Parenting Plans in Idaho (Custody Agreements)

Raising a child with someone you're not in a relationship with can be tricky. Parenting plans provide a clear picture of the custody arrangement, which might otherwise be difficult to understand.

In Idaho, parents who petition the court for custody orders must inform the court who should have physical and legal custody. The best way to do this is in a parenting plan. They can create one together or submit separate proposals showing what setup they believe would be in their child's best interests.

You can submit a parenting plan when you start your case or after.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

Parenting plan required content

Idaho gives parents the freedom to choose any parenting plan template. One option is Idaho's parenting plan template.

Another is the Custody X Change parenting plan template, which has over 140 categorized provisions so you have more guidance on what to include in your plan.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

You might work with your co-parent to set the terms of your plan, either one-on-one or through mediation. You can choose a court-approved mediator together or let the court appoint one for you. If there's no agreement, you alone choose the terms in your parenting plan proposal.

Your parenting plan must cover:

• Physical custody: Shared physical custody means each parent gets significant time with the child — not always 50%. If you don't want this, designate the custodial parent, whom the child will live with most of the time. The noncustodial parent will get visitation if it's safe for the child.
• Legal custody: Joint legal custody gives parents equal say in major decisions about schooling, health and other topics. Sole legal custody gives one parent sole authority.
• Parenting schedule (including holidays): Your schedule shows exactly when the child will be with each parent.

When both parents are fit, Idaho courts prefer to award joint legal and shared physical custody. However, judges usually OK sole custody if parents propose it together.

Optional topics

Round out your parenting plan with more provisions that suit your unique parenting situation.

You'll want to choose terms that are appropriate for your child's age and address the specific needs they have (e.g., taking prescribed medication).

The following are common additions.

Communication

Be clear about how parents will keep in touch with one another and the child. You might use co-parenting communication software, which makes it easier to keep track of conversations about your child.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

Relocation

Consider what will happen if a parent's move with the child will affect your custody arrangement.

Idaho law doesn't set out how much notice you must give, but you can include your own guidelines in your plan.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

If you go to court, the moving parent will need to prove the move is in the child's best interests. However, Idaho's parenting plan template includes an optional clause to waive this requirement. It's not recommended since it places the burden on the nonmoving parent to prove the move is not in the child's best interest.

Shared expenses

Include a list of shared co-parenting expenses not covered by child support. (Child support is not part of a parenting plan). A list helps ensure fairness and may help you avoid arguments later on.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

Taxes

Who will claim the child on taxes? This might always be the custodial parent, or you could alternate yearly.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

Idaho has a Child Tax Credit for parents of children who are under 17 or permanently disabled. Either parent can claim the credit. The noncustodial parent would need a court order or written permission from the custodial parent to claim it.

Modifications

As your child gets older, their needs will change. Parents might also go through changes that necessitate modifications (e.g., moving, getting a new partner). Figure out how you'll address these changes.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

The easiest way to make a parenting plan

When you're writing a parenting plan, it's critical you use airtight language that leaves no room for interpretation.

If you hire a lawyer, they'll write up the plan and ensure it meets the court's requirements.

If you write your own plan, use technology to take guesswork out of the equation. The parenting plan template in the Custody X Change online app walks you through each step.

You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.

The result is a professional document that demonstrates your competence as a parent from the first glance.

The easiest and most reliable way to make a parenting plan is with Custody X Change.