Lawyers & Resources.

• Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS): idaholegalaid.org — free civil legal help to low-income individuals, serves all 44 Idaho counties. Family law services available (limited by resources).
• Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP): ivlp.org — pro bono attorney matching through Idaho State Bar. Accepts family law cases.
• Court Assistance Office (CAO): courtselfhelp.idaho.gov — free forms, instructions, and procedural guidance. Cannot give legal advice. Available in every county courthouse.

• Idaho State Bar (ISB): isb.idaho.gov
• Lawyer Referral Service (LRS): $35 for 30-minute consultation. Online: idaho.community.lawyer. Phone: (208) 334-4500. Personal injury, medical malpractice, workers comp: free referral.
• Family Law Section: ISB Family Law Section — promotes education and networking for family law attorneys.

The Idaho State Bar does NOT directly certify specialists, but it approves organizations that do:

• National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA): Certified Family Law Trial Advocacy specialists — approved by ISB. nbtalawyers.org or (508) 384-6565.
• National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC): Certified Child Welfare Law specialists — naccchildlaw.org or (303) 828-6222.

Most Idaho family law attorneys are NOT certified specialists. Look for ISB Family Law Section membership, AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) membership, and substantial family law experience.

• Hourly rate: $200-$400/hour typical in Idaho (varies by location and experience)
• Retainer: $2,000-$5,000 typical for contested custody cases
• Flat fee: Some attorneys offer flat-fee uncontested divorce ($1,000-$2,500)
• Consultation: Many offer free 30-min initial consultations
• Fee waiver: If you cannot afford the filing fee, file a Motion and Affidavit for Fee Waiver (CAO FW 1-9) — this waives court fees but NOT attorney fees

• Use the ISB Lawyer Referral Service for a $35/30-min consultation
• Ask about experience with custody cases specifically
• Look for ISB Family Law Section membership
• Check for NBTA Family Law Trial Advocacy certification (rare but valuable)
• Ask about their approach to mediation vs. litigation
• Verify good standing with Idaho State Bar (no disciplinary actions)
• Ask about billing practices and whether they offer payment plans

• Court Assistance Office: courtselfhelp.idaho.gov — forms, instructions, videos
• Family Court Services: Available in each judicial district for mediation and parenting classes
• Idaho Legal Aid: idaholegalaid.org/resources/family-law — self-help guides and resources
• 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine: Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to legal and social services

Idaho Child Support Services (CSS) under Department of Health and Welfare:

• Website: DHW Child Support Services
• Portal: mychildsupport.idaho.gov
• Services: Establish paternity, establish/modify support orders, enforce orders, collect and distribute payments
• Enforcement tools: Income withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, passport denial, liens, contempt
• No fee for non-enforcement services (enforcement may have fees)

• Idaho DV Hotline: 1-800-669-3176 (statewide, 24/7)
• WCA Boise: 208-343-3688 / 24-hr Abuse Hotline: 208-343-7025
• Faces of Hope: 208-986-4357 (HELP) — Boise area, immediate services at no cost
• Advocates Against Family Violence: 208-459-4779 (Caldwell/Canyon County)
• Idaho Council on Domestic Violence (ICDV): icdv.idaho.gov
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

• Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline: 988 or 208-398-4357 — 24/7 call/text/chat
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine: Dial 2-1-1 for resource referrals