(Because “Winging It” Isn’t a Legal Strategy)
Start Here: The “Wait, What’s Fair?” Dilemma
Picture this: You’re splitting a pizza with your ex, but instead of pepperoni, you’re dividing time with your kid. Indiana’s parenting time guidelines are the “how many slices?” rule but with way more paperwork. Let’s break down what actually matters.
Chapter 1: The Bare Minimum (But Aim Higher)
Indiana’s guidelines are the floor , not the ceiling. They outline the least amount of time a noncustodial parent should have, but flexibility is key. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Ages 0–3 : Overnight visits are allowed unless the custodial parent proves they’re harmful.
- Ages 3+ : Weekends, midweek visits (4 hours, ending by 9 p.m.), and holidays split between parents.
- Teenagers : More flexibility for school, jobs, and their ever-dramatic social lives.
“But my ex won’t stick to the schedule!” Document everything. Courts take violations seriously.
Chapter 2: The “Secret” Rules You Need to Know
The guidelines aren’t just about calendars. They demand shared responsibility :
- Medical/School Updates : Both parents get equal access to records. No more “I didn’t know about the field trip” excuses.
- Communication : Use apps like TalkingParents to track messages and avoid “he-said-she-said” drama.
“What if my ex blocks me?” Let’s file: motion to modify parenting time with a lawyer’s help.
Chapter 3: When Life Gets Messy (Legal Tips)
Ignoring the guidelines? Indiana courts can:
- Force makeup visitation.
- Tweak custody arrangements.
- Even jail repeat offenders (rare, but possible).
Your action plan :
- Consult a parenting time lawyer to enforce your rights.
- Use co-parenting therapy online to reduce conflict.
Stop Guessing, Start Here
Parenting time isn’t about “winning.” It’s about your kid feeling loved by both parents.
Next steps :
- Download the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines checklist .
- Book a free consult with a parenting time lawyer (yes, they exist).
- Try OurFamilyWizard for tracking schedules and expenses.
P.S. If Prince Harry can co-parent across continents, you’ve got this. And no, you don’t have to share custody of the corgis.
