Bridging the Distance: Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for Long-Distance Families

Introduction: Overcoming the Challenges of Long-Distance Parenting

Maintaining a strong parent-child relationship after a separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when parents live far apart. Long-distance parenting requires careful planning, cooperation, and adherence to Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines to ensure that children continue to have meaningful relationships with both parents.

📌 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, specifically Section III, provide a structured approach to parenting time when distance is a significant factor. Understanding these guidelines helps parents navigate scheduling challenges, travel logistics, and communication hurdles.

📞 Need help with long-distance parenting time? Contact Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation.

General Rules and Considerations for Long-Distance Parenting

A. Applicability of General Parenting Time Rules

✔ The standard parenting time rules from Section I of Indiana’s Guidelines still apply to long-distance families.
✔ Courts expect both parents to act in good faith when scheduling parenting time.

📌 TIP: Even when parents live far apart, courts emphasize the need for frequent and consistent contact.

B. Creating a Parenting Time Schedule

Long-distance parenting requires flexibility and consideration of:
Work schedules of both parents
School schedules and extracurricular activities
Travel time and costs
Financial capabilities of both parents
The child’s age, developmental needs, and ability to travel

📌 TIP: Courts encourage parents to work together to create a schedule that prioritizes the child’s well-being.

Parenting Time Schedules Based on the Child’s Age

A. Parenting Time for Children Under 3 Years Old

✔ The noncustodial parent may visit the child in the custodial parent’s community.
✔ Up to two five-hour periods per week on alternating weekend days.

📌 TIP: Overnight stays may be limited for very young children to support stability and routine.

B. Parenting Time for Children Aged 3 and 4

✔ The noncustodial parent may have up to six one-week parenting time segments annually.
✔ Each parenting time period must be at least six weeks apart.
✔ Maximum visit length: Eight days, including travel days.

📌 TIP: Parents should plan ahead for travel logistics and expenses.

C. Parenting Time for Children 5 and Older (Traditional School Calendar)

✔ Seven weeks of summer vacation parenting time.
✔ Seven days of winter vacation parenting time.
✔ Full spring break for the noncustodial parent.
✔ Religious holidays alternate yearly between parents.

📌 TIP: Courts encourage parents to maintain regular contact between visits using phone calls and video chats.

D. Parenting Time for Children 5 and Older (Year-Round School Calendar)

✔ The schedule must reflect an equivalent time split to ensure fairness.
✔ Parents should work together to adjust schedules accordingly.

📌 TIP: When the school calendar is different, parents may need to adjust travel and holiday schedules accordingly.

Summer Parenting Time & Extracurricular Activities

A. Priority of Summer Parenting Time

✔ Summer parenting time takes precedence over summer activities, including sports, camps, and lessons.
✔ Parents should schedule activities around parenting time rather than expecting the child to miss extended parenting time.

📌 TIP: Parents should communicate early about summer activities to avoid last-minute conflicts.

Notification & Availability for Long-Distance Parenting Time

A. Summer Parenting Time Selection Notice

✔ The noncustodial parent must provide written notice of their chosen summer parenting time by April 1.
✔ If no notice is given, the custodial parent selects the schedule.

📌 TIP: Failure to follow the notification deadline may result in lost parenting time.

B. Special Notice for Travel & Availability

✔ Parents should notify each other if they will be in the same area to allow extra parenting time.
✔ Courts encourage liberal parenting time opportunities when circumstances allow.

📌 TIP: Providing advance notice of visits allows for better coordination and fewer conflicts.

Practical Tips for Long-Distance Parenting

A. Travel Arrangements & Costs

✔ Parents should discuss and plan travel logistics well in advance.
✔ Sharing travel costs fairly ensures that distance does not prevent parenting time.

📌 TIP: Parents may request a court order specifying travel cost responsibilities.

B. Communication & Technology

✔ Video calls, texting, and emails help maintain consistent contact between in-person visits.
✔ Parents should allow reasonable communication between the child and the long-distance parent.

📌 TIP: Courts favor parents who encourage open communication between the child and the other parent.

C. Flexibility & Prioritizing the Child’s Best Interests

✔ Being flexible about scheduling reduces stress for the child.
✔ Focus on co-parenting cooperation rather than strict enforcement of schedules.

📌 TIP: Courts appreciate parents who prioritize the child’s well-being over personal disputes.

D. Seeking Legal Guidance for Parenting Time Disputes

✔ If disagreements cannot be resolved, an attorney can help with:
✔ Mediation or legal modifications to the schedule.
✔ Clarifying responsibilities for travel and expenses.

📞 Need help with a long-distance parenting schedule? Contact Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 for legal guidance.

Conclusion: Making Long-Distance Parenting Time Work

Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines provide structure for long-distance parenting.
Parents should plan schedules carefully and use technology to stay connected.
If conflicts arise, consulting an attorney can help ensure fairness and compliance.

📞 Need legal assistance? Call Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation today!