Parents usually make this harder than it needs to be. A good make-up parenting time request does three things: identifies the missed time, proposes a concrete replacement, and stays neutral enough to be forwarded to a mediator, lawyer, or judge if needed.
Sample text message
Copy/paste text Hi [Name] — because the scheduled parenting time on [date] from [time] to [time] did not happen, I’m requesting make-up parenting time. I’m available on [option 1] or [option 2]. Please let me know which option works by [deadline].
Sample email for a denied visit
Copy/paste email Subject: Request for make-up parenting time for [date]
Hi [Name],
I’m writing about the missed parenting time scheduled for [date/time]. Under our current arrangement, I’m requesting replacement parenting time for that missed period. I’m available on [option 1] or [option 2], and I’m open to another comparable time if those do not work.
Please confirm a replacement date by [deadline].
Thank you.
Sample when illness or logistics caused the missed time
Copy/paste softer version Hi [Name] — I know [child’s illness / the schedule issue] disrupted the regular parenting time on [date]. I’d like to find a make-up time that works for everyone. Could we use [option 1] or [option 2] as replacement time?
Best practice: never send a make-up request without proposing actual dates. “We should make this up later” is how the issue dies and resentment grows.
Before you send anything
Check whether your agreement actually gives a right to make-up time, and whether it says who chooses the replacement date. Some orders are explicit. Some are silent. That difference matters.
Need to know what your order actually says?
Upload your agreement and ask: “Does my order allow make-up parenting time?” or “Who chooses the replacement date if time is missed?”
Check My Agreement — Free