Idaho § 16-1603 - Jurisdiction of the courts
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 16-1603 — Jurisdiction of the courts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-1603. Jurisdiction of the courts
(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, the court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in all proceedings under this chapter concerning any child living or found within the state:
(a) Who is neglected, abused or abandoned by his parents, guardian or other legal custodian, or who is homeless; or
(b) Whose parents or other legal custodian fails to provide a stable home environment.
(2) If the court has taken jurisdiction over a child under subsection (1) of this section, it may take jurisdiction over another child living or having custodial visitation in the same household without the filing of a separate petition if it finds all of the following:
(a) The other child is living or is found within the state;
(b) The other child has been exposed to or is at risk of being a victim of abuse, neglect or abandonment;
(c) The other child is listed in the petition or amended petition;
(d) The parents or legal guardians of the other child have notice as provided in section 16-1611 , Idaho Code.
[16-1603, as added by 1976, ch. 204, sec. 2, p. 735; am. 1982, ch. 186, sec. 3, p. 494; am. 1991, ch. 212, sec. 3, p. 503; am. 1996, ch. 272, sec. 3, p. 888; am. 1999, ch. 123, sec. 2, p. 361; am. 2001, ch. 107, sec. 3, p. 355; am. 2003, ch. 279, sec. 3, p. 752; am. 2005, ch. 391, sec. 6, p. 1272.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 16-1603
What does Idaho Statutes § 16-1603 cover?
Section 16-1603 ("Jurisdiction of the courts") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 16-1603?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 16-1603" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 16-1603 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.