Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Example of a 2 Weeks Each Custody Schedule

The example above represents a month of the 2 Weeks Each custody schedule for co-parents Juan and Sofia. In this example, the children stay with Juan from 3pm on a Friday to 3pm on Friday two weeks later. Then the children spend the next two weeks with Sofia.

 

If Juan and Sofia agree, they can arrange for a midweek overnight stay of children with the non-custodial parent during the week.  If they disagree on an overnight stay, they can also arrange for a midweek visitation by the non-custodial parent.

 

This 2 Weeks Each Custody Schedule example 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 Weeks Each custody schedule. For example, if the co-parents want the week to start on Monday not Friday, they can do so.  The start day can also be modified based on the local customs or religious practices. 

 

Can you change the pickup and drop-off time?

With mutual consent, co-parents can alter the pickup and drop-off time.  They can also alter the pickup and drop-off time based on the 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 Weeks Each schedule?

Pros:

• Children can spend time with both parents.
• The schedule is easy to understand.
• It can work well with professions where both parents might have to travel out of town for a couple of weeks every month.  For example, a consultant or a traveling nurse. 
• Both parents get to spend an equal amount of time with their children.
• Both parents are the active caretakers of their children.
• It works well with children who are grown up.
• Children can easily plan their activities.
• Children do not get randomized by frequent changes.
• Children do not struggle to adjust in two houses.
• Co-parents do not have to live nearby but should be within driving distance of the children's school.
• Co-parents make fewer pickup and drop-off trips;

 

Cons:

•  Not being able to see a parent for two weeks can demoralize children.
•  The overnight stays can easily become a source of conflict.
•  A good communication plan should be in place to provide updates on children to the other parent. 
• One of the parents may not know what is going on with children's education when the second parent has the custody for two weeks.
• Parents cannot participate in other social activities when children are with them.

 

Personal Stories

1. Mia and Jackson from Arizona: Mia, a yoga instructor, and Jackson, a wildlife photographer, embraced the 2 Weeks Each Parent Custody Schedule in the vast landscapes of Arizona. Mia emphasized the importance of planning ahead, saying, "Communication is everything. We plan activities, school events, and important dates well in advance to make the transition smooth for our child."
2. Leila and Ethan from Oregon: Leila, a marine biologist, and Ethan, a software developer, successfully co-parented with the 2 Weeks Each Parent schedule in the scenic state of Oregon. They found that the extended time with each parent allowed for meaningful connections. Ethan shared, "Having two full weeks creates a rhythm. It's not just about quantity; it's about being present during that time.
3. Grace and Nolan from Louisiana: Grace, a jazz musician, and Nolan, a chef, navigated the 2 Weeks Each Parent schedule in the vibrant state of Louisiana. They highlighted the significance of flexibility and adaptability. Grace said, "Life can be unpredictable. The two-week schedule gives us the flexibility to accommodate unexpected events without disrupting our child's routine."
4. Sophie and Oliver from Montana: Sophie, an outdoor adventure guide, and Oliver, an architect, found success with the 2 Weeks Each Parent schedule in the picturesque landscapes of Montana. They stressed the importance of creating a consistent environment. Oliver advised, "Consistency is key, especially when transitioning between homes. It provides a sense of stability for our child."
5. Aria and Sebastian from Maine: Aria, an art curator, and Sebastian, a park ranger, co-parented with the 2 Weeks Each Parent schedule in the scenic state of Maine. They found that open communication and collaboration were crucial for their arrangement. Sebastian shared, "We stay connected through regular check-ins, ensuring we're on the same page about our child's well-being and activities."

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, an 2 Weeks Each custody schedule is a good variation a 50/50 joint custody schedule for grown up children.  It is also a good alternative to the 2-2-3 schedule , 2-2-5-5- schedule,  Alternating Weeks schedule, and the Extended Weekends schedule.  You can also consider,  2 Weeks Each Custody Schedule, Alternating Every 2 Days Custody Schedule,  and 3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule. 

 

If documented properly in a parenting plan it can be a good schedule for parents with grown up children.

 

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.