Idaho Parenting Plan
An Idaho parenting plan sets out joint legal and physical custody and the schedule the court approves under the best interests of the child, in a state that presumes joint custody. Attorney review available.
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Introduction
A parenting plan is the written document Idaho parents use to set out joint legal custody, joint physical custody, and the residing schedule for a child, whether they are divorcing, were never married, or are changing an existing order. In Idaho the court gives direction for the custody, care, and education of the children as is in their best interests, weighing factors that include the wishes of the parents and of the child, the child's relationships and adjustment to home, school, and community, the character of those involved, the need for continuity and stability, and any domestic violence (Idaho Code Section 32-717(1)). Idaho uses plain custody terms and awards joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody. Joint legal custody means the parents share decision-making about the child's health, education, and general welfare, and joint physical custody means each parent has significant periods when the child resides with them, arranged to assure frequent and continuing contact with both parents (Idaho Code Section 32-717B). Idaho is notable for a statutory presumption: absent a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary, there is a presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of the child, and if the court declines joint custody it must state its reasons (Idaho Code Section 32-717B). Idaho sets custody by court order rather than through a separate statutory parenting-plan mandate, and the court determines the actual amount of time with each parent. DocDraft builds your Idaho parenting plan from your family's schedule, with attorney review available before you submit it to the court.
Key Things to Know
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A parenting plan is a written document that sets out legal custody, physical custody, and the residing schedule for a child, used by Idaho parents who are divorcing, were never married, or are modifying an existing order.
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Idaho awards joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody, and sets custody by court order under the best interests of the child (Idaho Code Sections 32-717 and 32-717B).
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Idaho courts weigh enumerated best interest factors, including the wishes of the parents and of the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, continuity and stability, and domestic violence (Idaho Code Section 32-717(1)).
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Idaho has a statutory presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of the child, absent a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(4)).
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If an Idaho court declines to award joint custody, it must state in its decision the reasons for the denial (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(1)).
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Joint physical custody in Idaho gives each parent significant residing time but does not necessarily mean equal time, and the court determines the actual amount of time with each parent (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(2)).
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Idaho sets custody inside the divorce decree or custody order and does not impose a separate statutory parenting-plan mandate; a clear written plan still shows the court the arrangement the parents propose (Idaho Code Section 32-717).
Key decisions before you file
Before you file a Parenting Plan in Idaho, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Parenting Plan guide walks through them.
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Idaho Requirements for Parenting Plan
Joint Legal and Joint Physical Custody
Idaho awards joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody. Joint legal custody means the parents share decision-making on the child's health, education, and general welfare; joint physical custody means each parent has significant residing time with the child (Idaho Code Section 32-717B).
Best Interest Factors
An Idaho court decides custody by the best interests of the child, weighing all relevant factors, which may include the wishes of the parents and of the child, the child's interaction with parents and siblings, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, the character of those involved, continuity and stability, and domestic violence (Idaho Code Section 32-717(1)).
Joint Custody Presumption
In Idaho, absent a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary, there is a presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of the child. A contrary presumption applies if a parent is found to be a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(4) and (5)).
Court Must State Reasons if Denying Joint Custody
If an Idaho court declines to enter an order awarding joint custody, it must state in its decision the reasons for the denial of an award of joint custody (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(1)). This makes clear the strength of Idaho's preference for shared parenting when it is in the child's best interests.
Legal Custody Decision-Making
Your Idaho parenting plan should state whether legal custody is joint or sole and how the parents will make major decisions about the children's health, education, and general welfare. Under joint legal custody the parents are required to share those decision-making rights and responsibilities (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(3)).
Physical Custody Schedule
Your plan should describe the residing schedule: the regular weekday and weekend routine, holidays, school breaks, and summer, plus exchanges and transportation. Joint physical custody gives each parent significant residing time but not necessarily equal time, and the court determines the actual amount of time with each parent (Idaho Code Section 32-717B(2)).
Custody Set by Court Order
Idaho sets custody by court order under the best interests standard and does not impose a separate, standalone statutory parenting-plan requirement with a fixed contents list (Idaho Code Sections 32-717 and 32-717B). A clear written plan still shows the court the joint legal and physical custody arrangement the parents are asking it to adopt.
Custody Set in the Decree
Idaho does not use a single statewide numbered parenting-plan form. Custody is set inside the divorce decree or custody order under Idaho Code Section 32-717, and the Idaho court self-help resources provide divorce-with-children packets. Attach your Idaho parenting plan to show the court the arrangement you propose.