Can a court order a make-up parenting time schedule after finding someone in contempt?

Yes, once a court has found a parent in contempt for denying parenting time, ordering a specific make-up schedule is a natural and common part of the remedy. Rather than leaving the parties to work out lost time informally, which is often exactly what led to the dispute in the first place, the court can set out concrete dates or a structured plan for how the missed time will be restored, sometimes alongside other consequences like costs.

A court crafting a make-up schedule generally tries to balance fairness to the parent who lost time with practical realities, such as the child's existing routine, school schedule, and other commitments, rather than simply tacking on extra time wherever convenient. Where trust between the parents has broken down significantly, the schedule may also include more specific logistics, like exchange locations or communication methods, to reduce the chance of further disputes. Because a poorly worded make-up order can end up generating the same kind of conflict as the original order, getting legal advice on how to propose a make-up schedule that's clear and enforceable is worthwhile for a parent seeking this remedy.