Every-Third-Day Custody & Visitation Schedule Examples
The every-third-day schedule splits parenting time 70/30. The child lives with one parent for two days, then with the other parent for one day. The schedule naturally returns to the same start day every three weeks.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
Every-third-day schedule examples
You can customize your schedule so it works better for you and your child. Here are some examples of every-third-day schedules.
Change the start day
Pick any day to start your schedule. This schedule starts on a Sunday afternoon with the noncustodial parent.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
Change the exchange times
Pick any time for your exchanges. Here, exchanges are at 10:00 a.m.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
Each parent might have a different exchange time. This schedule has one parent's pickup at 3 p.m. and the other parent's pickup at 7 p.m.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
Use third-party time
This schedule includes third-party time (when the child isn't with either parent). Adding third-party time may change the percentage of time that each parent has the child.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
To make this schedule in Custody X Change, set the repeating rate to three weeks (rather than three days) and put in both parents' time. Then add the school days. You'll see an option to set them to repeat weekly.
Calculate your time
A visitation timeshare calculator shows you how much parenting time each parent has. It helps keep the timeshare you want as you customize your schedule.
Pros and cons of the every-third-day schedule
Pros:
- The child spends time living with both parents during the week.
- The child doesn't go long periods without seeing a parent.
- The schedule can work well for younger children, who shouldn't spend a long time apart from main caretakers.
- Both parents provide the child with daily caregiving, so they have opportunities to bond.
- Both parents have weekday and weekend time with the child.
Cons:
- There are frequent exchanges, which can be tough to coordinate.
- The child may have a hard time adjusting to switching homes so frequently.
- The parents must communicate with each other about the child's school, homework and other activities.
- Parents must live close to one another.
- Both parents must live close to the child's school.
- One parent has substantially more time with the child than the other parent.
Other co-parenting schedules to consider
5-2 schedule: You'll maintain the same timeshare but get longer visits.
4-3 schedule: The noncustodial parent gets more time, and the exchanges are less frequent.
2-2-3 schedule: This is a 50/50 schedule, but the exchange frequency is similar.
The easiest way to make an every-third-day schedule
There's a lot to think about when you build a parenting time schedule. You'll want it to address holidays and school breaks, give the right amount of time to each parent, and work for years to come.
The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Just follow the steps to make a custody schedule.
On Step 2, choose "custom repeating rate." Set your schedule to repeat every three days.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
On Step 3, give one parent two consecutive days. The app will automatically give the remaining day in the three-day cycle to the other parent.
You can customize this with Custody X Change.
To make a custody schedule quickly and affordably, turn to Custody X Change. You'll get a written schedule and a visual calendar that meet your family's needs, as well as court standards.