Changes in Scheduled Parenting Time: Understanding Indiana Parenting Guidelines
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines acknowledge that life is unpredictable. Work obligations, family emergencies, illnesses, or special events may require adjustments to a parenting time schedule. While courts expect parents to follow their parenting time orders, they also recognize that flexibility is sometimes necessary.
This post explains what Indiana law says about changes in parenting time, including:
Parental responsibilities in adjusting parenting time.
When make-up time is required and how to schedule it.
Rules regarding additional parenting time opportunities.
1. Scheduled Parenting Time Should Occur as Planned
📌 Guideline Reference: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, Section C(1)
Under Indiana law, parenting time is both a right and a responsibility. Parents must follow the court-ordered schedule as closely as possible. If a parent is unable to exercise their parenting time, they are responsible for:
Finding alternative child care.
Covering any reasonable costs related to their absence.
Children cannot make parenting time decisions, and a custodial parent may not deny parenting time based on a child’s hesitation or reluctance unless there are serious safety concerns.
Unacceptable Reasons for Denying Parenting Time
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines state that the following are not valid reasons to deny parenting time:
❌ The child does not want to go.
❌ The child has a minor illness.
❌ The child has other plans.
❌ The child is not home.
❌ The noncustodial parent is behind on child support.
❌ The custodial parent does not want the child to go.
❌ Weather conditions (unless travel is unsafe).
❌ The child has no clothes at the other parent's home.
❌ One parent sets "preconditions" for visitation.
👉 Bottom Line: Parents must follow the schedule unless an unavoidable conflict arises. If a parent misses time, they may be entitled to make-up parenting time (see below).
2. Adjustments to Schedule & "Make-Up" Parenting Time
📌 Guideline Reference: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, Section C(2)
While courts expect parents to follow the schedule, the guidelines allow reasonable modifications for unexpected events.
Rules for Adjusting Parenting Time
If an adjustment is needed due to unavoidable circumstances, the parent who becomes aware of the issue must:
✔ Notify the other parent as soon as possible.
✔ Attempt to agree on an adjustment.
✔ Ensure the change does not interfere with holidays or special days.
When "Make-Up" Parenting Time Applies
If a parent misses scheduled time due to an unavoidable conflict, they are entitled to make-up time.
✔ Make-up time should happen as soon as possible.
✔ If parents cannot agree, the parent who missed time may choose the make-up time within 1 month.
✔ Make-up time cannot be used to interfere with holidays or special days.
👉 Important: Make-up time is not guaranteed for parents who voluntarily miss time due to vacations or optional activities, unless both parents agree.
3. Make-Up Time Limits for Equal Parenting Time Schedules
📌 Guideline Reference: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, Section C(3)
For parents with equal parenting time, additional make-up days are limited to prevent one parent from having the child for too many consecutive days.
⏳ Limits on Make-Up Time:
A parent may not schedule more than 3 additional days of make-up time at once.
A parent may not exceed 10 consecutive days of regular plus make-up parenting time.
Make-up time should not interfere with designated holidays or special days.
👉 Bottom Line: If you share equal time, make-up parenting time is allowed, but there are restrictions to ensure balance.
4. Opportunity for Additional Parenting Time ("Right of First Refusal")
📌 Guideline Reference: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, Section C(4)
Many parents misunderstand this rule as a "right of first refusal"—but that’s not exactly how it works in Indiana.
How Additional Parenting Time Works
If a parent needs someone other than a household family member (a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who lives in the home) to care for the child, the parent must first offer the other parent the opportunity to provide that care.
However:
✔ The other parent is not required to provide the care.
✔ If the other parent provides care, it is at no cost and does not affect child support.
✔ The parent exercising additional time is responsible for transportation unless agreed otherwise.
When This Rule Applies
The offer must be practical based on time and distance.
Parents should agree on what length of time triggers this rule.
👉 Bottom Line: This rule ensures a child stays with a parent rather than a third party whenever possible—but it is not an automatic right to additional parenting time.
Conclusion: Flexibility & Cooperation in Parenting Time Changes
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a clear framework for handling changes in scheduled parenting time while prioritizing the child’s stability and best interests.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Follow the schedule as closely as possible.
Make adjustments responsibly and notify the other parent early.
Make-up time is allowed for unavoidable conflicts, not voluntary decisions.
Parents with equal time have limits on consecutive make-up days.
Parents must offer the other parent additional time before hiring outside care.
By communicating openly and following these state guidelines, parents can minimize disputes and create a stable, supportive environment for their child.
📞 Need Legal Advice on Parenting Time Adjustments?
Contact Vining Legal at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation to ensure your parenting time changes comply with Indiana law.
