Custody Schedules – Pros and Cons

When parents separate or divorce, child custody becomes a crucial consideration. While there are many factors that will determine the correct custody schedule for your family, parents often opt for a 50/50 custody arrangement, which ensures both parents get equal time with their child. However, not all 50/50 schedules work the same way. There is no one “right” schedule and you will need to evaluate what type of schedule will work for your family and its needs. This may depend, at least in part, on the child’s schedule and needs, parent’s work schedules, appointments, and other logistical factors. In this blog post, we will explore some common 50/50 custody schedules and evaluate their pros and cons.

Note: While we may use terms like “mother” and “father” for simplicity, we recognize that families come in many forms. The guide applies to all co-parents, regardless of gender or family structure.

“2-2-5”

Pros

• Equal Time: Parents alternate weekends, ensuring equal weekend time.
• Consistency: Children know that every Monday and Tuesday they will be with Mother and every Wednesday and Thursday they will be with Father. This provides for more stability than a “2-2-3” where weekdays also alternate.

Cons

• Communication is essential: Parents need to continue to coordinate school activities, extra curriculars and special events.
• Potential for Disruption: Some children may find differences and household rules and routines difficult to adjust to frequently.

“2-2-3”

Pros

• Shorter Time Away: This schedule is ideal for young children who may not like to be apart for either parent for a long period of time.
• Equal Time: Parents alternate weekends, ensuring equal weekend time.

Cons

• Frequent Transitions: Children will be moving between homes often, which can be tiring and disruptive.
• Complicated Planning: Requires both parents to stay highly organized to keep track of the schedule.
• Potential for Conflict: More exchanges can lead to more opportunities for parental disagreements.

“3-4-4-3”

Pros:

• Balanced Approach: Parents get both short and extended time with the child each week.
• Easier Adjustment: Less back and forth than a “2-2-3” schedule, but still maintains frequent contract.
• Predictable Routine: Creates consistency for children who thrive on routine.

Cons

• The Alternating Day: Depending on what day the parties elect to make the alternating day (in the above example it is Saturday), one parent may end up with little to no weekend time.

“Week on – Week off”

Pros

• Consistency: Children get a full week with each parent, reducing frequent transitions between households.
• Easier Planning: Parents can plan work schedules, travel, and personal time more effectively.
• Less Conflict: Fewer exchanges means less opportunity for parental disputes.
• This schedule typically works best for teenagers who can adjust to longer periods of time without seeing a parent.

Cons

• Long separation periods: A week can feel too long for younger children to be away from one parent.
• Adjustment challenges: Some children may struggle with adapting to different routines at each house.
• School and Activity Coordination: Requires strong communication to keep both parents informed and ensure the child gets to their activities and appointments.

For further guidance or information on this topic and to help determine the best custody schedule for your family, please set up a consultation with a member of our Family Law team.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.