Idaho uses a formula based on both parents' income and custody time

Idaho calculates child support by taking both parents' gross monthly income, explore a percentage based on how many children need support, and then adjusting for how much time each parent spends with the child. The state publishes an official Child Support Guidelines table that shows the base amount for different income levels. A judge or the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare can use this table to set support, or parents can agree to an amount themselves — but any agreement still has to follow the guidelines unless both parents sign a written statement saying why they are deviating from them.

The calculation starts with gross monthly income, which includes wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, rental income, and some benefits. It does not include means-tested benefits like food stamps or Medicaid. If a parent is not working, the court may "impute" income — meaning it assigns an income based on what that parent could earn, using their work history and the state's minimum wage.

Once the base support amount is set from the guidelines table, the court adjusts it for the actual custody arrangement. If both parents share custody equally, the support obligation shifts. If one parent has the child most of the time, the other parent typically pays support to that parent.

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho's Child Support Guidelines table sets a base amount based on combined parental income and the number of children.
  • Gross monthly income includes wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, and rental income, but not means-tested benefits.
  • The court adjusts the base amount depending on how much time each parent spends with the child.
  • Parents can agree to a different amount in writing, but they must explain in the agreement why they are not following the state guidelines.
  • If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may assign income based on their earning capacity.

The Idaho Child Support Guidelines table and income brackets

The state publishes a table that shows the monthly child support obligation for different combined parental incomes. The table is organized by number of children — one child, two children, three children, and so on. Each row shows an income range and the corresponding base support amount.

For example, if two parents together earn $3,000 per month and have one child, the table will show one base amount. If they earn $5,000 per month with the same one child, the base amount is higher. The table goes up to a certain income cap — currently around $15,000 per month in combined income — and income above that cap is handled separately by the court.

The table assumes a standard custody arrangement. Once you know the base amount from the table, you then adjust it based on the actual parenting time split. This adjustment is where the real-world custody schedule matters most.

How parenting time affects the support amount

Idaho recognizes that child support is not just about money — it is also about time. If both parents spend roughly equal time with the child, the support obligation is different than if one parent has the child 80 percent of the time.

The state uses a parenting time adjustment to account for this. If the non-custodial parent (the one paying support) has the child at least 40 percent of the time, the base amount from the guidelines table is reduced. The more time that parent spends with the child, the lower the support payment, because that parent is directly covering expenses during their parenting time.

If one parent has the child less than 40 percent of the time, the adjustment is smaller or may not explore. The court looks at the actual parenting schedule — overnights, weekends, holidays, and school breaks — to calculate the percentage.

What counts as income and what does not

Idaho's definition of income for child support is broad. It includes:

  • Wages, salary, and hourly pay
  • Self-employment income and business profits
  • Bonuses, commissions, and overtime
  • Rental income from property
  • Interest and dividend income
  • Social Security benefits (with some exceptions)
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Workers' compensation
  • Pension and retirement distributions

Income that does not count includes means-tested public benefits like Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, or Medicaid. Child support received from another child is also excluded, as is the income of a new spouse or partner.

If a parent is self-employed, the court looks at tax returns and business records to determine actual net income. If a parent recently lost a job or reduced hours, the court may still use prior income unless the change is permanent and involuntary.

When the court imputes income for unemployment or underemployment

If a parent is not working, or is working part-time when they could work full-time, the court may assign income anyway. This is called imputing income, and it prevents a parent from avoiding child support by straightforward quitting their job.

The court uses several methods to impute income. It may look at the parent's prior work history and earnings. It may use the state minimum wage multiplied by a full-time work week (40 hours). It may consider the parent's education, skills, and job market conditions. If a parent is deliberately underemployed — for example, working part-time when they have a degree and could work full-time — the court can impute income based on their earning capacity.

A parent can challenge an imputed income amount by showing that they are genuinely unable to work at that level due to disability, caregiving responsibilities, or a documented lack of job availability. But the burden is on the parent to prove this.

Deviations from the guidelines and written agreements

Parents are allowed to agree to a child support amount that differs from what the guidelines table says. However, Idaho requires that any deviation be documented in a written agreement, and the agreement must include a statement explaining why the parents are not following the guidelines.

Common reasons for deviation include one parent paying for health insurance or daycare, one parent having significant assets, or the parents wanting to split costs differently than the formula produces. A judge will review the agreement to make sure it is not unfair to either parent or the child.

If parents cannot agree, or if one parent wants to change an existing support order, the case goes to court. The judge will explore the guidelines table and make any adjustments based on the specific circumstances of the family.

How to find the current Idaho Child Support Guidelines table

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare publishes the current Child Support Guidelines table on its website. The table is updated periodically, so it is important to use the most recent version. You can also request a copy from the district court in the county where the child support case is filed.

If you are working with a lawyer or a court mediator, they will have the current table and can walk you through the calculation using your specific income and custody arrangement. If you are calculating support on your own, start with the table, identify your combined income and number of children, find the base amount, and then adjust for parenting time.

The Idaho Supreme Court also publishes commentary on how the process works the guidelines, which can help clarify how the court interprets specific situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if one parent makes much more money than the other?

The guidelines table uses combined income, so a high-earning parent does contribute more to the base amount. However, the court then divides that base amount between the parents based on their individual income percentages. A parent earning 80 percent of the combined income will pay roughly 80 percent of the support obligation. Income above the cap is handled by the judge using discretion.

Does child support change if custody changes?

Yes. If the parenting time arrangement changes significantly — for example, if a child moves from one parent to the other — the support amount is recalculated. The parent who now has less time with the child may owe more support, or the support may decrease if they now have more time. Either parent can request a modification if the custody arrangement has changed.

Can child support be modified after it is set?

Yes, if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This includes a significant change in either parent's income, a change in custody or parenting time, or a change in the cost of health insurance or daycare. The parent requesting the change must file a motion with the court and show that the change is substantial enough to warrant a recalculation.

What if a parent is self-employed or has irregular income?

The court looks at tax returns and business records to determine average net income over time. If income is highly variable, the court may average the past two or three years. Self-employed parents should keep detailed records of income and expenses, as these will be reviewed if child support is calculated or modified.

Does the guidelines amount include health insurance and daycare costs?

The base amount from the guidelines table is for basic child support only. Health insurance premiums and daycare costs are typically added on top of the base amount. The court orders one or both parents to pay these costs separately, or the parents can agree to split them in their written agreement.