Make a Repeating Custody Schedule: Other Patterns
If your custody arrangement doesn't match one of the templates in the Custody X Change app, you can create any schedule you want using the "custom repeating rate" option.
For example, you could use this option to make a schedule that repeats every three weeks. Perhaps your child will live with one parent for two weeks, then spend one week with the other parent.
Or you could use it to create a schedule that repeats by days. Maybe your child will spend every fifth day with the noncustodial parent.
Step 1: Choose a name and dates
First, click on the "calendar" tab.
Then select "new schedule" to the left of your calendar (or beneath your calendar if you're on a phone).
On the next screen, select when this schedule should take effect (either by typing in the date and time boxes or by clicking in the calendar). You might choose today, the first day of next month, etc. Keep in mind if you want to start on a particular day of the week.
If this schedule is for your child's summer break (or any other extended period where you'll need a special schedule), click the "summer break schedule" box.
This pulls up options for when the schedule should start and end in its first year, as well as in years to come. You can also specify if you want to retire the schedule in a particular year, using the "through" drop-down menu.
Lastly, you have the option to give your schedule a title. You might choose something like "Proposal 1" or "Temporary schedule." If you don't enter a title, the app applies one automatically: "Schedule" and then a number.
Click the "next" button.
Step 2: Select the "custom repeating rate" template
In the templates box that appears, select "custom repeating rate" at the bottom of the list. Then click "next."
Now enter how often the schedule should repeat — in other words, how long it will take for both parents to complete one visitation period with the child. You can count in days or weeks, and specify using the drop-down menu.
Example (weeks): The child will live with each parent for four weeks at a time; enter eight weeks as your repeating rate.
Example (days): The child will live with one parent for five days, then with the other for four days; enter nine days as your repeating rate.
When you're done, click "customize."
Step 3: Customize your schedule
Customize your schedule by entering the details of one parenting time period. You can choose any visit, and the app will fill in the rest of your schedule automatically.
From the drop-down menu, select the parent who will have the child during this time period. Then, define when it will start and end.
Your selections will appear instantly in the calendar and repeat at the rate you set in Step 2. The time between visits will default to the other parent.
If you don't want to make any other customizations, click "save" and skip to Step 4. Otherwise, click "add or extend a visit."
To add a repeating visit, choose the parent it will belong to or choose 3rd party if the child won't be with either parent. (To add a one-time visit or a holiday visit, wait until Step 4.)
Next, enter when the visit will start and end, as well as when it will repeat. For example, if your visit will happen every other Tuesday, enter "2" in the "repeats every" box and select the "Tuesday" button. If it will happen every Sunday and Wednesday, set it to repeat every "1" week and click the "Sunday" and "Wednesday" buttons.
Extending a repeating visit that you see on your calendar works the same way. Either create a visit that abuts the too-short visit, or create a longer visit on top of the short one. For example, to give Mom extra time with the kids every other visit, she could create a visit that starts at her original end time (11 a.m.).
When you're done adding and editing visits that repeat, click "save."
Step 4: Edit and share your schedule
After saving, you'll return to the main schedules page.
From here, you can add holiday visits and one-time schedule changes. You can also edit your schedule or share and print your calendar.
If you know that your schedule will change in the future — perhaps when your child reaches a certain age or during summer break — you can click "new schedule" to make additional schedules and choose the date when each will take effect.