If you’re a parent currently going through a divorce, you’re likely starting to plan out the potential custody schedule you and your ex-partner will follow.
While it can be hard to be rational during such an emotional time, it’s important to remember that all kids from teens to preschoolers should spend time with both parents.
It’s not just about fairness. It’s about giving your child the opportunity to bond with both of you during a time of upheaval in their lives.
One of the biggest problems you’ll probably face when co-parenting is finding the right custody schedule for your family.
With so many options and factors to consider, how do you decide what works best for everyone involved?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to custody. Every family is unique, and should tailor their schedule to their specific circumstances.
Keep reading to learn some common joint custody schedules to help you figure out what might be the best fit for your family.
2-2-5 Custody Schedule
The 2-2-5 joint custody schedule aims to balance school days and weekends between both parents.
Essentially, you have the kids for two days, then they’re with the other parent for the next two days, and then they return to you for five days.
The following week, the schedule flips. Your co-parent has them for two days, they come back to you for two days, and then they’re with the co-parent for five days.
This plan is a great option because both of you get to spend time with your children on weekdays and during the weekends.
Alternating Weeks
In an alternating week schedule, your child spends one week with you, and the following week with their other parent.
It’s simple and straightforward, and it gives both of you equal time with your child.
One of the biggest advantages of the alternating weeks schedule is that it’s predictable.
Your child knows what to expect, and can easily adapt to the schedule, as compared with the constant back-and-forth that comes with more frequent exchanges.
This joint custody schedule is also often easier for both parents.
Since exchanges only happen once a week, you get plenty of uninterrupted time with your child, and you can plan fun activities like weekend movies, attending their soccer games, or just hanging out after school.
It basically gives both of you enough time with your kids to ensure you stay actively involved in your children’s lives.
The 2-2-3 Schedule
In the 2-2-3 schedule, both you and your partner spend equal time with your child over a two-week cycle.
The child spends two days with you, two days with their other parent, and then three days with you.
The next week, the schedule flips, giving your co-parent the longer weekend.
For instance, your child might stay with you on Monday and Tuesday, spend Wednesday and Thursday with their other parent, and then return to you for Friday through Sunday.
The following week, the pattern reverses, starting with the other co-parent.
Alternating Weekends (80/20)
The alternating weekends schedule, also known as 80/20 custody, is one of the most common co-parenting setups.
In this arrangement, your child mainly lives with one parent during the week and spends every other weekend with the other parent.
This schedule works well if one co-parent lives further away from the other. It’s also a great option if one of you has a demanding weekday work schedule.
The School Year vs. Summer Split
In a school year vs. summer schedule, you divide custody time based on the school calendar. This means that your child spends the school year with one parent and the holidays with the other.
While this works well for older children, especially if they’re involved in extra-curricular activities, it’s usually not the best option for younger children.
Ideally, you should try to ensure that younger children have a more balanced custody schedule, as they need consistent time with both parents to build strong bonds.
The Every-Other-Day Schedule
In the every-other-day joint custody schedule, the child spends one day with one parent and the next day with the other parent.
This is a great schedule if you have young children and you live relatively close to your co-partner, since your child gets to spend time more frequently with both parents.
This schedule is, however, not ideal if you and your co-parent have busy schedules, or if you live far apart.
Alternating Weekends with a Midweek Swap
The alternating weekends schedule with a midweek swap means that your child gets to spend a little extra time with the non-custodial parent.
Instead of waiting a full two weeks to see the non-custodial parent, they will go to visit or stay overnight with the other parent during the week.
This arrangement means your child gets to see both parents more regularly, which can be great for strengthening their bond with each of you.
Create a Schedule that Works for You
One of the hardest thing about a divorce with children is figuring out what parenting schedule works best for you, your co-parent, and your children.
The most important thing to remember is that your child’s needs should come first. Look for a schedule that helps minimize upheaval in their lives, and maximize their bond with both parents.
And, don’t be afraid to make changes or adjustments if necessary!
In the end, making your child a priority throughout the process will give both of you the peace-of-mind that you’ve created the best custody schedule for your family.