ID Bar Family Law 2

Question 1

In Idaho custody proceedings, what is the primary standard courts apply when making custody determinations?

Accepted Answer

The best interests of the child

Answer

Idaho Code § 32-717 mandates that courts make all custody determinations based on the best interests of the child, weighing multiple enumerated statutory factors.

Question 2

Under Idaho law, how does a court treat a child's expressed preference regarding custody arrangements?

Accepted Answer

It is one factor the court may consider regardless of the child's age

Answer

Under Idaho Code § 32-717(5), a child's wishes regarding custody are one of many factors the court may consider at any age, but the preference is never automatically binding on the court.

Question 3

Idaho's child support guidelines use which model to calculate each parent's support obligation?

Accepted Answer

The income shares model

Answer

Idaho uses the income shares model, which considers the combined incomes of both parents and allocates child support proportionally based on each parent's share of that combined income.

Question 4

Under Idaho law, spousal maintenance (alimony) awards are best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Discretionary and based on factors such as financial need and the other spouse's ability to pay

Answer

Under Idaho Code § 32-705, spousal maintenance is entirely discretionary; courts weigh factors including the requesting spouse's financial need, the standard of living during the marriage, and the paying spouse's financial resources.

Question 5

In Idaho, a parent who wishes to relocate with a minor child to another state generally must:

Accepted Answer

Obtain the written consent of the other parent or court approval before relocating

Answer

Idaho courts require the relocating parent to obtain the other parent's written consent or seek court approval before relocating with a child, protecting the non-relocating parent's custodial rights.

ID Bar - Idaho Bar Exam Practice Test

ID Bar - Idaho Bar Exam Practice Test

ID Bar Family Law 2