Español

Child custody and support in Idaho

Custody and child support in a Idaho divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

Idaho law uses the term “custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: If you have minor children, the clerk gives you an Order to Attend a parenting program (called 'Divorce Orientation', 'Mediation Orientation' or 'Parenting Workshop' depending on the district), which you serve on your spouse with the petition (Court Assistance Office instructions). Idaho publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan)
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services

Custody terms in Idaho

Custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan)

Mediation

Courts often order mediation of custody disputes; ask your Court Assistance Office about local programs.

Parenting class in Idaho

If you have minor children, the clerk gives you an Order to Attend a parenting program (called 'Divorce Orientation', 'Mediation Orientation' or 'Parenting Workshop' depending on the district), which you serve on your spouse with the petition (Court Assistance Office instructions).

Child support in Idaho

Child support follows Idaho's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a Idaho divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Idaho's term for custody: custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Idaho requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Idaho

What is child custody called in Idaho?

Idaho uses the term “custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Idaho divorce?

If you have minor children, the clerk gives you an Order to Attend a parenting program (called 'Divorce Orientation', 'Mediation Orientation' or 'Parenting Workshop' depending on the district), which you serve on your spouse with the petition (Court Assistance Office instructions).

Is there an official child support calculator for Idaho?

Yes. Idaho's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Idaho?

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services.

Is mediation required for custody in Idaho?

Courts often order mediation of custody disputes; ask your Court Assistance Office about local programs.

More about divorce in Idaho

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.