Quick answer: Idaho presumes that joint custody is in a child’s best interests unless the presumption is rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence, and presumes against it if a parent is a habitual perpetrator of domestic violence. For child support, a parent with 25% or less of the overnights uses the standard calculation; above 25% for each parent, the shared custody calculation applies.
This Idaho parenting time calculator turns a schedule into overnights a year and a percentage, then compares it with the 25 percent line in I.R.F.L.P. 120. Enter the overnights in a 14-day cycle and any extra nights: the result is arithmetic, and the court decides custody and support.
Idaho parenting time and custody rules at a glance
| Rule | What Idaho says |
|---|---|
| Best interests | The court gives the direction for custody, care and education that is necessary or proper in the best interests of the children, before and after judgment (Idaho Code 32-717(1)) |
| Factors | Seven listed: the parents’ wishes, the child’s wishes, relationships, adjustment, the character and circumstances of everyone involved, continuity and domestic violence (32-717(1)(a)-(g)) |
| Joint custody | Rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the child’s best interests; the court must state its reasons for denying it (32-717B(1), (4)) |
| Domestic violence | Presumption that joint custody is not in the child’s best interests if a parent is a habitual perpetrator (32-717B(5)) |
| Child support | More than 25% of the overnights for each parent triggers the shared custody calculation (I.R.F.L.P. 120) |
| Moving | No relocation statute found in the custody sections we read |
How do custody and parenting time work in Idaho?
- Joint or sole custody. See joint versus sole custody in Idaho.
- Schedules. See parenting time schedules in Idaho.
- Moving with a child. See moving away with a child in Idaho.
What does this parenting time calculator check?
You enter the overnights the other parent has in a typical 14-day cycle and any extra overnights a year, such as summer and holidays. The calculator scales the cycle to 365 nights, adds the extras, and shows the overnights and percentage for each parent and whether both are above 25%, which is 92 overnights each. It does not calculate child support: use the Idaho child support calculator for that, and the Idaho divorce timeline calculator for the dates of the case.
Frequently asked questions
Does Idaho presume joint custody?
Yes, rebuttably. Unless a preponderance of the evidence shows otherwise, joint custody is presumed to be in the child’s best interests.
How many overnights trigger Idaho shared custody child support?
More than 25% of the overnights for each parent, which is 92 or more overnights each.
Does shared time change Idaho child support?
Yes. The shared custody calculation multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5 and credits each parent for the time the child is with that parent.
Does domestic violence affect Idaho custody?
Yes. A habitual perpetrator is presumed unsuitable for joint custody, and domestic violence is a best-interest factor.
Does this Idaho calculator set child support?
No. It counts overnights; the Idaho child support calculator estimates the guideline amount.