The guidelines are a starting point for negotiations and court decisions. While judges often use them as a default, parents can agree to any schedule that will work for their family, and a judge can order a different schedule if it is shown to be in the child’s best interests.
Visitation / Parenting Time
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Fort Wayne Visitation & Parenting Time Lawyer
If you are like most people getting a divorce or separating from your partner, you want the most time with your children as possible. At the Fort Wayne, Indiana, law firm, The Bellinger Law Office, we represent men and women in matters related to child custody and visitation (parenting time). We work hard to secure a favorable outcome that meets your desires while protecting the best interests of the children. Contact us today to learn how we can help you develop a favorable parenting time arrangement. Call The Bellinger Law Office at 260-428-2214 or contact our Fort Wayne visitation lawyer online.
Indiana Guidelines for Parenting Time
The Indiana Supreme Court sets out clear guidelines for parenting time arrangements based on the belief that a child benefits from having frequent, meaningful interactions with both parents. The guidelines specify visitation time according to the age of the child, acceptable communication arrangements when a child is away from one parent, and methods to resolve disputes, among other things. It is important to note that these guidelines are the starting point for creating a child custody and parenting time schedule; the final arrangement will be specific to your family’s situation and needs. To view the full parenting time guidelines, please see the Indiana judiciary rules. Although the law is in favor of having both parents in a child’s life, men are still the underdogs in custody and visitation arrangements. Mothers are often awarded primary physical custody, even if the fathers are fully capable of handling the responsibility. Family law attorney Robert H. Bellinger is an advocate of men’s rights and will work hard to level the playing field.
Parenting Time Modifications
Are you planning to move to another city or state? Does your child’s school schedule require that a visitation schedule be changed? Attorney Bellinger has significant experience in modifying arrangements to better serve the family’s needs. He also has experience disputing modification requests in appropriate circumstances. Like in all family law matters, parents must go through a mediation process in an attempt to resolve the modification issue outside of trial. This is often less contentious, less expensive, and more likely to result in an outcome that both sides can accept. However, attorney Bellinger is a skilled trial lawyer and will take your case to court if it is to your advantage.
Contact a Fort Wayne Parenting Time Attorney
Even if you and your soon-to-be ex agree to a parenting time arrangement, it is important to get in touch with a lawyer. An attorney can review your arrangement and make sure it addresses all the necessary issues, as well as serves the best interest of the child. Call The Bellinger Law Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at 260-428-2214. Or contact our visitation attorney online. We will respond quickly.
FAQs About Visitation and Parenting Time in Indiana
Can a parenting time schedule change as a child gets older?
Yes. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide different recommended schedules based on the age of the child. Schedules for infants and toddlers focus on frequent, shorter visits, while schedules for older children and teenagers involve longer periods of time, including overnights.
Is a 50/50 parenting time schedule common in Indiana?
While the law favors both parents having significant involvement, a 50/50 schedule is not automatic. The court’s primary focus is always on what will serve the best interests of the child when determining the division of parenting time.
My ex and I agree on a schedule. Do we still need a lawyer?
Even with an agreement, it is critical to have a lawyer review it. We ensure your arrangement addresses all necessary issues (like holidays, vacations and communication), is legally sound and is formalized in a court order. A verbal agreement is not legally enforceable.
The other parent is denying my court-ordered parenting time. What can I do?
If the other parent is willfully violating the court order, you should not wait to act. We can file a motion for contempt of court. This asks the judge to enforce the order and can result in sanctions against the non-compliant parent, including make-up parenting time for you.
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