An Ada County judge reviews updated financial disclosures before adjusting the order. If you are seeking a child support modification, our Boise child support lawyer is here as a family law advocate that you can trust.

How long does child support last in Idaho for Boise families?

Under Idaho Code § 32-706, support generally continues until a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs later. However, there is an assumption that child support will be over once a child reaches the age of 19 even if he or she is still in high school. In cases involving special needs, the court may order support to continue beyond age 18.

How is child support enforced across state lines from Boise?

Idaho follows the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) to enforce or modify orders across states. Boise’s child support office can coordinate with other jurisdictions to locate parents, collect payments, and register orders. The law is designed to ensure that support obligations remain enforceable even if a parent relocates. These are complicated cases. Our Boise child support lawyer can help.

Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer

If you have children and are facing divorce, or if you need assistance establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support order, please contact Foley Freeman to schedule a consultation with an experienced Idaho family law attorney. We have the resources to handle even the most complex issues. We handle child support cases in Boise, Ada County, and throughout the region.

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