Halloween is a big deal for a lot of kids – and their parents. Between picking out costumes, carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating, Halloween has the potential for serious parent-child bonding time.
However, Halloween can also create a lot of conflicts between divorced parents. Both parents may want to be part of the fun and build memories with the kids, especially when those kids are young.
So, who gets the kids on Halloween? Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines specifically address this very issue.
It’s an officially designated holiday
Parenting time on official holidays such as Halloween generally rotates between parents each year. In even-numbered years, the custodial parent usually has the children on Halloween, while the noncustodial parent has them in odd-numbered years. The rules specifically give the designated parent the children from 6-9 p.m. on Halloween or whenever the official trick-or-treat hours may be in their local community.
The holiday parenting schedule also takes precedence over the regular parenting schedule. That means a parent may have the children on Halloween even when the holiday falls during the other parent’s usual parenting time.
Parents can make other arrangements
The guidelines are there to prevent common disputes, but parents who are willing to work together can tailor an arrangement to their particular wants and needs. For example, co-parents might agree to:
- Have both parents walk around with the kids during trick-or-treating so neither misses out.
- Have the designated parent take the kids trick-or-treating in the other parent’s neighborhood while the other parent passes out candy so that both can be involved in the festivities.
- Let each parent take the kids trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods if the designated times are different.
However, parents should remember that their existing court orders control. Informal changes should be mutually agreed upon, preferably in writing. Any permanent changes to a court-ordered schedule may require court approval.
Ultimately, all holidays should be about making memories and quality family time. If parental disagreements keep erupting or one parent violates the other’s parenting time rights, it may be time to seek legal guidance.