Holiday Parenting Time

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding parenting time. The most important document to consult is your court-ordered parenting time agreement. This governs how time with your child is split — including during the holidays.

While the information below reflects the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG), your individual order may vary. You should consult with an attorney if you have specific concerns or questions about your situation.

Here are a few general tips to help you navigate the season more smoothly:

1. Start With Your Court Order

Your parenting time order is the final word unless you and your co-parent agree to changes. Unless it prohibits deviations, most court orders allow for mutually agreed-upon modifications to the schedule.

2. Know Whether You’re the Custodial or Non-Custodial Parent

This distinction is key under the IPTG. If your order follows the Guidelines, holidays alternate based on odd- and even-numbered years and whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent.

You can review the full Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines here.

3. Holiday Schedules Vary Based on Age and School Calendar

The IPTG uses the school calendar of the child’s district to define holidays. If your child is not yet enrolled in school, the district where the child primarily resides will control the holiday schedule.

For younger children, the Guidelines provide different recommendations — so check the age-specific provisions carefully.

4. Plan Parenting Time in Advance

Planning holiday exchanges now can prevent stress later. Coordinate pick-up and drop-off times clearly and in writing to avoid confusion.

5. Cherish the Moment

Holidays only come once a year — and your children are only this age once. Focus on creating lasting memories.

What If the Other Parent Won’t Follow the Court Order?

If your co-parent refuses to comply with the holiday parenting schedule, you have legal options:

• Contempt Petition: You may file a petition for contempt if the other parent denies court-ordered parenting time.

• Injunction: If you know in advance that the other parent intends to violate the order, you may seek an injunction. This requires an affidavit and showing of potential irreparable harm.

• Keep in mind that courts generally encourage parents to cooperate before resorting to legal action.

Holiday Parenting Time Under the Current Guidelines (Post-March 1, 2013)

The IPTG defines specific parenting times for major holidays. Below are highlights:

Thanksgiving:

Every year: Non-custodial parent gets parenting time from Wednesday at 6:00 PM until Sunday at 6:00 PM.

Christmas Break:

• The break begins the last day of school and ends the day before school resumes.

• In even-numbered years:

  • Custodial parent: first half

  • Non-custodial parent: second half

• In odd-numbered years, the schedule flips.

Christmas Day Exception: If Christmas Day does not fall during your half of break, the non-custodial parent gets time from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Christmas Day.

New Year’s Day:

• Not a separately recognized holiday in the Guidelines.

• Parenting time follows the regular Christmas break or weekend schedule.

New Holidays Added in the Guidelines (Post-2013)

The updated IPTG added and clarified the following holidays:

Custodial Parent Gets These in Odd-Numbered Years:

• Spring Break

• Easter

• Fourth of July

• Fall Break

• Halloween

Non-Custodial Parent Gets These in Even-Numbered Years:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Presidents’ Day

• Memorial Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving

• Halloween parenting time is from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, or in line with trick-or-treating hours in the parent’s community.

Have an Older Custody Order?

If your order was issued before March 1, 2013, the revised Guidelines don’t automatically apply. You’ll need to file a petition to modify the parenting time order, and both parties must agree for the new Guidelines to apply.