Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines 2024

The state lays out Indiana parenting time guidelines to manage parenting time for children. These guidelines are specifically for children with divorced, unmarried, or separated parents. Through these guidelines, the state of Indiana promotes the best interests of the child. At the same time, it also takes into account the duties of the parents. Indiana parenting time guidelines describe schedules based on various parameters. These include the child’s age and/or if they have some special needs to fulfill. Here is a general overview of the parenting time guidelines.

General Rules for Parenting Time

The parenting time guideline consists of the following general rules.

• Parenting time is to be determined in the child’s best interest. It is necessary to factor in the relationship of the child to both parents, age, and any special needs.
• Parents should remain in contact with the child on a regular basis.
• One parent shouldn’t encroach on the time of the other parent with the child. No parent can speak ill of the other in front of or to the child.
• The child’s safety and well-being should be considered while establishing the parenting time.
• Parenting time will consider special occasions, holidays, and school breaks. At the same time, it should also factor in the child’s willingness to spend time with their parents.
• Transportation costs, location, and time must be established when the child needs to be transported to another residence.
• The established parenting time needs a court’s approval. This is especially important if the parents aren’t able to finalize an agreement.

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Specific Provisions for Parenting Time

There are specific provisions established by the Indiana parenting time guidelines. Here’s a brief overview.

• The guidelines have laid down detailed schedules for parenting time with each parent. The schedule lays out overnights, weekends, and weekdays with both parents for a 3 or 4-year-old child.
• Provisions for holidays are made in a rotating manner. This is done so that both parents get to spend holidays and festivals with the child.
• Parenting time includes provisions for school breaks, vacations, and school holidays. The time during school breaks is distributed so that both parents can spend an equal amount of time with their child.
• Provisions are also laid out for clear communication between the parent and the child. This includes video chats, phone calls, or any other type of communication. Communication is necessary so parents can remain involved in their child’s life.
• We also consider transportation arrangements between the residences of both parents.
• It includes costs as well as duties related to the safe transportation of the child.
• The guidelines promote open communication among the parents in case of any change in schedule. This mainly revolves around the presence of any unexpected situation.
• A non-custodial parent can refuse a custodial parent if the latter is unable to look after the child. Custodial parents needs to give the non-custodial parent a chance to take care of the child. Only if it does not materializes, the custodial parent can look into other measures.
• There are provisions for supervised parenting time. Guidelines have also been established for moving to unsupervised time.
• We lay out provisions if a parent requires relocation to another country.

Parenting Time Guidelines in Case of Geographical Distance Between the Parents

General parenting rules, as stated above, apply in case of much geographical distance between parents. However, there are more specific guidelines for such parents.

• If the child is under 3 years old, the non-custodial parent can exercise parenting time on behalf of the custodial parent. This is for a period of five hours every week. This period is only applicable for alternative weekends.
• We establish a schedule of six one-week segments yearly for a 3 or 4-year-old child.
• For children 5 years or older, seven weeks of the summer vacation at school and seven days of the winter vacation, along with the spring break and both weekends, if applicable.

Guidelines for Shared Parenting

The shared parenting model is suitable for parents who need less separation in their personal relationships. They desire to bring their child up within the two homes in a seamless manner, one in which the child does not notice the separation between the parents in any way.

• The child should spend approximately an equal amount of time with both parents.
• The guidelines encourage both parents to be more flexible in making adjustments to their schedules. This is because shared parenting needs a degree of flexibility to look after the child’s needs.
• We also encourage parents to openly communicate with each other regarding changes in their schedules.
• The guidelines provide guidance on how to jointly make decisions for important facets of the child’s life. This includes the child’s education, medical care, and extracurricular activities.
• The aim of the shared parenting model is to promote a healthy bond between both parents and the child. Shared parenting works best for parents who value the bond between each other and their child.

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Parenting Coordination Guidelines

There are several provisions for parenting coordination. Parenting coordination is ordered by the court for the purpose of resolving disputes. It is applicable for high-conflict parties. Here’s a brief overview.

• The court appoints the parenting coordinator. They must be registered as Indiana Domestic Relations Mediators.
• The service terms and the appointment require a court order. Alternatively, it requires the agreement of both parties. If an appointment is without consent, explanations need to be provided.
• Domestic abuse is outside the realm of parenting coordinators.
• They will refrain from involvement until we establish appropriate safety measures.
• The duties of a parenting coordinator include evaluating the family and educating them on how their behavior impacts their child. They also engage in resolving conflicts.
• Submit recommendations to the court within a set timeline.
• The court has the authority to take no instant action, approve or reject recommendations.

Summing Up

Children with parents who do not live together deserve a happy childhood. Indiana parenting time guidelines help promote the best interests of such children. Laying out clear guidelines for every aspect of parenting helps ensure the well-being of the child and lowers the need for contentious court battles.