A Boise child support attorney helps Idaho parents calculate, modify, and enforce child support obligations under the Idaho Child Support Guidelines (Idaho Rule of Family Law Procedure 120). The Law Office of Michael J. Holmes represents both paying and receiving parents in Ada County, Canyon County, and across the Treasure Valley.

How Idaho Calculates Child Support

Idaho applies an income shares model. Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are combined, a basic child support obligation is determined from the state’s guidelines schedule, and each parent’s share is allocated proportionally. Adjustments are made for health insurance premiums, work-related child care, and significant time-share with the non-custodial parent.

What Counts as Income?

Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, retirement and pension benefits, social security, unemployment, and many other sources. Imputed income may apply where a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Shared Custody Adjustment

When the non-custodial parent has the child for more than 25% of overnights, Idaho’s guidelines apply a shared-custody calculation that reduces the support obligation reflecting time spent providing for the child directly.

Modifying Child Support

Idaho permits modification of child support upon a substantial and material change in circumstances. Job loss, significant income changes, custody changes, or a child’s changing needs all support modification. We pursue both prospective modifications and (where appropriate) retroactive modifications back to the date of filing.

Enforcement

Where a paying parent falls behind, Idaho offers multiple enforcement tools: wage withholding, license suspension under Idaho Code § 7-1413, tax refund interception, contempt actions, and judgments for arrears with statutory interest. We represent both parents seeking enforcement and those defending against contempt allegations.

FAQ

When does Idaho child support end?

Generally at age 18, or upon high school graduation up to age 19 if the child is still enrolled. Support for a disabled child can extend beyond these limits.

Can child support be waived?

No. The right to child support belongs to the child, not the parent, and cannot be permanently waived by agreement. Courts will not approve decrees that fail to provide for child support consistent with the guidelines.

Related Family Law Topics

• Family Law Overview (Boise & Treasure Valley)
• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Civil Protection Orders
• Establishing Paternity
• Marital Agreements
• Guardianship

Talk to a Boise Family Law Attorney

Call (208) 696-2772 for a confidential consultation. We serve clients across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Star, and the entire Treasure Valley.

Family law representation is offered exclusively in Idaho. Submitting a contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship.