§ 15-5-213 — DE FACTO CUSTODIAN

(1) "De facto custodian" means a person who has either been appointed the de facto custodian pursuant to section 32-1705, Idaho Code, or if not so appointed, has been the primary caregiver for, and primary financial supporter of, a child who, prior to the filing of a petition for guardianship, has resided with the person for a period of six (6) months or more if the child is under three (3) years of age and for a period of one (1) year or more if the child is three (3) years of age or older.
(2) If a court determines by clear and convincing evidence that a person meets the definition of a de facto custodian, and that recognition of the de facto custodian is in the best interests of the child, the court shall give the person the same standing that is given to each parent in proceedings for appointment of a guardian of a minor. In determining whether recognition of a de facto custodian is in the child’s best interests, the court shall consider:
(a) Whether the child is currently residing with the person seeking such standing; and
(b) If the child is not currently residing with the person seeking such standing, the length of time since the person served as the child’s primary caregiver and primary financial supporter.

Legislative History

[15-5-213, added 2004, ch. 145, sec. 2, p. 476; am. 2005, ch. 113, sec. 2, p. 365; am. 2010, ch. 236, sec. 3, p. 612.]