#1: Think About Your Own Unique Situation

Just as you and your child are unique individuals, so  is you current situation.  Many people will be bombarding you with advice about what you must do with your custody schedule.  Your friend or coworker has good intentions and they are trying to help you out.  However, no one except you and the other parent can completely understand the situation with your child.

There are a list of questions to ask yourself when creating a custody schedule.  These questions will help you to review all the different areas of your life, the life of the other parent, your child’s needs, etc.  Answering these questions will help you to firmly establish where you are at.  Once you can answer these questions, you will have an idea of what custody schedules may or may not work for you.

#2:  Determine What Type of Physical Custody Would Be Best for Your Child

There are many different physical custody options.  There is joint physical custody which means both parents have equal share in the physical upbringing of your child.  Sole physical custody means one parent is responsible for the child’s physical welfare.  Even if one person has sole physical custody, the other parent will be awarded visitation.

The best way for you and the other parent to get what you want in a custody schedule is to agree on it.  I know that may seem like an impossible task but if you can both present a plan you agree with, the court will usually award it.  However, if you both are fighting over custody, the court will have to review your case and will determine what they think is best for your child.

#3:  Decide How to Split Your Childs Time with Each Parent

You also need to think about how you want to split your child’s time with each parent.  This is often referred to as a number like 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, etc.  With 50/50 child custody each parent has the child 50% of the time.

Once you decide how to split the child’s time with each parent, you will then need to create a schedule.  There are many different child custody schedule examples which would be good for you to review.  You can also see how others are using these schedules to work in their own lives.

You don’t have to follow one of the schedule examples.  Many families create their own schedule to fit their unique lifestyle and situation.

#4:  Choose Your Tools

Now you have assessed your situation, chosen joint or sole physical custody, and chosen a schedule for your child. You now need to put it all together and create y our child custody schedule.  This can also be referred to as a Parenting Plan.  You are going to take all of your information and put it together in a written plan on paper.

You can do this by writing it down in a notebook, typing it up on your computer, filling out a preprinted calendar, or use a program specifically designed to help you in this situation.

Custody X Change has a great software program where you can choose an already created schedule or make your own.  It is easy to adjust dates and times of exchanges.  You can also see how each change you make affects the time percentages with each parent.  Schedule holidays, vacation, and special events in advance.  Finally you have the option to print up a generic parenting plan which will have you custody schedule in it.  You can add certain provisions or take away others.  It is a all-in-one great tool to help you make the most of your decision. The company offers a Free 30-day Trial so it is not risk to you to check it out.

You can create your own schedule which will work for you and your child.  Use these resources, and the process will be easier and more simple than you thought possible.

Two Weeks Each Child Custody Schedule

The two weeks each child custody schedule is a great and simple schedule with 50/50 child custody.  One parent has the child for two weeks and then the other parent has the child for two weeks.

This schedule a particularly good for parents of teenagers or older children.  These kids are usually busier because of school, extracurricular activities, and friends.  They want to spend time with both parents but are more concerned with having a schedule that does not interfere with their busy lives.

This schedule is also a great summer schedule for parent who live further away from each other and can’t share 50/50 custody during the school year.  It is a great way for the children to be able to spend longer quality time with mom and dad when school is out.

The biggest downfall of this schedule is the length away from parents.  It obviously would not be ideal for an infant or small toddler who still needs a primary residence.  You can however, allow your child to call the other parent when they miss them or arrange mid-week meals with the other parent as well.

3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule

The 3-4-4-3 child custody schedule is a great schedule for those who want a very consistent, weekly schedule.  Your child will spend the first three nights of the week with one parent and the second four nights of the week with the other.  Then the following week, they stay four nights with the first parent and three with the second.

The great thing about this schedule is it is very simple and easy to implement.  The only night where there are any variances in the schedule is the middle day which rotates each week.  One parent always has the first part of the week and the other parent always has the last of the week including the weekend.

The big downfall of this schedule is one parent has every weekend.  As stated in earlier posts, this is not always a bad thing depending on your schedules.  Some parents have struggled with it but the best schedule for you is the one which is best for your child.

Conclusion

This is the last post of the series and there are a few things I would like to add.  First, there are so many options available to you, don ‘t get overwhelmed.  Simply research each schedule and decide if it might work for you or if it will definitely not work.  Each schedule has a link to a webpage with more information on each of the schedules, the pros/cons of that schedule, and how you can adjust it to fit your needs.

Once you have a few schedules that might work go over each of those in detail.  Look at how you can adjust that schedule to fit your unique situation.  Maybe you find two schedules you want to incorporate into one schedule.  There is nothing wrong with creating your own schedule.

Finally, find the right tool to help you create your unique schedule.  You can write it out on paper, a calendar or use one of the many online tools available.

The Custody X Change software allows you to create your own schedule, start with a template of an existing schedule, or just use and existing schedule.  You can change the times exchanges happen, the dates, or switch time between parents.  A great feature of the software is you see immediately how the changes affect time percentages between parents.

Custody X Change offers a Free 30-day Trial and I highly recommend you trying it out to see if it works for you.

Part I  50/50 Child Custody: Every Weekend & 2-2-3 Visitation

Part 2 50/50 Child Custody:  Alternating Weeks & 2-2-5-5

When you and the other parent must create a long distance parenting plan and custody schedule, consider the needs of your children. Because visitation requires lots of travel, look at age appropriate solutions to the issue of bringing children to the distant parent as well as arranging for the distant parent to travel to the children.

Regardless of how old the children are or how far away the distant parent is, experts agree that children are generally be better off when they have both parents involved and participating in their lives.

There are several ways you can enhance the parental influence of the distant parent for your children:

• Give your children the opportunity to visit the distant parent during long breaks, such as during spring break or for several weeks during summer vacation
• Work out travel arrangements in advance, such as transportation and cost
• Encourage children to communicate with the distant parent often, via mail, phone calls and emails
• Stay in contact with the other parent as you make parenting decisions together, and keep the conversations respectful and civil

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow in order to make a long distance custody schedule work:

• Do support your children’s relationship with the other parent
• Do share information about your children’s activities, schoolwork and friends with the other parent
• Do contact the other parent in the event of an emergency with the children while they are with you
• Do provide an itinerary of your plans to the other parent when the children are with you
• Don’t be negative about the other parent or an upcoming transition
• Don’t limit your children’s contact with the other parent when they are with you
• Don’t break promises you’ve made to your children
• Don’t sabotage or undermine your children’s time with the other parent

Long distance parenting requires lots of effort and compromise, but there’s no reason that your children cannot have a meaningful relationship with the distant parent. Whether you are the local parent or the distant parent, you must put your children’s best interests ahead of any pain or hurt you may feel toward the other parent. Use a detailed long distance parenting plan to reduce conflict and allow you to focus on being the best parent you can be.

Alternating Weeks Child Custody Schedule

The alternating weeks child custody schedule is a basic and easy to implement schedule.  One parent has the child for a week, then the child goes and stays with the other parent for a week.

The benefit of this schedule is your child is able to spend more time at each parents home.  They feel more like a part of the family and not just a visitor for a few days here and there.  It is also easier for the child in school.  The parent knows what homework and activities are happening that week.  Older children and those who struggle with frequent exchanges usually do best on this type of schedule.

One of the biggest downfalls of this schedule is parents and children struggling being apart for a whole week.  Some parents have overcome this issue by having a dinner with the child one weeknight while they are staying at the other parents home.

2-2-5-5 Child Custody Schedule

The 2-2-5-5 child custody schedule is more complex to understand but easy to implement and follow.  One parent has the child for two assigned weeknights (M, T).  Then the child goes to the other parents home for their assigned two weeknights (W, Th).  Finally the child goes back to the first parents home for the three day weekend and the first two assigned week nights which equals five nights.  The child then goes back to the second parents home for their assigned weeknights and the following three day weekend.

This schedule is great because each parent has their two assigned weeknights that do not change.  This makes it easier for the child and the parents to schedule their lives.  For example, if your child has piano on Tuesday, only one parent ever has to worry about getting the child back and forth.  It is also good if both parents want their child a part of their weekly lives while being able to rotate weekends.

The biggest issue with this schedule was mentioned in Part I of this series.  It is that some parents and children struggle with all the going back and forth during the week.  It takes work and constant communication between parents, the child, and the school to ensure this schedule is efficient.

Part I  50/50 Child Custody: Every Weekend & 2-2-3 Visitation

Part 3 50/50 Child Custody:  Two Weeks Each & 3-4-4-3

What is 50/50 physical custody?

50/50 physical custody is becoming a very popular way for parents to share time with their child.  Each parent will have the child 50% of the child’s time.  This custody option is a great alternative to one parent having custody and another parent having a few visitations a month.

50/50 child custody does require more work from both of the parents and the courts will not approve it just because you think it will work.  There are a few things the court needs to see in place for this style of child custody to be awarded.  Some of these are:

• Both parents are able to put their differences aside and work together for the benefit of their child. They are able to communicate with each other to discuss exchanges, schedules, and their child.
• Both parents live in close proximity to each other, the child’s school, and in the same general area.  Because the child spends equal time at both homes, they need to be able to move forward with as little disruptions to life as possible.
• Both parents need to be stable emotionally, physically, and environmentally.  The court will look at the past of both parents to see if they are suitable for the child to live with.  They also want to see two stable homes for the child.
• The child custody schedule must be in the best interest of the child.  This is the number one factor in determining the custody of a child.

There are many visitations schedules for you to choose from if you have 50/50 physical custody.  Custody X Change has a great 50/50 Child Custody Examples page where you can learn more about 50/50 custody and some of the schedules available.

Every Weekend with School Time Removed Custody Schedule

The every weekend with school time removed custody schedule is a basic 50/50 schedule where one parent has the child during the week and the other parent has the child on the weekend.  To make this schedule 50/50, school time (or third-party time) is removed because the child is not with either parent.

This is a great schedule but you want to make sure it fits the lives of those involved.  Many people like it because of work, school, or other scheduling issues.  They find it is a great way for the child to spend time with both parents without having to worry about exchanging mid week during school.

Other people do not like this schedule because only one parent has the child on the weekend.  Some parents have expressed they feel like they have their child for all the hard parts of the week with homework, discipline, etc. and the other parent has all the fun on the weekend.

The every weekend with school time removed can be a great schedule but you want to make sure it fits your unique situation.

2-2-3 Custody Schedule

The 2-2-3 child custody schedule is very simple.  One parent has the child for the first two days of the week, the second parent has the next two weekdays, and then the child goes back to the first parents home for the weekend.  The following week the schedule rotates so the second parent has the child the first two weekdays and the following weekend.

This schedule is very easy to implement with a predictable rotation.  Each parent has the child every other weekend and also during the week.  Many parents like this schedule because they see their child regularly and are a normal part of their life.

The biggest issue with many of the 50/50 schedules, including this one, is the child changes homes multiple times a week.  This may not be the best option for your child.  Some children have struggled with frequent exchanges for different reasons.  Some of these are: not feeling like they are ever at a home long enough to become a part of it, keeping up on school work/activities, and anxiety of constant change.

You know your child and their needs more than anyone else.  If they might struggle with this schedule, there are many others to choose from.  Read the next series of posts which will talk about additional schedules for 50/50 child custody.

Part 2 50/50 Child Custody:  Alternating Weeks & 2-2-5-5

Part 3 50/50 Child Custody:  Two Weeks Each & 3-4-4-3

A 60/40 child custody schedule is one option for you or the court to choose when determining child custody.  This custody schedule defines your child will spend 60% of their time with one parent and 40% of their time with the other parent.

This schedule is a great way for your child to spend almost equal time with both parents.  There are a number of reasons why this schedule can be chosen.  Here are a few of them:

• Both parents want to spend as much time with the child as possible.
• Both parents are able to get along and put their differences aside to raise their child the best way possible.
• Both parents live close to each other, your child’s school, and other lifestyle activities.
• It is in the best interest of the child to spend a small amount of time more with one parent.  This could be due to work, school, or other issues.
• The judge or court has a preference for this schedule.

If this schedule is chosen for your child, be grateful for the time you have.  Many parents become upset when this schedule is awarded or chosen because they feel it should be equal.  Just remember there are many parents out there who would love to have their child 40% of the time.  Be the best parent you can be and have a positive attitude about this new situation.

What is the Every Weekend Custody Schedule?

The every weekend custody schedule is a very popular way for parents to divide time with their child.  You can find a version of it for each of the different custody plans (50/50, 70/30).  This specific every weekend custody schedule example is created for 60/40 child custody.  The every weekend custody schedule has y our child spending four nights during the week with one parent and three nights of the weekend with the other parent.  It usually extends to Monday morning when your child leaves for school.

This schedule works very well for many children and parents.  It is great for those who do not live close enough to share the children during the week because of school and other activities.  It also works well if the parents don’t want to worry about exchanging their child during the week and worrying about the child staying updated in school.

The biggest issue with this schedule is one parent has the child every weekend.  However, many people do not find this to be an issue.  If this schedule works for you, the other parent, and your child it is a great way to arrange you time.

What is the 4-3 Custody Schedule?

The 4-3 custody schedule is very similar to the every weekend custody schedule.  One parent has the child for four nights of the week and the other parent has the child for three nights.  The biggest difference is with the 4-3 custody schedule example, the three nights are not during the weekend.  Some parents will even adapt this schedule so the three nights of the second parent rotate so one week they have the weekend and the other week they have weekdays.

This schedule is great because it has the parents spending the same amount of time with their child but not having the restrictions of one parent having every weekend.  Because this schedule is more flexible it is important both parents live close together and are willing to communicate about their child and the schedule.

Conclusion

A 60/40 child custody schedule is a great option for many families and it can work for you too.  The most important thing you need to remember when choosing a schedule is to choose what is best for your child.  Then consider your needs and the needs of the other parent.  If you use this as your guide, you will find the right schedule for you, the other parent, and your child.

A 70/30 child custody schedule has one parent as the custodian of your child 70% of the time and the other parent has the child 30% of the time.  This is a great custody schedule for many families and it might work well for you.  This schedule is usually determined on the unique situation with you, the other parent, and the child.

You may choose to have 70/30 child custody based on the following items:

• Proximity of parents to each other.
• Child’s age, relationship with parents, special needs, school, etc.
• Parents lifestyle with work, school, hobbies, etc.

Many parents find this schedule to work very well because as much as one parent or the other would love to have their child all the time, it is not practical in their situation.  The biggest factor to consider when choosing your child custody schedule is choosing what is best for your child.

Every Three Weeks Custody Schedule

The every three weeks custody schedule is one way for you and the other parent to divide the time between each other.  With this custody schedule, your child will spend two weeks with one parent and the third week with the other.  Learn more and see every three weeks custody schedule examples on the Custody X Change website.

This schedule is very popular with families who have older children and want as few disruptions in their life as possible.  It also is a great way for a child who wants to spend longer time periods with each parent so they feel more a part of the parents home and not just a visitor.

Both parents need to live close together to make this schedule work.  They need to be able to make sure their child can get to school, extracurricular activities, and other events.  They also need to be able to communicate with each other what is happening in the child’s life and any other concerns which may arise.

Every Weekend Custody Schedule

The every weekend custody schedule is another option to divide time between the parents.  This schedule is very simple because one parent has your child for five days of the week and the other parent has two weekend days. Learn more and see a visual calendar of the every weekend custody schedule example.

This schedule is great for parents who are struggling to get along with each other.  You don’t have to worry about discussing school and other weekly activities together.  It also is great for parents who live within a few hours of each other because one parent may have the child on the weekends and not have to worry about transporting the child back and forth to school.

The biggest issue with this schedule is one parent has every weekend.  Some parents say they feel like they are the one who deals with all the hard work through the week and the other parent gets to have fun on the weekends.

Conclusion

Having 70/30 child custody works very well for many families.  The two schedules of every three weeks and every weekend are some options for you to divide your child’s time with parents.  You also can create your own unique schedule.  You need to consider if these schedules will work for you, the other parent, and your child.

Creating these schedules or your own is very easy and simple on the Custody X Change software.  Start your Free 30-Day Trial today.

Once you decide to have 50/50 child custody, you will need to choose a child custody schedule.  This is basically the schedule you, the other parent, and child will follow.  Below are three very popular choices for a 50/50 custody schedule.

2-2-3 Child Custody Schedule

The 2-2-3 child custody schedule is very simple and easy to understand.  How this schedule works is your child will spend the first two nights of the week with you, the second two nights with the other parent, and the three weekend nights back with you.  The following week the schedule changes so the second parent gets your child at the beginning and end of the week.

This schedule is great because it is easy to implement.  Many parents like the simplicity and ease in having this schedule.  It is also a great way for the child to spend time at both parents home each week while rotating weekends.

Your child will go back and forth a few times so you want to make sure they can handle frequent exchanges and completing homework on time.  Some children struggle going back and forth always feeling like a visitor and not a part of the home or family.  You need to know your child and choose what will work best for them.

2-2-5-5 Child Custody Schedule

The 2-2-5-5 child custody schedule is more complex to understand but once understood, very simple.  This schedule is easier to comprehend if you know each parent has two set weeknights with the child and the weekends rotate.  How it works is your child spends two weeknights with you and then the next two week nights with the other parent.  They then come back to your house and spend the three weekend nights and the first two weeknights you are assigned, equaling 5 nights.  They then go back to the other parents home and have their two assigned nights along with the three weekend nights, again equaling 5 nights.

This schedule is one of my personal favorites because the parents have assigned weeknights.  It is easier for the parents and the child to schedule meetings, activities, and other events. I also like the rotating weekends so each parent can enjoy fun activities with their child. Because this schedule is more consistent, it is easier for a child who can be anxious about going back and forth.  You want to make sure your child can handle their school work and responsibilities while they are exchanging homes multiple times a week.

3-4-4-3 Child Custody Schedule

The 3-4-4-3 child custody schedule is very easy and only has two exchanges during the week.  Your child will spend first three nights of the week with one parent and the last four nights with the other.  The following week it changes so your child spends four weeknights with the first parent and three with the second.

The strength of this schedule is one parent always has the first part of the week and the other parent always has the second part of the week.  The only day that changes is one mid-week, usually Wednesday.  Many people find this works for them because it is simple and straight forward schedule.

The downfall with this schedule is one parent has every weekend.  Depending on your situation, this may work really well but some parents have struggled not having their children during the weekend.

Conclusion

There are many options for you to choose from.  Some parents get stressed out feeling like they have to choose the perfect schedule for them and their child the first time. You want to get a general idea of what needs you, the other parent, and your child has.  Then from there choose a schedule which meets those needs.

If your chosen schedule does not work very well once implemented, make the necessary adjustments so it does.  Create your own unique schedule or choose another.  You can do this.  Don’t overwhelm yourself feeling like you must choose the right schedule.  Realize the right schedule is the one which is best for your child.

60/40 child custody is one of the many different custody options available for you.  This schedule works with your child spending 60% of their time with one parent and 40% with the other.

It is a very popular schedule because your child spends almost equal time with both parents.  They know you both love them and are willing to work together for the child’s benefit.

There are some requirements for this schedule to be successful.  Both parents need to live close to each other and also to the school your child is attending. You also need to be willing to work together and put aside your differences. Finally, consider your child and if this schedule is in their best interest.

Many people wonder why the 60/40 schedule might be chosen by parents or the court.   The reality is there are as many different reasons for this schedule as there are people.  Each situation is different and unique so the big issue for you to think about is your situation.

Here are some generic reasons why a 60/40 might be chosen:

• Schedules of the parents work best if one has a slightly larger time percentage.
• One parent has a longer history of spending more time with their child.
• The court feels it is the best interest of the child for one parent to have more time.

4-3 Custody Schedule Example

The 4-3 custody schedule example is one schedule you can use if you have 60/40 child custody.  It is a very simple custody schedule to use.  How it works is the parent with 60% custody gets 4 nights of the week, and the parent with 40% custody has your child for three nights.

The great thing about this schedule is you can adjust it to fit the needs of you, the other parent, and especially your child.  Some parents use this schedule so one parent gets the weeknights and the other gets the weekend (also known as the every weekend custody schedule).  It can also be arranged so the 60% parent has the weekend and a some weekdays.

You can create this schedule using Custody X Change software simply and easily.  Open the program and select the “Regular Schedule” tab from the top of the page.  On the right, you will see a list of example schedules.  Under 60/40 select “Every Weekend”.  This will pull up a schedule where time is split 4-3.  Using your mouse, you can easily click on the exchange time and move it to the date and time which works best for you.  On the bottom you will be able to see the percentages each parent has and adjust accordingly.

Determining a child custody schedule can be a struggle.  Simplify the process by learning all you can and using the right tools to help you.

50/50 Joint Physical Custody

50/50 joint physical custody means your child will spend half of their time with you and half with the other parent.  Both parents are equally responsible for the physical upbringing of their child. There are many 50/50 child custody schedule examples for you to choose from.

This type of custody is becoming more and more popular.  Many parents, mediators, and judges believe it is in the best interest of the child to spend equal time with both parents.  If the situation allows, they believe it is far better than one parent having the majority of custody and the other parent only getting a few “visits” a month.

There are many considerations you need to make before choosing this schedule.  Here are some questions to get you started:

• Are you and the other parent able to put behind you any hard feelings and work together in a good co-parenting relationship?
• Do both parents live in close proximity to each other, your child’s school and the activities they are involved in?
• Can you easily exchange your child back and forth?
• Do both parents have a safe home environment?
• Are there any past issues with a parent that indicate they are unable to share joint physical custody?

70/30 Physical Custody

70/30 physical custody mean your child spends 70% of their time with one parent and 30% with the other.  The parent with 70% custody may be assigned sole physical custody meaning they are solely responsible for the physical upbringing of the child.  Or both parents could be assigned joint physical custody meaning they both are responsible for the physical upbringing.  However, one parent only has the child 30% of the time.  This can be determined by the court or parents.  There are many 70/30 child custody schedule examples for you to choose from.

There are many reasons why 70/30 physical custody may be awarded:

• Your child will do better spending more time with one parent and having one “home base.”
• One parent may have a difficult school or work schedule that does not allow them to bear the responsibility of having the child more.
• Previous history of poor behavior or decision making by a parent.

Conclusion:

Both 50/50 and 70/30 custody are great choices depending on your unique situation.  Some parents want to share their child equally and some parents know their child will do best spending more time with one parent.

I recommend that you do all the research you can about the pros and cons of each schedule, learn how they work for others, and decide what will work best for your child.