Idaho · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026
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.
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
Common. 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 calculator: Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Child support agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services
Children in a Idaho divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Idaho's term for custody: custody (legal and physical) and parenting time (parenting plan).
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).
Mediation
Common.
Child support
The official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines
The child support agency
Idaho's child support agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services
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: Official child support calculator or guidelines
Which agency handles child support in Idaho?
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services.
Is mediation required for custody in Idaho?
Common. Courts often order mediation of custody disputes; ask your Court Assistance Office about local programs.
More about divorce in Idaho
- All Idaho divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Idaho
- Idaho divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Idaho
- Serving divorce papers in Idaho
- Divorce timeline estimator for Idaho
- Divorce checklist for Idaho
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
- Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services
- CAO Divorce Instructions
- Idaho Code 32-603 Causes for divorce
- Idaho Code 32-705 Maintenance
- Idaho Code 32-712 Community property disposition
- Idaho Code 32-701
- Idaho Code 32-716; Idaho Court Assistance Office divorce instructions
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.