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Legal Information: Idaho

Custody

Updated: 
November 7, 2023

What happens if I tell the judge the other parent abused the child?

If you say that the other parent abused or sexually abused the child, the judge must order the Department of Health and Welfare to investigate. The investigation must be done within thirty days. The judge will usually wait to get the report from the investigation before giving a final custody or visitation order.1 However, proving that a child was abused or sexually abused is hard. And there can be negative consequences if the judge doesn’t believe you. To be safe, ask an Idaho lawyer about the best way to bring your concerns to the judge.

1 I.C. § 32-717C

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