When parents divorce or separate, one of the most important decisions they face is determining a parenting time schedule that works for everyone involved. Parenting time schedules should be designed to ensure that children have consistent, meaningful relationships with both parents while minimizing stress and disruption in their lives. They should also take into account the needs of parents and others in both households.
Choosing the best schedule for any particular set of circumstances involves considering several factors, including a child’s age, their parents’ work schedules and the dynamics of the co-parenting relationship at issue. If you’re trying to choose a parenting schedule for your family, learning about common approaches can help you to make more informed decisions.
Common parenting time schedules
Parenting time schedules vary widely based on the needs of each family, but some common arrangements include the following.
1. Week-on/Week-off Schedule
This schedule alternates parenting time weekly, with one parent having the child for a full week and the other parent having the child the next week.
- Best For: Older children who can adapt to extended periods away from each parent.
- Challenges: Younger children may struggle with long gaps between seeing each parent, and it requires strong communication and cooperation between parents.
2. 2-2-3 Schedule
In this arrangement, the child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then alternates weekends.
- Best For: Families seeking a balanced schedule that allows the child to see both parents frequently.
- Challenges: The frequent transitions may be difficult for younger children or families with busy schedules.
3. Extended Weekends
This schedule involves one parent having the child during the weekdays and the other having them on weekends, often from Friday evening to Monday morning.
- Best For: Families where one parent has a more demanding work schedule or lives farther away.
- Challenges: The non-weekend parent may feel they have less quality time with the child.
4. Every Other Weekend
A traditional schedule where one parent has custody during the week, and the other parent has the child every other weekend.
- Best For: Parents with significant scheduling conflicts or when one parent has primary custody.
- Challenges: The parent with weekend-only time may feel disconnected from the child’s daily life.
Choosing the best parenting time schedule can be challenging. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. You can always opt to seek personalized legal feedback as your family’s situation evolves.
