Indiana · Guide
Make-up parenting time when the schedule has to change
Last reviewed on October 1, 2026
When an event outside a parent's control costs the other parent time, the Guidelines provide make-up time, chosen within a month if the parents can't agree.
Notice first
Whenever there is a need to adjust the established parenting schedules because of events outside the normal family routine or the control of the parent requiring the adjustment, the parent who becomes aware of the circumstance shall notify the other parent as far in advance as possible.
Then make-up time
If an adjustment results in one parent losing scheduled parenting time with the child, "make-up" time should be exercised as soon as possible. If the parents cannot agree on "make-up" time, the parent who lost the time shall select the "make-up" time within one month of the missed time.
It has limits:
“Make-up” time is not an opportunity to deny the other parent of scheduled holidays or special days, as defined with the Guidelines, and should not interfere with previously scheduled activities.
Voluntary choices are different
The commentary treats a parent's own choices differently:
Decisions made by a parent that are voluntary in nature and prevent their regular exercise of parenting time such as vacations or participation in other, voluntary activities, should not be subject to “make-up” parenting time, absent an agreement by both parents to accommodate the adjustment and subsequent “make-up” time.
Equal-time schedules
Parents with equal time have a cap. Under the heading "Parties who exercise equal periods of parenting time", the Guidelines say they:
may not exercise more than three (3) additional days of “make-up” parenting time at any one time, in conjunction with regularly scheduled parenting time, so the parent does not exercise more than ten (10) consecutive days of regular and make-up parenting time.