Child Support Legal Services | Strong Family Law, PLLC

Ensuring Fair and Just Child Support Agreements in Idaho

At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we understand that child support is essential for ensuring the financial well-being of children following a divorce or separation. Idaho law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, and our team is dedicated to helping parents establish, enforce, and modify child support agreements that reflect the best interests of the child.

Understanding Child Support in Idaho

Child support in Idaho is determined based on several factors, including each parent’s income, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, healthcare and childcare expenses, and the overall needs of the child. The state follows a standardized child support formula, but many cases require legal representation to ensure the calculation is fair and accurately reflects the financial circumstances of both parents.

At Strong Family Law, we help parents:

• Establish initial child support orders following a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case.

• Modify existing child support agreements if financial circumstances change.

• Enforce child support orders when the other parent fails to make payments.

Establishing Child Support

If you are seeking to establish a child support order, it is important to have accurate financial information and a clear understanding of Idaho’s child support laws. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent, our firm will work to ensure that the child support determination is fair, reasonable, and meets the needs of your child.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Idaho follows an income shares model, which means that both parents’ incomes are considered to determine what they would have contributed to the child’s upbringing if they were still together. Factors influencing child support calculations include:

• Each parent’s gross income (wages, bonuses, investments, self-employment income, etc.).

• The amount of overnight parenting time each parent has.

• Healthcare and insurance costs for the child.

• Daycare and education expenses.

• Extraordinary expenses, such as medical conditions or special needs.

• Whether there are children from prior relationships living in the home.
• Whether  parent receives “in-kind compensation” as part of their employment compensation.
• Overtime is usually NOT included.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances change, and sometimes child support orders need to be modified. You may qualify for a modification if:

• You or the other parent have experienced a significant change in income.

• There has been a change in custody or visitation arrangements.

• The child’s needs have changed, requiring increased medical or educational expenses.

• The other parent has had an increase in income but is not contributing more.

If you need to request a modification, Attorney Tyrie Strong will help you file a formal petition with the court to ensure that the new child support order reflects your current situation.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If the other parent is failing to pay child support, you have legal options. Strong Family Law can assist in enforcing child support orders through legal actions, including:

• Wage garnishments.

• Interception of tax refunds.

• Suspension of driver’s licenses or professional licenses.

• Passport suspension.

• Contempt of court proceedings, which may result in penalties or jail time for the non-paying parent.

How Strong Family Law Can Help

Navigating child support matters can be stressful, especially if there is conflict between parents. At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we advocate for parents and children to ensure that financial obligations are fairly determined and enforced. Our firm provides:

• Personalized legal counsel tailored to your financial situation and parenting arrangement.

• Zealous advocacy to protect your child’s financial well-being.

• Compassionate and discreet legal services to minimize stress for parents and children.

If you need assistance with child support establishment, enforcement, or modification, contact Strong Family Law today at (208) 444-4482 or schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Idaho