The amended Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines go into effect January 1, 2022. A copy of the amended Guidelines can be found here. Brand new to the Guidelines is a list of factors to consider when determining whether a particular parenting plan exceeding the recommended minimum plan is in the best interest of the child(ren). The new factors seek to promote plans that are “safe, secure, developmentally responsive, and, ultimately, in the best interests of the child.” In the important to note that the list of factors is not all-inclusive, and may not apply to every set of parental relationships ..read more

The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines are being reviewed and amended.  The Domestic Relations Committee is seeking feedback regarding proposed changes to Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines.  A copy of the proposed changes can be found here. Changes include: A new section on Shared Parenting and the principles of how to put it into practice; Parenting time during a public health emergency; Reducing potential for third-party conflict when children are dropped off/picked up between homes; Clarification regarding make-up time issues; Factors which determine “regular care resp ..read more

We are surely just at the tip of the iceberg as to how the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will impact Indiana divorces and child support orders. The blog posting reviews the potential implications of the CARES Act. Individuals & Families We have all heard that the CARES Act provides a tax rebate credit of a minimum of $600 up to $1,200 per taxpayer, plus $500 per child. These amounts (except the per-child payment) are doubled for filing jointly. However, those who have a reported child support arrearage are not eligible: “The bill turns off nearly all admi ..read more

Holiday parenting time is often a source of confusion.  Since 2013 it has been even more complicated as are there are two sets of Guidelines that may apply.  For information about which Guidelines apply to your situation, please see my general Parenting Time Guidelines page. This posting addresses only Holiday Parenting Time under the current Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, not the 'old' Guidelines.  Holiday parenting time is controlled by when a child is out of school, therefore, your situation may not follow this interpretation.  The posting assumes a Winter break wit ..read more

credit to https://www.flickr.com/photos/heretakis/ The Hamilton County Family Law Rules were updated on July 1, 2019. This post discusses those rules: To Whom do these Rules Apply? The rules shall apply in all divorce, post-divorce, paternity and post-paternity cases. What is Required by Litigants in These Cases? Parties shall complete the Indiana Child Support Obligation Worksheets and Financial Declarations on the forms adopted by the Hamilton County Circuit and Superior Courts in all matters involving child support or disposition of assets. Financial Declarations shall be exchanged by the ..read more

The former domain name of this site is note associated with me or this blog. However, whoever has taken over that domain is. without my permission or consent, publishing my content, pictures, design, postings, etc. I am in the process of changing internal links but if you link to something and it appears you have been taken back to the former domain please come back to this site. Thanks ..read more

Hamilton County Divorce Rules Did you know that divorce rules are different county to county? This posting summarizes the rules specific to individuals divorcing in Hamilton County Indiana: Financial Declarations & Child Support Worksheets Parties shall complete the Indiana Child Support Obligation Worksheet and Hamilton County Financial Declaration Form in all contested matters involving child support or disposition of assets. Parties must date and file these forms prior to any hearing or trial. Financial Declarations shall be exchanged by the parties and filed with the Court not les ..read more

Summer at Lake Michigan    This post discusses Spring Break and Summer Parenting Time under the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines.  Why do both in one posting? Well, because summer parenting time selections must be made by April 1st.  April 1st might fall on Spring Break.   SPRING BREAK First, it is important to point out the obvious - 2017 is an odd year and, following the Guidelines, 'noncustodial' parents are entitled to Spring Break.  However, if the Spring Break is longer than a week it may not be that simple.   Prior to 2013 the Guidelines only assumed ..read more

On September 2, 2016, the Indiana Supreme Court amended the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines to include Section V., Parenting Coordination.   Section V defines parenting coordination as "a court ordered, child-focused dispute resolution process in which a Parenting Coordinator ("PC") is appointed to assist high conflict parties by accessing and managing conflicts, redirecting the focus of the parties to the needs of the child, and educating the parties on how to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child." Parenting coordination has existed in Indiana for a number of year ..read more

Bloomington, Indiana - Fall Break Before you can understand how Fall Break parenting time works in the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines you must be certain as to which version of the guidelines you follow.  There are (still) two versions of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines that parents may follow.   If your parenting time order was issued before March 1, 2013 you likely follow the "old" guidelines, and if your parenting time order was entered after March 1, 2013, you likely follow the "new" guidelines.  For about which version you follow, see here.  The "Old" In ..read more