9/5 Child Custody Schedules and Visitation Options

A 9/5 schedule is a parenting time arrangement that gives one parent a total of nine days with the child and the other a total of five days in a repeating two-week schedule. One parent has approximately 64 percent of parenting time and the other has the remaining 36 percent.

A parent's days don't have to be in a row. They can be broken up over the two-week period however parents agree.

Common 9/5 schedules

You can use these common 9/5 schedules as-is or customize them to meet your family's unique needs. (See more on customizing below.)

9-5 schedule

Although parents' days don't have to be consecutive, many families choose this option, in which the child spends nine days with one parent and then five days with the other.

Every extended weekend

The every extended weekend schedule splits the 9/5 arrangement into four and a half weekdays for one parent and two-and-a-half-day weekends for the other (usually Friday afternoon to Monday morning).

This arrangement works well if you want an every weekend schedule that gives more time to the weekend parent.

5-3-4-2 schedule

The 5-3-4-2 schedule gives five days to one parent, followed by three days for the other. Then, the child spends four days with the first parent and two days with the other.

This schedule is similar to the every extended weekend schedule, except the "weekend" days are midweek — a good option when that parent doesn't have a Monday–Friday work schedule.

Customizing your 9/5 schedule

Consider these popular customizations to make sure your schedule meets your child's needs.

Add holidays, birthdays and special occasions

Most states require a holiday schedule in addition to the regular parenting time schedule. Even if it's not required, your schedule should include specific arrangements for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions your family celebrates.

For shared holidays, parents often alternate on a yearly basis — e.g., one parent might get Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years, while the other gets it in even-numbered years.

You can use this arrangement, or you can create custom schedules for specific holidays. For example, you might want to split Thanksgiving weekend every year instead of alternating yearly.

Add third-party time

Third-party time is when a child is not with either parent, such as when they're at school or with a babysitter.

For example, this customized every extended weekend includes third-party time for when the child is with a babysitter after school two days a week.

Adding third-party time to your schedule helps you stay organized and get an exact and accurate calculation of each parent's time. Depending on your state's rules, you may be able to exclude some third-party time from parenting time calculations (which can affect child support).

Include age-based schedule changes

As your child grows up, you'll likely need to adapt your custody arrangements for their changing needs and as your family's situation evolves. Transition easily and avoid conflict by including custom provisions for schedule changes in your parenting plan.

For example, when a teenager gets their driver's license and can transport themselves between parents' homes, you might want to add more frequent visits for each parent.

The easiest way to make an 9/5 schedule

There's a lot to think about when you build a parenting time schedule. You'll want it to give the right amount of time to each parent and work for years to come.

The Custody X Change app makes it easy.

To make any of the schedules above, just follow the steps to make a custody schedule.

Turn to Custody X Change to make a custody schedule quickly and affordably. You'll get a written schedule and a visual calendar that meet your family's needs, as well as court standards.