Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Idaho
Idaho has no standard parenting time schedule in its statutes. The order sets it, and for child support each parent above 25% of the overnights, 92 a year, triggers the shared custody calculation.
Does Idaho have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes. Joint physical custody gives each parent significant periods of time, but the actual amount is determined by the court (Idaho Code 32-717B(2)). The schedule itself is set in your agreement or the court’s order.
What is the 25 percent line in Idaho?
A child support rule, not a custody schedule. The percentage of parenting time is calculated from the number of overnights each parent has the child in a calendar year; when one parent has 25% or less, the calculation is the standard one from the tables, and when each parent has more, the shared custody calculation applies (I.R.F.L.P. 120(i)(3)).
| Pattern (other parent) | Overnights a year | Share of the year | Both above 25% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 nights | 52 | 14.2% | No |
| 3 of 14 nights | 78 | 21.4% | No |
| 4 of 14 nights | 104 | 28.5% | Yes |
| 5 of 14 nights | 130 | 35.6% | Yes |
| 7 of 14 nights | 183 | 50.1% | Yes |
| 9 of 14 nights | 235 | 64.4% | Yes |
25% of 365 is 91.25, so each parent needs 92 overnights. These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday nights.
What does the rule’s own example show in Idaho?
A parent with every other weekend from Friday to Sunday has 2 overnights for 26 weeks, which is 52 overnights a year, or 14% of the overnights. That parent is well below the 25% line and uses the standard calculation.
How is shared custody support calculated in Idaho?
On the shared custody worksheet, the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5, split by each parent’s share of income and each parent’s amount is multiplied by the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent (see the worksheet, Form 7). The Idaho child support calculator applies the formula.
How do you count overnights for Idaho child support?
By the number of overnights each parent has the child in one calendar year, not by days or hours; two overnights every other weekend for 26 weeks is 52 overnights, 14%. Count with the Idaho parenting time calculator, then check the percentage against the 25% line.
Which worksheet applies to a shared schedule in Idaho?
The Idaho shared, split or mixed custody worksheet, Form 7, is the one for schedules above the 25% line (Form 7); the standard worksheet is Form 6. Keep the overnight count from your order handy when you fill either one in.
What should a written schedule cover in Idaho?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The overnight count, so child support uses the right method.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
Can the schedule be changed later in Idaho?
The court may give direction on custody, care and education before and after judgment as is necessary or proper in the children’s best interests (32-717(1)). Support terms can be modified only for installments after the motion and only on a substantial and material change of circumstances (32-709(1)).
What if the parents cannot agree in Idaho?
The court decides on the child’s best interests and the seven factors, starting from the joint custody presumption. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Idaho post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Idaho?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes; the order sets it.
How many overnights is 25% in Idaho?
About 91 overnights; each parent needs 92 or more for the shared custody calculation.
Does a 3-in-14 schedule reach the Idaho 25% line?
No. It is about 78 overnights, 21.4%.
Does a 5-in-14 schedule reach the Idaho 25% line?
Yes. It is about 130 overnights, 35.6%.
Who sets the schedule if Idaho parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interests, starting from the joint custody presumption.
Official sources
- Idaho Code 32-717: custody of children; best interest
- Idaho Code 32-717B: joint custody
- Idaho Code 32-717A: parents’ access to records and information
- Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure 120: child support guidelines
- Idaho Form 7: shared, split or mixed custody worksheet
- Idaho Code 32-709: modification of maintenance and support
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Idaho statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Idaho attorney.