Indiana · Guide
The Parenting Time Guidelines are a minimum, not a default
Last reviewed on October 1, 2026
The Guidelines set the least time a parent should have when parents can't agree. They say themselves that they aren't meant to be adopted without thought.
Many Indiana parenting plans adopt the Guidelines as their schedule. The Guidelines themselves describe what that choice means.
A minimum
The concept that these Guidelines represent the minimum time a noncustodial parent should spend with a child when the parties are unable to reach their own agreement.
These guidelines should not be interpreted as a limitation of time imposed by the court.
Not a default
The commentary on the presumption that the Guidelines apply says:
Because the parenting time guidelines are minimum standards, it is recommended parents and courts not "default" to these guidelines in lieu of a consideration of the best parenting time plan.
Less than the minimum needs a reason
Deviations from these Guidelines by either the parties or the court that result in parenting time less than the minimum time set forth below must be accompanied by a written explanation indicating why the deviation is necessary or appropriate in the case.
More time than the minimum needs no such explanation: "A court is not required to give a written explanation as to why a parent is awarded more time with the child than the minimum in these guidelines."
Later changes to the Guidelines
An existing order keeps the Guidelines it was made under:
Existing parenting time orders on the date of adoption of these amendments shall be enforced according to the parenting time guidelines that were in effect on the date the most recent parenting time order was issued.
And a change to the Guidelines is not, on its own, a reason to change an order: "Changes to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines do not alone constitute good cause for amendment of an existing parenting time order".