Indiana Parenting Guidelines – Impact on Custody?
Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines are designed to give parents the opportunity to have regular contact and interaction with their children. These guidelines are based on the premise that it is in the best interests of the child to have frequent and meaningful contact with both parents.
The new Indiana parenting guidelines go into effect January 1, 2022. There are some changes worth noting.
Communications
When parents separate, communication between them is often fraught with tension. The key to successful co-parenting is open, respectful, and constant communication. This is especially important when it comes to picking up and dropping off children. The use of text messaging, email, and shared calendars can facilitate the exchange of information. However, it is important that all communication remains focused on the child. Parents should not discuss adult issues with each other or make derogatory comments about the other parent, as this can have a negative impact on the child.
The new Indiana parenting guidelines no longer use the term “visitation.” The terms “parenting time” and “custodial parent” are used to emphasize that, unless there is a special reason that it would not be in the best interests of the child, both parents Has the right to frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with his or her child. ,
Another important change in the guidelines is that both parents must inform each other of their availability to spend parenting time with the child at least 10 days before the scheduled visit. This gives both parents the opportunity to find a mutually agreeable date and avoid conflict. If the parties cannot resolve the dispute, the court may order supervised visitation.
Pick-up and drop-off times are also a source of conflict in many divorce cases. Guidelines now recommend that, if possible, both parents should try to keep the same pick-up and drop-off times for holidays, birthdays, and other important events. This will reduce the possibility of third parties being involved, which could cause conflict and disrupt the flow of the parenting program.
Guidelines now suggest that both parents should limit the use of third-party service providers such as babysitters or nannies. This can be very disruptive to the child’s life and there is a risk of harm physically and emotionally. Parents should actively share information about their children with each other and their service providers. Parents who attempt to interfere with the other parent by physically disrupting parenting time, refusing to return the child, or transferring them without authorization are subject to legal consequences. Can happen.
Pick-up and drop-off
When parents have a custody arrangement that includes both shared and sole physical custody, they should include transportation logistics in their parenting plan. Failure to do so may result in conflict. It can also create a sense of uncertainty in children who may be worried about whether their parents will arrive or be late.
Creating an order that defines where and when the child is to be picked up and dropped off can provide stability for children. It can also help limit arguments between parents over who should drive. For example, some parents have agreed to “curbside pick-up”, where one parent drops off the children and waits in their car while the other parent takes the children to their vehicle. Let’s go. Similarly, some parents have a drop-off location where they meet to exchange brief visits. This can reduce time spent in the car and the number of stops on the long journey home.
Other co-parents prefer to divide pick-up and drop-off responsibilities. There may also be an agreement between them to alternate weekends or even weekdays. In cases where the parents live a considerable distance away, they may agree to meet at a designated halfway point, such as a school or community centre. This way, parents won’t have to travel back and forth every weekend.
Regardless of who has custody, it is important to put the child’s emotional well-being first. This can be done by ensuring that a comfortable and secure exchange environment is provided. Parents should also pay attention to the child’s emotional state during these moments and provide reassurance and validation.
If the non-custodial parent’s behavior is making you concerned about your child’s safety, you should not hesitate to involve the authorities. Calling the police or child protective services can help protect the child and make it clear that your ex is not following your parenting guidelines. If you need help with your parenting plan or are struggling with custody issues, a family law attorney can provide valuable insight and guidance.
public health emergency
If parents have custody or visitation orders, it is important to follow them as much as possible. This ensures continuity for children and can help them cope with the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is also important for parents to discuss their parenting arrangements and determine how the current state of emergency and social distancing rules will impact them. It is important that families follow federal, state, and local guidance to maintain safety-related activities and follow social distancing measures. It is also important to consider how the current situation may affect transportation and other logistical issues, such as how to exchange children for parenting time or where to meet each other.
Additionally, it is important for parents to consider the impact of COVID-19 on their children. This is especially true for children who are already struggling with routine and environmental changes. For example, infants and young children may exhibit regressive behaviors such as returning to security blankets or discarded toys, lapses in toilet training, or thumb sucking; Frequent sleep disturbances; clinging to parents; fear of abandonment; Irritability, aggression and tantrums. Parents should be active in helping their children adjust to new circumstances and encourage them to seek help from family members, friends, community resources, or your child’s pediatrician.
The best approach is for parents to try to work together and agree on temporary modifications to your existing custody agreements. If they are unable to reach an agreement, mediation services are available to help them negotiate a temporary arrangement.
However, if a parent wants a change to their custody agreement, it is important that they have the documentation that requires the amendment. This should include an assessment of whether the child’s health is at risk, a detailed description of the reason for the modification, and efforts made to resolve the issue without a court hearing. Ultimately, courts will make decisions on a case-by-case basis with the goal of ensuring the safety of children and compliance with court orders. They will not tolerate parents who attempt to deny visitation during the public health emergency.
make-up parenting time
Indiana parenting guidelines are used by judges and other legal professionals to help determine child custody or visitation schedules in any case. They are based on the assumption that it is usually in the best interests of the child to have frequent, meaningful, and ongoing contact with both parents. They also recognize that when two separate households are involved parenting time can be more difficult and requires a consistent effort from both parties to promote the well-being of the child.
The guidelines also recognize that it is generally in the child’s best interests to have relationships with each parent and other adults, but that those relationships should not interfere with or replace the primary relationship with either parent. This includes relationships with step-parents, uncles-aunts, grandparents, and other relatives. The guidelines provide that parents should communicate with each other frequently, and this communication can be via telephone, email, or even old-fashioned snail mail. They should share information about the child’s school, health care provider, and other service providers. This prevents the child from facing inconvenience or embarrassment due to not having proper information.
The recent changes in the guidelines address issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows parents to create modified custody agreements in the event of a public health emergency that may require separation of the child or interfere with scheduled parenting time. The guidelines now allow parents to use make-up parenting time to make up for any days missed during the public health emergency, as long as they can agree.
Another modification involves pick-up and drop-off. Guidelines no longer recommend exchanges at the police station, which can be an intimidating place for parents and children. Exceptions to this rule may be made in cases where there is domestic violence or when the safety of children is at risk.
The guidelines also state that the non-custodial parent has the right to direct access to the child’s school records, and both parents should not interfere with this. The guidelines encourage both parents to keep each other updated about the child’s progress in school and any special activities they are participating in.