If you are a parent in Indiana, you may have heard of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, which provide a framework for how parenting time should be structured and divided between parents. These guidelines, which were revised in 2013, have brought significant changes to the way parenting time is allocated. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines and how they affect you as a parent.
Understanding the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG) are designed to help parents create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of their child or children. The guidelines cover various aspects of parenting time, including holiday and vacation schedules, communication between parents, transportation arrangements, and more.
Before the 2013 guidelines, the Indiana courts often defaulted to a traditional custody arrangement, where one parent was awarded primary custody and the other parent received limited visitation time. However, the new guidelines aim to promote shared parenting, which means that both parents are expected to play an active role in their child’s life.
The IPTG now provide both parents with equal parenting time, with the child spending as close to 50% of their time with each parent as possible. This approach encourages both parents to participate equally in the child’s upbringing, allowing them to maintain strong emotional bonds with their children.
Key Changes in the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
One of the most significant changes in the 2013 IPTG is the inclusion of a detailed summer parenting time schedule. Parents are expected to comply with the summer parenting time schedule unless they reach a different agreement between themselves. The summer parenting time gives the non-custodial parent more extended time with the child, allowing for longer vacations and extended visits.
Another critical change is the introduction of a clear schedule for holidays, birthdays, and other special events. The guidelines now provide an explicit schedule for various holidays and special events, making it easier for both parties to plan ahead.
The guidelines also provide several provisions for flexible parenting time schedules, allowing parents to adjust their schedules to better accommodate their child’s needs. This may include adjusting the schedule to accommodate school events, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.
Benefits of the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines
The revised guidelines help both parents share parental responsibilities, which is more beneficial for the child’s development and welfare. Sharing parenting time between both parents provides ample opportunities for the child to bond with both parents, which is essential for maintaining stable emotional and social development.
The guidelines help ensure that each parent has an equal amount of parenting time, which makes it easier for both parents to maintain their relationships with their children.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2013 Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines represent a significant shift towards shared parenting, providing both parents with an equal opportunity to play an active role in their child’s life. The guidelines cover several aspects of parenting, including holiday schedules, communication between parents, and transportation arrangements, providing both parents with a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
The new guidelines give more emphasis on flexible parenting time schedules, making it easier for both parents to adjust to their everyday schedules. By sharing parental responsibilities, children can develop healthy and stable relationships with both parents, which is beneficial for their emotional and social wellbeing. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can create a positive and nurturing environment for their children and raise them to be happy and healthy adults.
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