Common Parenting Time Configurations
It can be helpful to have a starting place when beginning your “parenting plan writing” process. Gone are the days of assuming that one parent gets every other weekend and Wednesdays. Thankfully, the family law industry is moving in a much more equitable (and healthy) direction.
Here are some common parenting plan schedules that we see in Collaborative Divorce and parenting planning in general.
**All of the plans shown below reflect a 50/50 parenting plan arrangement. More than 95% of families that I work with choose a 50/50 plan. For options that are not 50/50, check out my blog on Customized Parenting Time Plans.
Option 1
The configuration above is one of the more simple 50:50 parenting time plan options. There is only one transition per week, which takes place on Sunday. Of course this could be manipulated to transition on Monday… or really any other day. Most families find this the least disruptive option, especially during the school year.
This plan works very well for older children (think 13-17).
Option 2
The 2:2:5:5 schedule shortens the longest stretch to 5 days. I also allows parents to alternate weekends, but keeps 4 days per week consistent. This can be attractive to families who have various activities throughout the week. If theater rehearsals are always on Mondays, then mom would always be in charge of theater. If soccer is on Thursday, dad would always be in charge of soccer.
This plan is pretty popular because of the consistency offered in the first part of the week, while still minimizing the frequency of transitions each week.
The 2:2:5:5 plan works well for children ages 4-17.
Option 3
This configuration is set up so that the children never go more than 3 days without spending time with either parent. The children are at one home for two days, the other home for two days, and return for 3 days. This alternates each week.
Some considerations for this plan: there are 3 transitions every week. Children can have a hard time transitioning from one home to the other so frequently. This has the potential to cause added stress.
However, for our younger kiddos (birth - 3ish), this plan works remarkably well. It allows the child to build strong attachment to both parents.
Which plan is right for us?
Great question. That depends on so many factors…
How old are your kids? How well do they handle transition? Are there other considerations like homeschool, geographic barriers or transportation limitations? Do you have childcare options available? Does one parent have irregular working hours?
Taking those things into consideration will help you narrow down the plan options that may work best for your family.
Another thing to note: as the children grow, you can certainly update the parenting plan to reflect the needs of your now adolescent children.
Building custom parenting plans is a passion of mine. Think you’d like some help building yours? Let’s get started!
