As a parent, a difficult question is posed when the summer months roll around over how parents in separate households will schedule summer parenting time. Pursuant to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, summer vacation begins the day after school is let out for summer break and ends the day before the new school year is back in session.
How is summer parenting time decided?
Summer parenting time is dictated by your Court Order. Oftentimes, but not always, the Court will order that summer parenting time be divided pursuant to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. Summer parenting time, as set forth in the Indiana Parenting Guidelines, is set under Section II, Paragraph D(3) “Extending Parenting Time (Child 5 and older).” For children 5-years and older, a parent is entitled to one-half of the summer vacation. The non-custodial parent has until April 1st to give notice to the custodial parent regarding their intentions to arrange parenting time with their child. If notice is not given by April 1st, the custodial parent is given the right to decide parenting time for the non-custodial parent. It is imperative the notice is given both verbally and in writing. If the parties agree to a different schedule, the schedule set forth in the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines can be modified.
What happens if your child attends a school that follows a year-round or balanced calendar?
If your child attends a year-round or balanced calendar, the non-custodial parent’s extended parenting time will be one-half of the time for fall and spring breaks. In odd numbered years, the non-custodial parent will have parenting time the first half of those school breaks. In even numbered years, the non-custodial parent will have parenting time in the second half of those school breaks. According to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, the first half of those breaks will begin two hours after the child is released from school, and the second half of the period will end the day before school begins at 6:00 p.m.
How do summer holidays affect summer parenting time?
When choosing a schedule for summer parenting time, it is important to keep in mind the summer holidays that can affect parenting time. Holiday parenting time will take precedence over regularly scheduled and extended parenting time. For example, if the non-custodial parent selects the week of Memorial Day for summer parenting time and that is the custodial parent’s holiday, the child will be spending Memorial Day weekend with the custodial parent. However, if both parties agree to a modification, an alternative schedule may be set. Summer holidays that may affect parenting time include:
- Memorial Day weekend starts from Friday at 6:00 p.m. until Monday at 6:00 p.m.
- Father’s Day weekend starts from Friday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
- Fourth of July holiday starts from 6:00 p.m. on July 3rd until 6:00 p.m. on July 5th.
When does regular parenting time resume?
Regular parenting time is not followed during the extended parenting time unless the time a child spends with either parent is greater than two consecutive weeks. Regular parenting time will resume once the summer vacation period has ended.
If you or someone you know have questions regarding summer parenting time or need assistance in obtaining summer parenting time, consulting with a family law attorney regarding your options can be helpful. The experienced family law attorneys at Banks & Brower, LLC can help with your parenting time needs. Give us a call at (317)-526-4630 to help you navigate your case.