Understanding the Changes in the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
Parenting time guidelines have been established by the Indiana Supreme Court to help parents and courts determine what should be included in a parenting time order. These guidelines are essential for creating a consistent and predictable schedule for the children involved in a custody case. The 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines have introduced various changes that parents and lawyers need to be aware of when negotiating parenting time agreements. Let’s take a closer look at these changes and what they mean for parents who are going through a divorce or separation.
Introduction
Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when children are involved. Parents may experience significant stress and confusion as they navigate parenting time schedules, custody arrangements, and child support payments. To help alleviate some of this stress, Indiana provides parenting time guidelines to assist parents in creating a schedule that best suits their family’s needs. However, these guidelines change frequently, meaning that parents should review any new information to determine how these changes may affect their situation.
Key Changes in the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
The 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines brought about several critical changes that include:
Maximum Hours per Week
Before the change, the parenting time guideline specifies the maximum number of hours of parenting time. The 2013 guidelines changed this specification to a maximum number of overnights per week, providing more structure to the parenting time schedule. The new guideline specifies a maximum of four overnights per week for children up to age three and five overnights per week for children ages three and older.
Alternating Weekends Agreements
The new guidelines encourage parents to enter into alternating weekends agreements, which allow both parents to spend time with their children every other weekend. This change is meant to provide children with the opportunity to have more stable relationships with both parents throughout their childhood.
Electronic Communication
The guidelines have also been updated to recognize modern technological tools, such as email, texting, and video conferencing, which can provide a convenient way for parents to communicate with their children while they are away from the home.
Emergency Situations
The 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines added a provision for emergency situations, stating that the parent with the child at the time of the emergency will make decisions about the child’s health and safety. This change minimizes confusion and ensures that decisions about a child’s health are made promptly in potentially life-threatening situations.
Why These Changes Matter
Understanding the changes in the parenting time guidelines is critical for parents as they negotiate parenting time agreements. These changes provide a more structured schedule for children younger than three, encourage parents to enter into alternating weekends agreements, recognize the importance of modern technology, and ensure prompt decisions in emergency situations. The updated guidelines help make the divorce or separation process less stressful and more predictable, providing children with the stability they need during a challenging time.
Conclusion
Navigating the divorce or separation process co-parenting isn’t easy. When you have children, it can be much harder. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines have been introduced to provide structure and support during this time. The 2013 guidelines have been updated to reflect these changes in modern family life, providing a more structured schedule for parents and children. Keeping current with the changes in these guidelines can help ensure that you have a successful co-parenting experience and a healthy relationship with your children.
