What to Expect with the New Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for 2023
The state of Indiana is set to implement new parenting time guidelines for separated or divorced parents starting in 2023. These updates are intended to better reflect the needs of children and help parents navigate co-parenting after a separation or divorce. In this article, we will explore what to expect with the new Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines for 2023, how they differ from the previous version, and what impact they may have on families.
Background
Indiana’s parenting time guidelines were last updated in 2013, and the 2023 guidelines are the result of several years of work by the Indiana Parenting Time Advisory Committee. The Committee was tasked with reviewing the current guidelines and making recommendations for changes that would better accommodate the needs of families.
Key Changes
Some of the key changes in the new guidelines include:
– Increased parenting time for non-custodial parents
– More guidance on virtual parenting time arrangements, including video conferencing and other electronic communication
– Clarifications on holiday and vacation schedules
– Language that encourages parents to work collaboratively to make decisions about their children
The changes are designed to provide more balance between the time each parent spends with their children, while also accounting for the unique needs of each family.
Virtual Parenting Time
One area that has seen significant updates in the new guidelines is virtual parenting time, which refers to virtual communication between parents and children. The guidelines now provide more detailed recommendations for how virtual parenting time can be used effectively, including specific technological requirements and guidelines for how communication should be conducted.
Virtual parenting time can be especially important for families who live far apart or have other logistical challenges that make in-person visits difficult. By providing more guidance around virtual parenting time, the new guidelines aim to ensure that children still have opportunities to stay connected with both parents, even if they are physically separated.
Collaborative Decision-Making
The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of collaborative decision-making between parents. The language encourages parents to work together to make decisions about their children, including decisions around medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
By promoting collaboration, the guidelines aim to reduce conflict between parents and ensure that important decisions are made with the best interests of the child in mind. This approach is in line with research that suggests that children do better when both parents are involved in their lives and relationships.
Conclusion
Although the new Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines won’t go into effect until 2023, they represent an important step forward for families in the state. By increasing parenting time for non-custodial parents, providing more guidance around virtual parenting time, and promoting collaborative decision-making, the new guidelines aim to create more balanced, child-focused arrangements for separated or divorced families. As a result, both parents will have more opportunities to remain involved in their children’s lives, ultimately leading to better outcomes for everybody involved.
