Bill > HB1105

This bill modifies Indiana law to emphasize maximizing practical parenting time for both parents in child custody and parenting time cases. The bill requires courts to make decisions that promote continuity of relationship between children and both parents, introducing "maximum practical parenting time" as a key consideration. Specifically, the legislation adds a new factor for courts to consider when determining the best interests of a child: the ability of parents to encourage sharing love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent. The bill mandates that parents should first attempt to develop their own parenting plans and calendars jointly, with court intervention only if they cannot fully agree. If parents cannot create a plan at all, standard parenting time guidelines will apply. Importantly, if a court deviates from these minimum parenting time guidelines, it must provide specific factual findings and legal conclusions to explain the deviation. The bill also changes language from "reasonable" to "maximum practical" parenting time, suggesting a presumption in favor of more extensive parent-child contact, while still maintaining protections for child safety in cases involving serious offenses like child molesting or child exploitation.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1105/details