The court bases child support on the following factors:

Idaho uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support. The Income Shares Model calculates support by estimating the amount of support that would have been available to the children if the marriage had not failed. This estimated amount is then divided proportionally to the parents according to each parent's income. This is easily done by using the Idaho child support worksheet and the estimated incomes are typically substantiated by past pay records.

If one parent - for example, the father - has a higher income than the other parent - for example, the mother - then he would be responsible for the greater portion of the child support obligation. The converse of this routine is also true. If the father has a lower income than the mother, he would then be responsible for the smaller portion of the child support obligation. The child support obligation can manifest itself differently between a custodial and a noncustodial parent. Sometimes the custodial parent pays money to the noncustodial parent.

Normally child support payments are made to the clerk of the court unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Idaho child support is typically calculated by using a Child Support Worksheet. The worksheet will generate an appropriate Idaho child support obligation according to each spouse's income and other relative numeric factors such as taxes paid and retirement contributions.

Child support is presumed to be correct unless evidence is presented that shows that the award would be inappropriate or unjust. Once this amount is determined it is essential to look at any appropriate Idaho child support deviation factors that may be applicable to the situation. Additional information about Idaho child support is in the Idaho Code; Title 32, Chapters 706, 706A, and 1201+.

Extraordinary expenses are either add-ons, where the expense is added to the support payment, or deductions, where the amount is deducted, and indicated as either mandatory or permissive. Extraordinary medical costs are a mandatory deduction, and childcare costs are a permissive deduction.

If a noncustodial parent does not pay child support, he or she is subject to enforcement measures in accordance with federal and Idaho child support law to collect regular and past-due payments.

Enforcement measures include:

Child Support Services (CSS), a state-run child support enforcement agency for Idaho, is required by state and federal law.

Toll free: 1-800-356-9868
Boise area: 334-2479
Fax: (855) 349-2408

Idaho Child Support Receipting Services
P.O. Box 70008
Boise, ID 83707-0108

More information about Idaho Child Support Enforcement can be found at their website.

Child support continues until the child turns 18, or age 19 by court order if the child is enrolled in formal education.

In Idaho, a judge deviating from child support guidelines must make a written finding on the record explaining why circumstances warrant a deviation.