Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

• 50-50 Custody Schedule
• 55-45 Custody Schedule
• 60-40 Custody Schedule
• 65-35 Custody Schedule
• 70-30 Custody Schedule
• 75-25 Cusotdy Schedule
• 80-20 Custody Schedule
• 90-10 Custody Schedule
• Non-Custodial Parent Holiday Visitation Schedule
• Co-parenting Holiday Schedule

 

Common Types of 60/40 Custody Schedules

While the 60/40 custody schedule provides a general framework for dividing time between parents, specific arrangements can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Here are some common types:

 

1. 4-3 Schedule:

• 4-3 custody schedule is the most popular 60/40 schedule, where one parent has the child for four days (Monday to Thursday) and the other for three days (Friday to Sunday).
• This option provides longer stretches of time with each parent, offering stability and routine.
• It can be challenging for families with young children who require more frequent transitions or parents with demanding work schedules.

2. 8-6 Schedule:

• This arrangement involves one parent having the child for 8 days and the other parent for 6 days.
• It offers extended periods of focused attention and minimizes transitions, which can benefit older children and those involved in extracurricular activities.

3. Modified Schedule:

• This is a modified version of the 4-3 schedule.
• Modifications could include alternating weeks of 4-3 schedules or incorporating additional weekend days with one parent.
• This flexibility allows for customization based on factors like school schedules, extracurricular activities, and parental work schedules.

4. Rotating Schedules:

• This arrangement involves changing the 60/40 schedule at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly.
• This can provide variety and prevent children from feeling stuck in a routine.
• Rotating schedules require strong communication and coordination between parents to ensure smooth transitions and avoid conflicts.

5. Hybrid Schedules:

• This approach combines elements of different schedules to create a unique arrangement that best suits the family.
• For example, parents might use a 4-3 schedule during the school week and switch to a week-on/week-off schedule for school breaks.
• This flexibility allows parents to cater to their individual needs and circumstances while ensuring the child's well-being remains the top priority.

6. Extended Weekend Schedule

• The extended weekend custody arrangement is a modified version of the 4-3 schedule where instead of full 3 days, the second parent take the custody of the child on Friday afteroon and hand them back to the first parent on Monday afternoon after 72 hours.
• This flexibility allows for customization based on factors like school schedules, extracurricular activities, and parental work schedules.

7. Alternating weekends with midweek visits

• One parent has the child every other weekend (Friday to Sunday), while the other parent has one midweek overnight visit (e.g., Tuesday or Wednesday) and the other weekend.
• It offers significant time with both parents. It provides stability and routine with longer stretches at each parent's home. Allows both parents to maintain active roles in the child's daily life.
• It reduces transitions. Minimizes frequent transitions during the school week.
• The midweek visit can be adjusted to different days or extended to multiple nights. Holidays and special occasions can be split or celebrated together. The schedule can be adapted to accommodate changing circumstances and needs.

8. A Full Summer, Alternate Weekends, and Weekly Overnights Schedule

• Unique Custody Approach: The schedule combines full-time custody during the summer, alternate weekends, and weekly overnights, presenting a distinctive co-parenting strategy aimed at providing ample parenting time and stability.
• Benefits of Full Summer Custody: Spending the entire summer with one parent allows for uninterrupted quality time and bonding, fostering the child's emotional connection and creating cherished memories.
• Structured Weekends for Stability: The inclusion of predictable weekend arrangements offers stability and routine for the child, reducing anxiety associated with frequent transitions and providing dedicated time for quality activities.
• Regular Weekday Contact: The schedule introduces weekly overnights, ensuring continuous interaction with the non-custodial parent throughout the week. This helps maintain a strong emotional connection and familiarity with both environments.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The schedule's adaptability allows for adjustments based on specific needs, holidays, school events, or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring sustainability and a sense of balance over time.

 

It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and the possibilities for customized 60/40 schedules are vast. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on the unique circumstances of each family and their ability to communicate effectively and prioritize the child's well-being.

 

Pros and Cons of 60/40 Custody Schedule

Benefits of the 60/40 Custody Schedule for Children: Stability, Routine, and Time with Both Parents

For children navigating the often-challenging transition of parental separation or divorce, the 60/40 custody schedule offers a unique set of benefits:

 

1. Stability and Routine:

• Reduced disruptions: Spending significant time with each parent minimizes the need for frequent transitions between homes, reducing stress and anxiety for children.
• Predictable schedule: Knowing the schedule in advance allows children to develop a sense of security and consistency, contributing to their emotional well-being.
• Maintenance of routines: Children can continue their established routines, including school activities, extracurricular pursuits, and sleep schedules, fostering a sense of normalcy and stability.

2. Significant Time with Both Parents:

• Stronger bonds: Spending consistent time with both parents allows children to develop deep emotional connections and build strong relationships.
• Positive role models: Children benefit from observing healthy co-parenting practices, learning valuable skills like communication, compromise, and conflict resolution.
• Diverse perspectives: Exposure to both parents' values, beliefs, and traditions enriches children's understanding of the world and their place within it.

3. Reduced Anxiety and Improved Self-Esteem:

• Feeling loved and supported: Spending quality time with both parents reassures children that they are loved and cared for by both parents, boosting self-esteem.
• Positive coping mechanisms: Observing healthy communication and conflict resolution between parents equips children with tools for managing difficult emotions and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Reduced feelings of abandonment: Knowing that both parents are actively involved in their lives reduces anxiety about abandonment and helps children feel secure.

4. Increased Sense of Belonging:

• Dual family identities: Children who spend significant time with both parents can develop a strong sense of belonging within each family unit.
• Healthy relationships with extended family: Maintaining consistent contact with both sides of the family strengthens children's connections with extended family members.
• Greater sense of self: Experiencing diverse perspectives and environments allows children to develop a more well-rounded understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

5. Potential for Individualized Attention:

• Meeting individual needs: With each parent having dedicated time with the child, they can address individual needs and provide personalized attention to their child's academic, emotional, and social development.
• Flexibility for parents: The schedule allows parents to have their own time for personal pursuits and work commitments without compromising time spent with their child.
• Reduced stress for parents: Having dedicated time for individual responsibilities can help parents manage stress and burnout, leading to better overall well-being, ultimately benefiting the child.

 

It's important to remember that every child and family is unique, and the 60/40 schedule may not be suitable for everyone. However, for families seeking a stable, predictable arrangement that allows for significant time with both parents, the 60/40 schedule offers a potential solution that can benefit children in many positive ways.

 

Drawbacks of the 60/40 Custody Schedule

 While the 60/40 custody schedule can offer several benefits for children and families, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks before implementing this arrangement:

 

1. Logistical Challenges:

• Coordinating schedules for two households, especially with school activities, extracurricular commitments, and work schedules, can be complex and require strong communication and organization skills.
• Managing two sets of belongings, furniture, and routines across different residences can be time-consuming and financially burdensome.
• Frequent transitions between homes, though less frequent than in some custody arrangements, can still be disruptive for some children, particularly younger ones.

2. Emotional Strain:

• Maintaining two separate households and adapting to different environments can be emotionally challenging for both children and parents.
• Triggering past conflicts or difficulties during transitions and interactions can create emotional strain and stress.
• Navigating holidays, celebrations, and special occasions across two households requires compromise and flexibility, which can be emotionally taxing.

3. Communication and Conflict Resolution:

• Effective communication and collaboration between parents are crucial for the success of the 60/40 arrangement.
• Disagreements on parenting styles, discipline methods, and decision-making can lead to conflict and tension, negatively impacting the child's well-being.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills are necessary to address challenges effectively and maintain a positive co-parenting relationship.

4. Financial Considerations:

• Maintaining two separate households can significantly increase expenses, including housing, utilities, groceries, and other family needs.
• Child support arrangements need to be adjusted and carefully considered to ensure fairness and financial stability for both parents.
• Unexpected financial burdens such as medical bills or repairs could pose challenges for parents managing two separate households.

5. Not Suitable for All Families:

• The 60/40 schedule may not be suitable for families with significant geographical distance between parents' homes, making transitions more challenging.
• Personalities and communication styles of parents play a crucial role in the success of this arrangement. If communication is strained or conflict-ridden, the 60/40 schedule may exacerbate existing tensions.
• The child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs should be carefully considered when determining if the 60/40 schedule is appropriate.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a 60/40 Custody Schedule:

1. Child's Age and Needs:

• Young children: Frequent transitions between homes can be disruptive for young children who thrive on routine and stability. Shorter stretches with each parent, such as the 4-3 schedule, might be more suitable.
• Older children: Older children may appreciate longer periods with each parent, allowing them to focus on schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. A week-on/week-off schedule or a modified version could be beneficial.
• Individual needs: Consider the child's personality, temperament, and individual needs. Some children may adapt well to frequent changes, while others may require more stability and predictability.

2. Parents' Work Schedules and Availability:

• Work demands: Parents' work schedules and availability play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of different schedules. Rigid work schedules might limit options, while flexible work arrangements can offer more flexibility.
• Travel commitments: Frequent work-related travel for one parent could necessitate adjusting the schedule to ensure the child receives consistent care and attention.
• Childcare needs: If additional childcare is required, its availability and cost should be factored into the decision-making process.

3. Distance Between Parents' Homes:

• Geographical proximity: Close proximity allows for easier transitions and reduces travel time, making schedules with shorter intervals more manageable.
• Long distances: Significant distances between homes might require longer stretches with each parent to minimize travel disruptions and associated costs.
• Transportation logistics: Consider the availability of reliable transportation and the impact of travel time on the child and parents.
• Birdnesting:  If co-parents are birdnesting then a 60/40 schedule provides both the flexibility as well lower cost of implementation.

4. Communication and Co-parenting Relationship:

• Open communication: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for the success of any custody arrangement, especially the 60/40 schedule.
• Conflict resolution skills: The ability to address disagreements constructively and prioritize the child's well-being is crucial for maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.
• Mutual respect and trust: Parents must be able to trust each other and respect each other's parenting decisions for the schedule to function effectively.

 

Choosing the right 60/40 custody schedule requires careful consideration of these factors and a collaborative approach from both parents. Prioritizing the child's well-being and ensuring their needs are met should be the ultimate goal in determining the most suitable arrangement.

 

Implementing and Making the 60/40 Custody Schedule Work:

1. Creating a Formal Agreement:

• Written documentation: A formal agreement outlining the 60/40 schedule details, including specific dates, times, responsibilities, holiday arrangements, and communication procedures, is crucial.
• Clear expectations: This document helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts by establishing clear expectations for both parents regarding their roles and responsibilities.
• Legal implications: Depending on local laws, a formal agreement may be necessary to receive legal recognition and enforcement of the custody arrangement.

2. Communication Tools and Strategies:

• Co-parenting apps: Utilize technology to facilitate communication and manage schedules. Apps like Cent offer features for calendar sharing, messaging, and expense tracking.
• Shared calendars: Maintaining a shared calendar accessible to both parents ensures everyone stays informed about upcoming transitions, activities, and important dates.
• Consistent communication channels: Agree upon preferred communication methods like email, text, or phone calls to maintain regular and open communication.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Unforeseen circumstances: Be prepared to adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate unforeseen circumstances like illness, school events, or changes in work schedules.
• Open communication: Discuss and agree upon a process for making adjustments to the schedule, ensuring both parents are involved in the decision-making process.
• Focus on the child's well-being: prioritize the child's needs and well-being when making adjustments to the schedule.

4. Seeking Professional Guidance:

• Mediation and therapy: If conflicts arise or challenges persist, seeking support from a therapist or mediator can be beneficial.
• Neutral third party: These professionals can facilitate constructive communication, guide conflict resolution, and help parents reach mutually agreeable decisions.
• Additional resources: Organizations like the National Stepfamily Resource Center or the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offer resources and support for families navigating co-parenting.

 

By implementing these strategies and prioritizing clear communication, flexibility, and the child's well-being, families can create a successful 60/40 custody arrangement that fosters stability, routine, and positive relationships for everyone involved.

 

60/40 vs 50/50 Custody Schedules: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	60/40 Custody Schedule	50/50 Custody Schedule
Time with each parent	60% with one parent, 40% with the other	50% with each parent
Benefits:	- More stability and routine for children	- Equal time with both parents
	- Reduced need for frequent transitions	- Reduced risk of feeling neglected
	- Potential for individual attention	- Neutral parenting environment
	- More time for one parent to focus on work or personal needs	- Flexibility for parents to accommodate work schedules
Challenges:	- Logistical complexities in managing two households	- Frequent transitions can be disruptive for children
	- Potential for emotional strain with frequent transitions	- Increased potential for conflict between parents
	- Requires effective communication and collaboration between parents	- Coordinating schedules can be complex
	- Can be financially demanding to maintain two separate households	- Requires strong co-parenting skills and conflict resolution strategies
Best suited for:	- Children who benefit from stability and routine	- Parents who can effectively communicate and collaborate
	- Parents with demanding work schedules or different parenting styles	- Children who thrive on equal time with both parents
	- Families with a large geographic distance between parents' homes	- Parents who want a more neutral parenting environment

 

Conclusion

The 60/40 custody schedule offers several benefits for children and families, including significant time with both parents, increased stability and routine, and reduced anxiety and improved self-esteem for children. However, it's important to consider potential drawbacks such as logistical challenges, emotional strain, and the importance of clear communication and collaboration between parents.

 

For families seeking a balanced and child-centered arrangement, the 60/40 schedule can be a valuable option. Prioritizing open communication, effective conflict resolution, and flexibility can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling co-parenting relationship. Ultimately, the 60/40 schedule has the potential to create a stable and nurturing environment where children thrive and parents can maintain positive relationships with their 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

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.