Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Example of an Alternating Weeks Custody Schedule

The image above represents a month of the alternating weeks custody schedule for co-parents Julie and Mike. In this example, during first week children stay with Mike and on the second week with Julie.   On the third week, children go back to Mike and on the fourth week with Julie.

 

If parents agree, they can arrange for an overnight stay of children with the other parent.

 

This Alternating Weeks 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 Alternating Weeks custody schedule. For example, if the co-parents want the week to start on Monday, not Sunday, then the new schedule will start from Monday thru Sunday instead of Sunday thru Saturday in the example above.

 

Can you change the pickup and drop-off time?

With mutual consent, co-parents can alter the pickup and drop time.

 

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 Alternating Weeks 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 where a parent might have to travel out of town for a week.
• Both parents get to spend an equal amount of time with their children.
• Both parents are the active caretakers of their children.
• It works 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.

 

Cons:

•  Not being able to see a parent for the whole week 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. 

 

Personal Stories and Experiences with Alternating Weeks Co-Parenting

1. Aisha and Malik from Georgia: Aisha and Malik, a multicultural co-parenting duo from Georgia, found success with the Alternating Weeks schedule. Malik, working in healthcare, appreciates the extended periods with his children, allowing for quality bonding time. Aisha, a busy professional, emphasizes the importance of shared calendars and open communication to ensure a smooth transition between households. They encourage other families to embrace the routine for its stability and flexibility.
2. Javier and Maya from California: Javier and Maya, an artist and teacher in California, navigate co-parenting using the Alternating Weeks schedule. For Javier, this schedule provides an uninterrupted block of time to share his passion for art with his daughter. Maya, a dedicated educator, values the routine it offers during the school year. They advise co-parents to be adaptable and involve the child in planning activities for a more inclusive experience.
3. Nia and Jamal from New York: Nia and Jamal, a multicultural co-parenting pair from New York, found success with Alternating Weeks in creating a harmonious environment for their child. Nia, a marketing professional, highlights the reduced stress from fewer transitions. Jamal, an IT specialist, stresses the importance of clear communication and compromise. They encourage other families to focus on the positive aspects and prioritize the child's well-being.
4. Lila and Diego from Texas: Lila and Diego, a diverse co-parenting couple from Texas, have successfully utilized the Alternating Weeks schedule. Diego, a chef, values the extended time to share his culinary skills with his son. Lila, a nurse, appreciates the consistency the schedule brings to their lives. They share the importance of flexibility, especially when unexpected events arise, and encourage co-parents to celebrate the unique benefits of this arrangement
5. Amara and Raj from Illinois: Amara and Raj, a multicultural co-parenting team from Illinois, share their positive experiences with Alternating Weeks. Raj, an engineer, appreciates the reduced logistical complexity, allowing for smoother transitions. Amara, an entrepreneur, emphasizes the significance of maintaining a collaborative mindset and actively involving the child in decision-making. They inspire other families to embrace the balance and routine this schedule offers.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, an Alternating Weeks 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 and Extended Weekends Schdule.  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

To create this post we have fact checked and researched 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.