Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Example of a Alternating Every 2 Days Custody Schedule

The image above represents a month of the custody schedule for co-parents Juan and Sofi. In this example, during with the week starting on Monday children stay with Juan on the following days:

• Monday, Tuesday - First Week
• Friday, Saturday - First Week
• Tuesday, Wednesday - Second Week
• Saturday, Sunday - Second Week
• Wednesday, Thursday - Third Week
• Sunday - Third Week
• Monday - Fourth Week
• Thursday, Friday - Fourth Week

Children stay with Sofi on the following days:

• Wednesday, Thursday - First Week
• Sunday - First Week
• Monday - Second Week
• Thursday, Friday - Second Week
• Monday, Tuesday - Third Week
• Friday, Saturday - Third Week
• Tuesday, Wednesday - Fourth Week
• Saturday, Sunday - Fourth Week

Starting from the 5th week, the whole cycle repeats again.

This example of Alternating Custody Every 2 Days was built using the Google Calendar but you can use Outlook or any other calendaring application or a paper calendar to do the same. You can also use a spreadsheet such as Excel or Google Sheets.

 

Can you change the start day?

Yes, if both parents mutually agree or if a court orders, then they can change the start day of their 2-2 custody schedule. For example, if the co-parents want the week to start on Sunday, not Monday they can move up all the assigned days by one day.

 

Can you change the pickup and drop-off time?

With mutual consent, co-parents can alter the pickup and drop time.  Ideally, it is the in the afternoon at 3pm or 4pm to accomodate children's school schedule.

 

How to account for the third-party time?

If children are not going to be with either parent because of their routine schedules, such as daycare or school, then there is no real need to mark those times on your calendar.

 

What are the pros and cons of the 2-2 schedule?

Pros:

• Children can spend time with both parents each week without being away for long.
• The schedule is easy to understand.
• It can work well with professions with unusual schedules, such as gig workers and healthcare.
• Both parents get to spend an equal amount of time with their children.
• Both parents are the active caretakers of their children.
• It works perfectly with younger children who are not of school age.

Cons:

• The upfront planning can be confusing for co-parents.
• The frequent exchange of children requires an additional time commitment from both parents.
•  It can easily become a source of conflict. A good communication plan should be in place.
• The children may feel overwhelmed with frequent switching of homes. 
• The children may have trouble planning their playdates and other activities because of the frequent changes.
• Parents must live nearby for easy exchange of children.

 

Personal Stories

1. Sophie and Ryan from Texas: Sophie, a graphic designer, and Ryan, a fitness instructor, embraced the Every 2 Days Each Parent Custody Schedule in the bustling state of Texas. Sophie emphasized the importance of creating a routine, saying, "Having a predictable schedule every two days provides a rhythm for our child. It helps them feel secure and know what to expect."
2. Ava and Ethan from New York: Ava, a theater director, and Ethan, a tech entrepreneur, successfully co-parented with the Every 2 Days Each Parent schedule in the vibrant city of New York. They found that regular communication was the key to making it work. Ethan shared, "Being in touch every day, even if briefly, keeps us on the same page and ensures a smooth transition for our child."
3. Natalie and Adrian from California: Natalie, a marine biologist, and Adrian, a journalist, navigated the Every 2 Days Each Parent schedule in the diverse state of California. They highlighted the importance of flexibility and adapting to their child's needs. Adrian said, "Flexibility is crucial. Sometimes plans change, and we've learned to be adaptable to ensure our child feels supported."
4. Mia and Oliver from Florida: Mia, a florist, and Oliver, a pilot, found success with the Every 2 Days Each Parent schedule in the sunshine state of Florida. They stressed the significance of maintaining consistency across households. Oliver advised, "Consistency in rules and expectations creates a stable environment for our child, no matter where they are."
5. Emma and Jack from Colorado: Emma, an outdoor enthusiast, and Jack, a chef, co-parented with the Every 2 Days Each Parent schedule in the scenic state of Colorado. They found that keeping a positive attitude was key. Jack shared, "Focusing on the positives and celebrating the time our child spends with each of us helps create a harmonious co-parenting dynamic."

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 2-2 custody schedule is a good variation a 50/50 joint custody schedule.  If documented properly in a parenting plan it can be a good schedule for parents with younger children.  It is also a good alternative to the, 2-2-3 schedule,  2-2-5-5 schedule, the Alternating Weeks schedule, the Extended Weekends, and the 3-4-4-3 schedule.  You can also consider  2 Weeks Each Custody Schedule.

 

Fact Check and Resources

In crafting this post, we conducted thorough fact-checking and research, consulting the following sources:

1. AAML New Jersey Chapter
2. Planning for Parenting Time - Supreme Court of Ohio
3. Oregon Judicial Department
4. Office of the Attorney General Texas
5. Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court

 

Other Custody Schedules

 

Typical 50/50 Custody Schedules

• Alternating Weeks - 50%
• Extended Weekends - 50%
• 2-2-3 Custody - 50%
• 2-2-5-5 Custody - 50%
• 2 Weeks Each - 50%
• Alternating 2 Days - 50%
• 3-4-4-3 Days - 50%

 

Popular Summer Custody Schedules

• Full time entire summer, alternate weekends and one overnight per week during fall, spring and winter - 39%
• Entire summer, alternate weekends, and one evening per week - 30%
• Every other weekend, one overnight per week, one month during the summer, and half the holidays - 29%
• Every other weekend, one evening/week, four summer weeks and half the holidays - 28%
• Every other weekend, one month during summer and half of the holidays - 23%
• First, third and fith extended weekend  - 24
• Every other weekend and half the holidays and summer - 22%
• Every other weekend, four weeks of summer and half the holidays - 21%
• Every other weekend, two weeks during the summer and half the holidays - 19%
• Every other weekend and two weeks during the summer - 18%
• 2 Weeks only during the summer break - 4%

 

Popular Weekend Parenting Arrangements

• Every other extended weekend and one overnight per week - 36%
• Every other extended weekend and one evening per week - 28%
• Every other weekend, half of the school vacation, one evening/week when school in session - 28%
• Every other weekend and one overnight per week - 28%
• Every other weekend  and one evening per week - 21%
• First and third extended weekend of every month - 21%
• Every other extended weekend - 21%
• Two extended weekends per month - 20%
• One overnight and one extended weekend per week - 19%
• First, third and fifth weekend - 15%
• Ever Other Weekend - 14%
• One weekend per month and one evening per week - 14%
• Two weekends per month - 13%
• One extended weekend per month - 10% (Aka 90/10 schedule)
• One weekend per month - 7%

Warning:  This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.