Child Support Lawyer in Meridian, ID 

These emotional and financial pressures make it challenging for parents to reach agreements independently. Having our skilled legal guidance helps maintain focus on what the law requires and what is truly in the best interest of the child. 

How Liberty Law Idaho Supports Parents

We understand how overwhelming child support issues can feel, especially when they impact your child’s well-being. 

Our firm provides:

• Clear explanations of support calculations and your legal rights
• Careful review of income, expenses, and parenting time
• Guidance on requests for deviation from the presumptive calculated amount
• Representation in negotiation, mediation, or court
• Assistance with enforcement or modification when circumstances change
• Compassionate, practical support throughout every step of the process

With over 10 years of focused family law experience, we help you make decisions confidently and with your child’s best interests at the center.

How Child Support Is Determined in Idaho

Idaho uses a standardized formula to calculate support based on the Idaho Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines consider:

• Each parent’s income
• The number of children being supported
• Parenting time (the number of overnights with each parent)
• Health insurance costs
• Childcare expenses
• Any extraordinary medical or educational needs
• The estimated cost of raising a child at the parents' combined income level

The formula produces a presumptive support amount, meaning it is the default amount unless there is a compelling reason to deviate from it.

Can Child Support Be Higher or Lower Than the Guidelines?

While the Guidelines control most cases, Idaho courts can approve deviations when the standard calculation does not fairly reflect the child’s needs or the parents’ financial circumstances.

A court may deviate when:

• A child has extraordinary medical or educational expenses
• A parent has unusually high or low income
• A parent’s earning capacity differs significantly from their current income
• Travel expenses for parenting time are substantial
• Other equitable factors are present

However, deviations must be justified with clear reasons. Our firm helps parents present the strongest possible case, whether seeking a deviation or opposing one.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Idaho?

In Idaho, child support generally continues until:

• The child turns 18, or
• The child turns 19 if they are still attending high school

Support may continue longer if the child has significant disabilities or special needs. In some cases, parents may voluntarily agree to support a child beyond the legal requirement, such as during college, but a court will not order this unless both parents consent.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Child support can be modified whenever a substantial and material change in circumstances occurs, such as:

• Significant changes in either parent’s income
• Changes in custody or parenting time
• Increased medical or educational needs
• Job loss or major financial shifts
• A parent relocating or remarrying

Modifications are not automatic; they must be requested through the proper legal channels. Our attorney can help file the petition, document the change, and present your case effectively.

Move Forward with Child Support Assistance

If you have questions about child support, are facing a dispute, or need to update or enforce an existing order, our firm is here to help.

Contact us online or at (208) 273-8825 today for a free consultation with our Meridian child support attorney and get the guidance you need to protect your rights and your child’s future.