Parenting Time Schedules in Idaho (Visitation Schedules)
Parents who are not in a relationship need a parenting time schedule (sometimes called a custody or visitation schedule) so they know when the child should be with them.
Your schedule is written into your parenting plan. Including a visual element is optional but recommended as it makes your custody schedule easier to understand.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
The court will typically approve a schedule parents agree on as long as it aligns with current statutes and case law.
If you cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide your schedule based on each parent's proposed parenting plan and the child's best interests.
A judge may order (sometimes at a parent's request) a custody evaluation or brief focused assessment to determine the best schedule for your child.
Schedule options
For help choosing a schedule, look to your county's scheduling guidelines (e.g., Bannock County's scheduling guidelines) and the popular schedules below.
Consider factors like your child's age, your work schedules and the distance between parents' homes when deciding on a schedule.
Shared physical custody
Shared custody means both parents spend significant time with their child, typically at least 25% of annual overnights. Parents with shared custody qualify to pay a reduced child support amount.
Consider factors like your child's age, your work schedules and the distance between parents' homes when deciding on a schedule.
Week on, week off is a common choice to give children more time in each parent's custody.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
The 2-2-3 schedule works well for younger kids who don't have busy schedules and for parents who live near one another.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
When you want both parents to have significant time but a less even time split, look at 60/40 schedules.
One example is the 4-3 schedule.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
Primary physical custody
When one parent has primary custody, the noncustodial parent has visitation.
Parents often go for the alternating weekends schedule, with weekends lasting Friday to Sunday.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
Add a midweek visit to give the noncustodial parent more time.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
School breaks and holidays
Sometimes, parents continue to follow their regular schedule during school breaks and holidays. Even if you go this route, make sure you spell it out in your parenting plan.
You can set up a seasonal schedule if you prefer.
In Idaho, kids get a week off from school for spring break, so parents tend to alternate who gets the time yearly.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
Kids typically get about two weeks off for winter break, so parents often split the time (roughly) in half.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
The easiest way to make a schedule
If you're like most parents, creating a custody and visitation schedule will feel daunting. How do you write something that meets legal requirements and doesn't leave any loose ends?
The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Either customize a schedule template, or click and drag in your custody calendar to make a schedule from scratch.
Try this with Custody X Change.
Then watch a full description appear in your custom parenting plan.
You can customize this to fit your situation with Custody X Change.
The combination of a visual and written schedule means your family will have no problem knowing who has the child when. Take advantage of Custody X Change to make your schedule as clear and thorough as can be.