Filing for divorce in Idaho without an attorney costs $207 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 weeks in Idaho. Idaho is a community property state with a 20 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 weeks. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Idaho-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $207 (The filing fee is $207 statewide. Idaho has standardized fees across all counties.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 weeks in Idaho |
| Waiting Period | 20 days |
| Property Division | Community Property (50/50) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), Adultery, Extreme cruelty, Willful desertion, Willful neglect, Habitual intemperance, Felony conviction, Permanent insanity |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-6 weeks |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Idaho, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 weeks in Idaho.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Idaho for at least 6 weeks before filing. This is one of the shortest residency requirements in the United States.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Idaho's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Idaho without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Idaho for at least 6 weeks before filing. This is one of the shortest residency requirements in the United States.
Download the official Idaho divorce forms: Petition for Divorce, Summons, Family Law Case Information Sheet. All forms are available from the Idaho courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (CAO D 1-1) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Idaho court and pay the filing fee of $207. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Idaho rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Idaho law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Idaho has a minimum 20-day waiting period after the respondent is served. The court cannot enter a final decree until at least 20 days have passed.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Idaho, this typically takes 3-6 weeks. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Idaho. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Notifies spouse
Court administration
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Idaho is $207. The filing fee is $207 statewide. Idaho has standardized fees across all counties.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $207 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $300-$1,000 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Idaho offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Idaho, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Idaho courts are strict about service requirements.
Idaho is a community property state.
Idaho is a community property state. All property acquired during marriage is presumed to be community property owned 50/50 by both spouses. The court divides community property substantially equally, though not always exactly 50/50.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Idaho law applies to your specific property.
Idaho uses the Income shares model per Idaho Child Support Guidelines.
Idaho uses income shares guidelines. Combined gross income of both parents determines the basic support obligation, then divided based on each parent's income percentage and custody time.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Idaho divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $207 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
20 days - Idaho has a minimum 20-day waiting period after the respondent is served. The court cannot enter a final decree until at least 20 days have passed.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
One of shortest residency requirements (6 weeks)
Community property state
20-day minimum waiting period
Both fault and no-fault available
Court Assistance Office provides free help
Common questions about filing for divorce in Idaho without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Idaho's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Idaho-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Idaho's exact guidelines
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Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Idaho divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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