Divorce

If you are considering a divorce in Idaho or were just served with papers, this page explains your options and what to expect. We cover how to start a case, how to respond, and what happens if you and your spouse agree or disagree. If you have children, you will find guidance on parenting plans, child support, and making schedules that fit your family. If you do not have children, we explain how to divide property and debts and how spousal support may be handled. You will also learn about fee waivers for people who qualify and steps to protect safety and privacy when needed.

Community Debts 
Community debts are debts incurred during your marriage by you or your spouse that are not separate debts. Generally, separate debts are debts you had before you got married, bills you owe for improving or maintaining your separate property, or debts you acquire solely in your own name. (Most debts acquired during marriage are community debts.) 

Community Personal Property 
Community Personal Property is all property that is not real-estate acquired by both you and your spouse during the marriage that is not separate property. Personal community property can include: 

  • furniture
  • clothing
  • vehicles
  • cash
  • bank accounts
  • securities
  • debts owed to you
  • retirement accounts* 

*If either of you have retirement accounts you should definitely talk to an attorney before proceeding. 

Community Real Property 
Community Real Property is real-estate/land (with or without permanently attached buildings) acquired by one or both of you during the marriage unless it is separate property that was given to either of you separately as a gift; inheritance; or in exchange for other separate property. 

Legal Description of Real Estate 
The legal description of your property can be found in the property deed. If you do not have a copy of your deed, for a fee, you can get a copy of the property deed from your local County Recorder's office. Example of a property legal description: Morningside Subdivision, Lot 12, East 68.10’, of South 103’, Block 3. 

Separate Property 
Separate property is real estate or personal property either: 

  • owned before the marriage
  • received during the marriage by gift or inheritance separate from your spouse
  • got in exchange for other separate property. 

Real estate is a house or land, with or without buildings. Personal property includes: 

  • furniture
  • clothing
  • vehicles
  • cash
  • bank accounts
  • securities
  • debts owed to you
  • retirement accounts* 

*If either of you have retirement accounts you should definitely talk to an attorney before proceeding.

The State of Idaho's Court Assistance Office has forms available for Divorce with No Minor Children and Divorce with Minor Children. You can access these forms by visiting the Court Assistance Office directly.

Idaho Legal Aid Services has also created a Divorce with No Minor Children guide that can be accessed below. Please note that some variations on this process may occur on a case-by-case basis or from courthouse to courthouse.

Idaho Legal Aid Services created the attached guide to inform Idaho residents of their rights related to spousal maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, in a divorce case. Unmarried couples are not eligible for spousal maintenance. For more information, please view the guide below.

This guide was created by Idaho Legal Aid Services to provide general information regarding community property and separate property in a divorce and how the court divides property. If you are in need of specific legal advice, please consult with an attorney.

The attached packet contains templates you can use to file an Ex Parte Emergency Custody Motion in your child custody or divorce case.

Attached is a Word.doc template for a Motion for Temporary Orders for temporary custody, visitation, and/or support in a pending family law matter. You may use this template to draft your own motion. Please review the advice and additional documents needed for this motion in the Temporary Orders Packet, created by Idaho Legal Aid Services, the Idaho Law Foundation, and the Women's and Children's Alliance, attached.