If you live in Boise, Idaho, you can file for a divorce if both you and your spouse have resided in the state of Idaho for at least six weeks. It’s important to talk to a Boise child support lawyer during this period. An experienced lawyer can advise you about the best decisions for your individual situation.
When it comes to divorce, child support and child custody are the most problematic issues for many couples. In most cases, one party often feels as though they aren’t receiving adequate resources. On the other hand, the other party may feel as though they are paying way too much for child support. A reliable Boise divorce attorney can help you agree on an equitable and fair amount for child support based on Idaho laws.
When couples divorce, they have to reach an agreement on how they’ll financially support their kids. If they can’t reach an agreement, a judge will have to decide how they will split their finances to raise their children. If couples can reach an agreement on their own, this agreement must be made official for it to be enforceable in Boise, ID.
At Boise Family Law, our child support lawyers in Boise can help you resolve your child support issues today. Your children deserve the best financial support as they grow up. An experienced child support attorney can help you understand Idaho’s family laws and how they’ll affect your child support case. Get in touch with us today at 208-968-9060 to speak to a seasoned attorney for a timely and professional resolution to your child support case.
What is Child Support?
Child support is a financial payment paid by one or both parents once they are separated or divorced. The purpose of this payment is to provide financial support to children once their parents get divorced. In most cases, the non-custodial parent pays for child support. However, both parents may also be required to contribute towards child support. Child support can also be ordered in joint child custody situations.
Child support is paid to ensure children are well taken care of after a divorce. This money isn’t meant to cater to the expenses of the custodial parent. It is intended to cover the basic needs of children and ensure they live a comfortable life. Child support payments can be used to pay for necessities such as:
- Shelter: This payment can cover a mortgage, rent, and utility bills
- Food, toys, and clothing
- School expenses such as books, trips, and supplies
- Medical expenses including medications, dental care, and hospital visits
- Extracurricular activities like camping, sports, or going to the movie theater
How is Child Support Determined in Idaho?
If you are going through a divorce in Idaho, child support may be ordered by a judge. In Idaho, the Idaho Child Support Guidelines help to determine the amount of child support after a divorce. These guidelines address the monthly child support obligations of both ex-spouses.
The state of Idaho follows the income share model when determining child support payments. This method is designed to make sure both parents contribute to child support payments. A judge will estimate the income of both spouses before the divorce and how much they’d spend on their kids when calculating child support.
Child support is assigned as a percentage to each parent. This percentage is mainly based on financial income. For instance, if parent X earns $3,000 per month and parent Y earns $7,000 per month, parent X will pay 30% of the monthly child support obligation, while parent Y will pay 70% of the child support amount. This is how courts in Idaho come up with child support figures.
Various factors need to be considered when calculating child support in Boise, Idaho. They include:
- Current and potential income of both parents
- Visitation schedule
- Tax exemptions
- Cost of children’s health insurance
- The standard of living of the children during the marriage
- Educational needs
- Physical and emotional needs of the children
- Parental obligations and resources
All sources of income need to be considered when determining child support. For instance, income from flipping houses can be considered when calculating child support after a divorce. An experienced Boise child support lawyer can help you determine how much you’ll pay or receive for child support. One-time gifts aren’t considered when calculating this monthly obligation in Idaho.
In the event of shared custody, the amount of child support will be in line with the amount of time spent with each parent. Courts will reduce the monthly child support obligation of a paying parent in accordance with the amount of time spent. Payments for child support must continue until the child turns 18 years of age and no longer attends high school. This obligation may also end when a high school student turns 19 years old. Child support in Boise, Idaho, is enforced by the state child support agency.
What if My Financial Circumstances Change?
If your financial circumstances change, you may be able to modify child support in Idaho. Payment of your monthly child support obligation can be increased or decreased depending on the situation. If your earnings ability has drastically dropped, you can request a child support modification. A knowledgeable Boise child support lawyer can guide you throughout this process.
You may request a child support modification in circumstances such as unemployment, severe medical issues, or incarceration. During such times, parents may have a hard time keeping up with their monthly child support payments. An experienced child support lawyer in Boise can file for a child support modification in Idaho courts. At Boise Family Law, our legal team will prepare strong arguments to convince the judge that you cannot keep up with the payments due to your challenging financial position.
How do I Find the Best Boise Child Support Lawyer for My Case?
We all want the best for our kids. For this reason, you need the help of a reputable child support law firm in Boise to protect your rights and interests. Finding a great child support lawyer in Boise isn’t hard. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a family law attorney:
Similar case experience
It’s always great to go for a lawyer with experience in child support cases. Find an attorney who has dealt with similar issues, such as children with special needs. Make sure you do your homework to find out if a lawyer’s skill set matches your needs.
Knowledge of child support and custody laws
Find a child support attorney in Boise who is well-versed in child support and family laws.
Choose a local attorney
You don’t want to hire an attorney who isn’t accessible. Hiring a lawyer who has to fly out from another state to meet you isn’t realistic. Find a child support lawyer near Boise, ID, to help you with your case.
Communication and compassion
Always hire a lawyer that you can easily talk to about your case. Ask yourself, Does he or she pay attention to what I’m saying? Is he or she showing sincere interest in my case? Do I feel comfortable working with this lawyer? Does he or she communicate courteously and professionally to all parties?
Lastly, you should also consider your financial resources when finding a child support attorney. Always look at a lawyer’s legal fees before hiring them. You can also find out whether the family law firm in Boise offers free consultation services.
Contact an Experienced Child Support Attorney in Boise Today
If you are facing divorce, it’s always good to look out for the interests of your children. Boise Family Law can help you if you need help establishing, enforcing, or modifying your child support agreement. We have an experienced legal team that is ready to handle the most complex family law issues.
Our Boise child support lawyers will look into the specifics of your case and advise you accordingly. We will assess your case to determine what you deserve to pay or receive every month.
Call Boise Family Law today at 208-968-9060 if you have child support issues. Our lawyers will candidly answer all your legal questions. Get in touch with us now for sound legal advice and representation.
