DOMESTIC RELATIONS – Amends existing law to provide for attorney’s fees for parties that lack financial resources in divorce or child custody matters.

This bill (H 699) creates a new process for low-income individuals facing divorce or child custody disputes in Idaho. It requires courts to inform both parties at the first hearing about their right to request financial assistance for legal fees if they cannot afford a lawyer. If a party qualifies, the court can order the other party to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs directly to the lawyer, based on both parties' financial situations. The law applies only to contested cases and includes safeguards against frivolous fee requests.