Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Extended Summer Parenting Time

For those divorced parents in the know, the summer is a time in which a traditional parenting time calendar gets flipped on its head for what is called "extended summer parenting time."  Under this provision of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, for parents of children over age 5 (or generally all of the children if one is over age 5), the number of weeks from the time the children get out of school is counted up until the time children go back to school, and divided in half.  The non-custodial parent then becomes the "custodial" parent of sorts for one-half of the summer, with the custodial parent receiving alternating weekends and mid-week visits.

The Guidelines set out that the non-custodial parent has until April 1 of each year to make their election in writing as to which half of the summer they plan on exercising.  If you are a custodial parent and are looking at the calendar and say to yourself "Shoot!  It's now April 5 and I haven't done this!" don't fret.  You are still entitled to one-half of the summer.  However, your ex-spouse now can elect which half you will take.  The Guidelines further permit dividing the halves into quarters, so long as both parties agree.

There is still consideration made for parents of 3 and 4 year olds as well.  For 3 and 4 year olds, the non-custodial parent is entitled to up to four non-consecutive weeks during the year, at any time during the year, of extended summer parenting time, so long as the non-custodial parent provides 60 days advanced notice of the use of a particular week.

If you are considering a divorce or currently face a divorce, it is a good idea to discuss your situation with a Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC family law attorney. Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC serves clients in the greater Indianapolis area including Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Hamilton County, as well as Zionsville, Avon, Brownsburg, and the counties surrounding Marion County.

To discuss your divorce or family law issue with a Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC attorney, call 317.DIVORCE or click here to contact us online.
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1 comment:

  1. Desperate to knowMay 23, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    I recently went to court regarding extended parenting time. My ex gave notice of the weeks/days he chose for the summer 2012 in December 2011. my family had spoke briefly in the winter time about taking a summer vacation together. In Jauary the vacation was brought up again and then decided on a week in June which happened to be one of the weeks my ex chose. I gave my ex notice of the vacation week we had chose in June on Jan 9 2012, so we could work out a schedule. I guess first of all, I was wrong in thinking that this was something that had to be agreed upon. The judge sided with my ex, but then said something and I quote " I know you are disappointed and there is a way to fix this, but it is not before me". Can you tell me what he what talking about?

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