The guidelines on child custody arrangements were developed based on the needs of the child, with the input of family and child development professionals, including psychologists and attorneys, and divorced parents. Everyone agrees that, “both parents nurture their child in important ways, significant to the development and well being of the child.”

The guidelines were developed for the court to provide a model where parents are unable to agree on parenting time between each other. The model is intended to be flexible and may be adjusted based on the needs and circumstances of individual families and children, but it will establish a minimum amount of time each parent has a right to spend with their child. This time is enforceable under law.

It is helpful for divorced and divorcing parents to consider their child’s needs above all else when adjusting to parenting time. The needs of your child are paramount – more important than getting justice for how your ex-spouse may have mistreated you, and more important even than your own immense love for your child.

Healthy Child Development

In Indiana, the basic needs for healthy child development are published in the guidelines, so that children of parents living apart can:

·      know that the parents’ decision to live apart is not the child’s fault;

·      develop and maintain an independent relationship with each parent, and have continuing care and guidance from each parent;

·      be free from having to side with either parent and be free from conflict between the parents;

·      have a relaxed, secure relationship with each parent without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other;

·      enjoy regular and consistent time with each parent;

·      be financially supported by each parent, regardless of how much time each parent spends with the child;

·      be physically safe and adequately supervised when in the care of each parent and have a stable, consistent and responsible child care arrangement when not supervised by a parent; and

·      develop and maintain meaningful relationships with other significant adults (grandparents, stepparents and other relatives) as long as these relationships do not interfere with or replace the child’s primary relationship with the parents.

Legal Help With Child Custody and Parenting Time

If you are contemplating a divorce, or are negotiating child custody and parenting time with a co-parent, the assistance of an Indiana family attorney can provide professional experience and peace of mind. Please contact Danville attorney Chris Arrington today to schedule a meeting.