Court orders involving custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support are meant to bring stability to families, but life does not stay the same forever. Jobs change. Children grow. Health circumstances shift. Parents move. When these changes happen, existing orders may no longer fit the reality of your life. That is when a modification may be necessary.
On the other hand, some families struggle because one parent is not following the court order. Missed parenting time. Unpaid child support. Interference with communication. These issues can create stress, confusion, and conflict. In those situations, enforcement is often required to protect your rights and restore stability.
At Harrington Law, we help families throughout Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, and the entire Treasure Valley navigate both modifications and enforcement actions. Our goal is to bring clarity, order, and long term solutions to situations that can feel overwhelming.
Helping You Understand When a Family Law Order Can Be Modified
Idaho law allows changes to custody, parenting time, child support, and sometimes spousal support, but only when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances. This standard helps ensure that modifications are made only when necessary and not based on temporary or minor issues.
A modification may be possible when:
A parent’s work schedule changes
A parent relocates or plans to move
A child’s school or activity schedule changes
A parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income
A child has new medical, developmental, or educational needs
There are concerns about a child’s safety or well being
There is evidence of ongoing conflict or interference with parenting time
A parent remarries or their household dynamic changes
We help you determine whether your situation qualifies for modification under Idaho law. Once the need is clear, we guide you through the legal process from start to finish.
Modifying Custody and Parenting Time Orders
Children grow and their needs evolve. What worked when they were toddlers may not work when they reach school age or become teenagers. Parenting plans often need adjustments to reflect new routines, developmental needs, or changes in parental responsibilities.
Common reasons parents seek to modify parenting plans include:
Changes in school or extracurricular activities
A parent relocating inside or outside the Treasure Valley
A parent’s new work schedule, especially shift work
Concerns about the child’s emotional or physical safety
A change in a parent’s ability to care for the child
A pattern of missed exchanges or ongoing conflict
Substance abuse issues
A child expressing new needs or desires based on age and maturity
We work with you to create a clear, detailed parenting plan that supports your child’s long term well being while ensuring your parental rights remain protected.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Income is one of the most common reasons for child support modifications. Idaho allows adjustments when there is a meaningful change in either parent’s financial circumstances. Support may also be modified because childcare costs increase, insurance changes, or parenting schedules shift.
We help with child support modifications involving:
Job loss or significant income reduction
Increased income
Changes in custody or overnights
Changes in medical or childcare expenses
Long term disability or health issues
New financial responsibilities for either parent
Modifications must be supported by accurate financial documentation. We help gather the correct records and complete updated child support worksheets so the court has a clear and honest picture of your situation.
Modifying Spousal Support Orders
Spousal support, or maintenance, may be modifiable depending on the original order. Some agreements are non modifiable, while others allow changes when there is a substantial and material change in circumstances.
Reasons for modifying spousal support may include:
Significant income changes
Major changes in living expenses
Health changes that affect earning capacity
Retirement
Changes in employment
A former spouse remarrying or cohabiting in certain situations
We help you understand whether your spousal support order can be modified and what evidence is needed to support your request.
How the Modification Process Works in Idaho
The court takes modifications seriously because changes impact children, finances, and long term stability. Here is what the modification process generally looks like:
Review of your current order and your changed circumstances
Collection of evidence and documentation
Filing a petition for modification
Serving the other parent
Mediation when required
Hearings if parents cannot agree on changes
A new court order that reflects the updated circumstances
We guide you through each step, advocate strongly on your behalf, and work toward solutions that support your family’s needs.
When a Parent Does Not Follow the Court Order
Unfortunately, not every parent follows the parenting plan or support order. This can create ongoing conflict and stress, especially when it affects a child’s stability. Enforcement actions may become necessary when one parent:
Frequently denies or interferes with parenting time
Refuses to exchange the child on time
Fails to pay child support
Fails to pay spousal support
Moves without permission
Refuses to follow decision making responsibilities
Interferes with communication, transportation, or school involvement
Enforcing your rights is not about “winning.” It is about restoring consistency and protecting the stability your child needs.
Enforcing Parenting Time and Custody Orders
When parenting time is not being followed, court intervention may be required. Idaho courts take violations seriously because they affect a child’s relationship with both parents. Enforcement options may include:
Corrective orders requiring compliance
Make up parenting time
Contempt of court in serious cases
Fines or other penalties
Modified parenting plans if violations continue
We help document the violations clearly and present evidence to the court showing a pattern of non compliance. Our focus is ensuring your child maintains a consistent and healthy relationship with both parents whenever possible.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When child support goes unpaid, it can place significant financial pressure on the receiving parent. Idaho has several tools to help collect unpaid support, including:
Wage garnishment
Intercepting tax refunds
Suspending licenses in certain cases
Liens on property
Contempt actions
Income withholding orders
We help you determine the most effective enforcement option and take action to protect your child’s financial well being.
Enforcing Spousal Support Orders
When spousal support is part of a court order, the paying spouse must comply. If payments stop or fall behind, enforcement may be necessary. Courts can order wage withholding, penalties, or other remedies to ensure compliance.
We help document missed payments and pursue enforcement options that support your financial stability.
When Modification and Enforcement Overlap
Often, parents come to us because one issue triggers the other. A parent may stop paying support because they lost a job, which requires modification. A parent may violate the parenting plan because of a schedule problem, which may also require modification. In some cases, a parent refuses to follow the plan without legitimate cause, which requires enforcement.
We help determine whether your case requires modification, enforcement, or both, and we create a strategy that protects your rights and your child’s well being.
What Parents Often Ask About Modifications and Enforcement
Here are some of the most common questions parents ask during these situations.
Can I change the parenting plan if my child is older and their schedule has changed
What happens if the other parent refuses to pay child support
Can I move out of state with my child
Can a parenting plan be changed if the other parent is not following it
How long does a modification take
What counts as a substantial and material change in circumstances
What evidence should I gather
Do I have to go to mediation again
Can a support order be enforced even if the parent is out of state
Can a parent be held in contempt for violating an order
We answer these questions clearly and help you understand your options at every stage.
Why Boise Families Choose Harrington Law for Modifications and Enforcement
Families turn to Harrington Law because they want honest guidance, strong advocacy, and dependable communication. When orders are no longer working or the other parent is not following them, you need an attorney who brings clarity and stability.
Here is what sets us apart:
Deep knowledge of Boise and Treasure Valley courts
One on one representation
Clear explanations of Idaho family law
Strategic planning focused on long term solutions
Compassionate support through stressful transitions
Strong advocacy in negotiation and court
Your family’s stability matters, and we help you protect it.
Additional practice areas
Parenting plans in Idaho
Child support representation
Custody representation
Divorce representation
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule a Consultation With Harrington Law
If your current court order no longer fits your family’s needs or the other parent is not following the order, Harrington Law is here to help. We provide clear guidance, strong advocacy, and steady support to help you restore stability and protect your family’s well being.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a fair and workable solution.