Index
- Introduction
- Understanding Parenting Time in Indiana
- Custody vs. Parenting Time in Indiana
- The Purpose and Philosophy of Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
- Standard Parenting Time Schedules
- Every Other Weekend Schedule
- 2-2-3 and 2-2-5-5 Schedules
- Week-on/Week-off Schedules
- Holiday and Vacation Schedules
- Flexibility and Customization: Adapting to Your Family’s Needs
- Communication, Transportation, and Exchanges
- Technology and Virtual Parenting Time
- Make-Up Parenting Time and Missed Visits
- Limits and Restrictions on Parenting Time
- Modifying Parenting Time Orders
- Enforcement and Remedies for Parenting Time Violations
- Special Circumstances: Long Distance, Non-Traditional Schedules, and Relocation
- Parenting Time for Children of Different Ages
- The Role of the Court and When to Seek Legal Help
- Practical Tips for Navigating Parenting Time
- Resources and Further Reading
- Connect with an Indiana Family Law Attorney
- Disclaimer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Citations
Introduction
Navigating child custody and parenting time can be overwhelming for Indiana families facing divorce or separation. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG) are designed to provide a clear, fair, and child-focused framework for co-parenting. Whether you’re establishing your first parenting plan, seeking a modification, or dealing with holiday schedules, this comprehensive guide empowers you with the knowledge and resources you need to protect your child’s best interests.
Understanding Parenting Time in Indiana
Parenting time (sometimes called visitation) is the legal term for the time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. Indiana law intentionally uses “parenting time” to underscore the active, ongoing role both parents play in their child’s life, regardless of who has primary physical custody.
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a baseline for how time is shared and are referenced in most Indiana child custody cases.
For a broader overview of Indiana child custody law, see The Ultimate Guide to Indiana Child Custody Laws.
Custody vs. Parenting Time in Indiana
- Legal Custody: The right to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing (education, health care, religion). Indiana courts often award joint legal custody unless there is a compelling reason not to.
- Physical Custody: Where the child primarily lives. One parent may have primary physical custody, or parents may share joint physical custody.
- Parenting Time: The schedule dictating when each parent has the child in their care. Even if one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent is typically entitled to parenting time under the IPTG, unless there is a risk to the child’s safety.
For more, visit Child Custody vs. Parenting Time in Indiana.
The Purpose and Philosophy of Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
The IPTG were developed by the Indiana Supreme Court to:
- Set minimum standards for parenting time
- Promote consistency and predictability for children
- Encourage parental cooperation and flexibility
- Prioritize the best interests of the child
The guidelines are not rigid rules-they are a starting point for parents and courts to develop a plan tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Standard Parenting Time Schedules
Every Other Weekend Schedule
The “every other weekend” schedule is the most common arrangement for non-custodial parents. It typically includes:
- Every other weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening
- One evening per week (often midweek)
- Alternating holidays and half of school breaks
- Extended summer parenting time
For more on typical schedules, see Common Parenting Time Schedules in Indiana Family Law.
2-2-3 and 2-2-5-5 Schedules
For parents seeking more equal time:
- 2-2-3 Schedule: The child spends two days with Parent A, two days with Parent B, then three days with Parent A, then the cycle repeats.
- 2-2-5-5 Schedule: The child spends two days with each parent, then five days with each parent.
These schedules require frequent exchanges and work best for parents who live close and communicate well.
Week-on/Week-off Schedules
For older children or families with joint physical custody, a week-on/week-off rotation may be appropriate. This arrangement provides extended time with each parent but requires strong cooperation and consistency.
Holiday and Vacation Schedules
The IPTG provide detailed frameworks for dividing holidays and vacations to ensure fairness and predictability:
- Alternating Holidays: Most major holidays alternate annually between parents (e.g., Christmas, Thanksgiving, Spring Break).
- Birthdays: The non-custodial parent may have several hours with the child on their birthday, even if it falls on the other parent’s day.
- Mother’s Day/Father’s Day: The child spends these days with the respective parent, regardless of the regular schedule.
- Extended Summer Parenting Time: Non-custodial parents typically receive 4–6 weeks during summer, often broken into two blocks for younger children.
- Winter Break: Usually split equally or alternated each year.
Tips for Smooth Holiday Exchanges:
- Start planning and communicating about holiday schedules several months in advance.
- Use a shared digital calendar to avoid confusion.
- Be flexible and child-focused-sometimes swapping holidays or adjusting times is in your child’s best interest.
Flexibility and Customization: Adapting to Your Family’s Needs
Indiana’s guidelines are intentionally flexible. Parents are encouraged to tailor schedules to their child’s unique needs, considering factors like:
- Age and developmental stage
- School and extracurricular activities
- Parents’ work schedules
- Distance between households
If both parents agree, they can create a custom schedule. If disputes arise, the court will use the guidelines as a baseline, always prioritizing the child’s best interests.
Communication, Transportation, and Exchanges
The IPTG address practical issues such as:
- Communication: Both parents should have reasonable phone, video, or electronic contact with the child during the other parent’s time.
- Transportation: Typically, the parent beginning their parenting time provides transportation. Parents can agree to other arrangements.
- Exchanges: Should occur at neutral, safe locations and at times that minimize disruption for the child.
For practical tips, see Four Tips for Smoother Parenting Time Exchanges for Co-Parents.
Technology and Virtual Parenting Time
Technology is increasingly important in maintaining parent-child bonds, especially for long-distance families or during emergencies.
Best Practices:
- Schedule regular video calls or phone calls, but avoid excessive communication that disrupts the child’s routine.
- Use secure, child-friendly apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or specialized co-parenting platforms such as OurFamilyWizard or AppClose.
- Respect boundaries-teens may prefer texting, while younger kids may enjoy video chats.
- Virtual time can supplement in-person visits or temporarily replace them due to illness, travel, or relocation.
Make-Up Parenting Time and Missed Visits
Life is unpredictable. The IPTG recognize that parents may occasionally miss scheduled time due to illness, work, or emergencies. In these cases:
- Communicate promptly and respectfully with the other parent
- Schedule make-up time as soon as possible
- If parents cannot agree, the parent who missed time may select the make-up time, considering the child’s schedule and activities
Document all agreements and communications in writing for clarity and as a record if court intervention becomes necessary.
Limits and Restrictions on Parenting Time
While the IPTG set a minimum standard, parenting time can be limited or supervised if there is evidence that a parent’s involvement would endanger the child’s physical health or emotional development. Common reasons for restrictions include:
- Substance abuse
- Domestic violence
- Neglect or abuse
Modifying Parenting Time Orders
Parenting time arrangements are not set in stone. As children grow and circumstances change, modifications may be necessary. Indiana law allows for modification when:
- There is a substantial change in circumstances, or
- The modification is in the child’s best interests
Enforcement and Remedies for Parenting Time Violations
If a parent consistently denies or interferes with court-ordered parenting time, the other parent can seek enforcement through the court. Remedies may include:
- Make-up parenting time
- Contempt of court
- Modification of the parenting plan
Special Circumstances: Long Distance, Non-Traditional Schedules, and Relocation
The IPTG address scenarios such as:
- Long Distance Parenting: Special schedules for parents living far apart, including extended holiday and summer visits.
- Non-Traditional Work Schedules: Adjustments for parents with rotating shifts or irregular hours.
- Relocation: Indiana law requires notice and court approval for significant moves. The court will consider the impact on the child and the feasibility of maintaining relationships with both parents.
Parenting Time for Children of Different Ages
The IPTG provide age-specific recommendations:
- Infants and Toddlers: Frequent, shorter visits to build attachment.
- School-Aged Children: Longer visits, including overnights and extended holidays.
- Teenagers: Increased input from the child and flexibility to accommodate their activities and preferences.
For more, see Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines: What You Need to Know.
The Role of the Court and When to Seek Legal Help
Indiana encourages parents to cooperate and resolve issues outside of court, but judicial intervention may be necessary when:
- Parents cannot agree on a schedule
- There are concerns about the child’s safety
- One parent consistently violates the order
An experienced Indiana child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate agreements, and represent you in court if needed.
Practical Tips for Navigating Parenting Time
- Prioritize your child’s needs: Focus on stability, consistency, and minimizing conflict.
- Be flexible: Life changes. Adapt schedules as needed.
- Communicate respectfully: Use written communication for clarity and documentation.
- Document everything: Keep records of exchanges, missed visits, and communications.
- Use resources: Mediation, parenting coordinators, and legal counsel can help resolve disputes.
- Stay informed: Parenting time guidelines may be updated periodically. Check for the latest version and legal developments.
Connect with an Indiana Family Law Attorney
If you have questions about your parenting time rights, need to modify an existing order, or are facing challenges with your co-parent, the experienced team at Ciyou & Associates, P.C. is here to help. Serving Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, Westfield, Geist, Greenwood, Greenfield, Brownsburg, Avon, and all of Indiana, we can guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Ciyou & Associates, P.C. today at (317) 210-2000 for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family’s situation is unique. For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified Indiana family law attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines?
The IPTG are a set of rules and recommendations issued by the Indiana Supreme Court to help parents and courts determine fair and consistent parenting time schedules after divorce or separation. - Can the parenting time schedule be changed?
Yes. Parenting time orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances or if the change is in the best interests of the child. What if my co-parent is not following the parenting plan?
You can seek enforcement through the court. Remedies may include make-up time, contempt proceedings, or modification of the order. - Can virtual parenting time replace in-person visits?
Virtual parenting time is generally a supplement, not a replacement, except in special circumstances such as illness or long-distance moves. - What rights do grandparents have under Indiana law?
Grandparents can petition for visitation if it’s in the child’s best interest and there is an existing significant relationship. For more, visit Grandparents Rights in Indiana Custody Cases. - What if a parent moves out of state?
The relocating parent must notify the other parent 90 days in advance. Courts may adjust the schedule to include longer summer/winter breaks. - Can parenting time be suspended during a health crisis?
Yes, but the parent must provide evidence and propose alternative arrangements. - How can technology help with parenting time exchanges?
Apps like OurFamilyWizard and AppClose streamline communication, scheduling, and documentation, helping reduce conflict and confusion. Learn more at Four Tips for Smoother Parenting Time Exchanges for Co-Parents.
Citations
- Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines – Indiana Judicial Branch
- Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines: What You Need to Know – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Child Custody vs. Parenting Time in Indiana – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Common Parenting Time Schedules in Indiana Family Law – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Keeping the Holidays Bright: Three Tips for Happy Holiday Parenting Time – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Four Tips for Smoother Parenting Time Exchanges for Co-Parents – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Three Tech Tools To Aid With Parenting Time/Visitation – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Limits on Parenting Time: What are the Standards? – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- How Can I Modify My Current Child Custody Order? – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Interference with Parenting Time: Is This a Basis to Modify Child Custody? – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Understanding Relocation Laws in Indiana Custody Cases – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Grandparents Rights in Indiana Custody Cases – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
- Parenting Time and Serious Illness: What Happens to the Schedule? – Ciyou & Associates, P.C.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation, call Ciyou & Associates, P.C. at (317) 210-2000. Empower yourself with knowledge-and the right legal team-when it matters most.
