Indiana · Guide
Before a sitter: the other parent's opportunity for more time
Last reviewed on October 1, 2026
When a parent needs child care from someone outside the household, the Guidelines say the other parent is offered the time first. It is an offer, not a duty.
The rule
When it becomes necessary that a child be cared for by a person other than a parent or a responsible household family member, the parent needing the child care shall first offer the other parent the opportunity for additional parenting time …
It applies "if providing the child care by the other parent is practical considering the time available and the distance between residences."
An offer, not an obligation
The other parent is under no obligation to provide the child care. If the other parent elects to provide this care, it shall be done at no cost and without affecting child support.
The parent taking the extra time does the driving: "The parent exercising additional parenting time shall provide the necessary transportation unless the parties otherwise agree."
How long an absence
The Guidelines leave that to the parents: "Parents should agree on the amount of child care time and the circumstances that require the offer be made."
Its name
This section is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the "right of first refusal." It is more accurate to refer to this section as an opportunity to exercise additional parenting time.