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Idaho · ID

Idaho Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation

A plain-English reference to Idaho custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.

Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed Idaho family-law attorney.

Primary law and terminology

Idaho Code § 32-717 and § 32-717B (joint custody). In Idaho, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.

Joint custody and parenting time

Joint custody is presumed to be in the child's best interest absent contrary evidence.

Child preference

The child's wishes are a listed statutory factor.

Relocation and move-away cases

Notice and a best-interest hearing are required; there is no fixed mileage trigger.

Changing an existing order

A permanent, material and substantial change is required.

Where to file

Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). 'Focus on Kids' or an equivalent parent education class is required in most counties.

Build a workable Idaho parenting plan

Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.

Idaho custody questions

What are the custody laws in Idaho?

Idaho applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.

Can a parent move with a child in Idaho?

Notice and a best-interest hearing are required; there is no fixed mileage trigger.

How do I change a Idaho custody order?

A permanent, material and substantial change is required.

More Idaho family-law resources

Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.

Last reviewed ·Reviewed by the CustodyTrac editorial team

How this is calculated

Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.

CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.