Family Court Services

Family Court Services (FCS) supports Idaho's Courts by assisting parents working on a visitation schedule (parenting plan) or who are modifying an existing child custody order. FCS provides families with information and resources for alternative, non-adversarial methods of dispute resolution. FCS staff is knowledgeable about child development and parenting apart, community resources and services*.

Family Court Services (FCS) helps resolve cases involving children and families through the combined efforts of the courts, the family, and community services in ways that are less adversarial and intrusive.

By utilizing FCS, parties find they have the capacity to achieve healthy transitions through change because they are empowered with information to make informed decisions about their family's future.

Family Court Services offers a "tool box" of services and referrals for parents involved in family law matters, including, but not limited to:

• "Parenting Apart" Education (Focus On Children)

• Parenting Plan Assistance

• Child Custody Mediation

• Effective Co-Parenting Guidance

• Parenting Time Evaluators

• Safe and secure visitation for children (Supervised Access)

*Family Court Services does not provide legal advice. Those seeking to file for divorce, custody, child support, or modification of custody or child support are advised to seek legal advice or assistance.

The Idaho State Bar provides a free Lawyer Referral Service

You may obtain the instructions and court documents (fees may apply) at your local county courthouse through the Court Assistance Office

Family Court Services offers approved funding to eligible parties and services

Application for Funding:

If you have been ordered to pay for some or all of your Court Ordered Services and your court order was issued in Idaho, you may be eligible for assistance. For court orders issued in District 5 (which includes the counties of Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, or Twin Falls):

• Download the 5th District Application for Funding

• Complete the application. Be sure that all questions have been answered. Incomplete applications will be returned delaying a decision.

• Return the original application by mail or hand deliver to:

Family Court Services
P.O. Box 126
260 4th North, Suite #B
Twin Falls, ID 83303-0126
Phone: (208) 735-4307

1. Divorce is always painful for children, no matter how old they are.
2. Divorce does not end the relationship between your spouse, it just changes the rules of the relationship.
3. You are not the only parent going through a divorce.
4. You do not have to hate your spouse to get divorced.
5. Divorce takes place psychologically for children on separation day.
6. Two people living apart cannot live as cheaply as when together.
7. Two people living apart cannot see their children as often.
8. Divorcing parents are upset by any extra time the other parent has.
9. Courts do not want to place children with a destructive parent.
10. Never ask a child to decide who he or she wants to live with.
11. Be willing to do whatever you want your spouse to do.
12. Unhappy parents cannot raise happy children.
13. Child support is for your children, not extra money for your ex.
14. When parents live apart, children manipulate them more.
15. It is hard when children cannot spend time with someone they love.
16. A parent should not become a "friend" for their child(ren) and a child should not become a parent or a "friend" to their parent(s).
17. The more consistency parents provide in their children's lives, the healthier the children's adjustment will be.
18. The more flexibility a parent has regarding placement and visitation arrangements, the more comfortable children are likely to be.
19. Divorce is a process, not an event.
20. WINNING IS NEVER MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR CHILDREN.

This is not a punishment. Some parents lack the necessary skills to parent effectively. There may have been some issues such as domestic violence, neglect or sexual inappropriateness which requires a trained therapist to redirect and teach the parent better interventions. This is also appropriate when there has been a lengthy period of separation between parent and child, and there is a need for unification or reunification.

The payment for this service depends on the provider and in the past has been mostly third party.