Michael J. Peterson, Attorney Having a conflict with your co-parent or partner? - Start Neutral Mediation

• 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
• Long Distance Custody Schedule
• Out-of-State Visitation Schedule
• Custody Schedule for Infants
• Newborn Custody Schedule

 

Every 3rd Day: Demystifying the Calendar Structure

Imagine a calendar where your child's world unfolds in three-day cycles. One parent takes the helm for two days, then hands the baton to the other for one. This is the rhythm of the every 3rd day custody schedule, a unique dance between frequent contact and constant change.

 

The Calendar Shuffle

Mark Sundays as your starting point. The primary caregiver parent kicks off the cycle with two days of custody that is full of snuggles and diaper changes. Come Tuesday, the secondary caretaker parent steps in, claiming the custody for a day before the cycle resets on Sunday. This  schedule repeats, week after week, ensuring your child sees both parents regularly.

 

The Time Division Equation

This schedule naturally leans towards one parent having more time. With two-day blocks, one parent ends up with approximately 70% of the parenting time, while the other gets 30%. Even though one can easily argue that it is a 65/35 schedule. Nevertheless, it's a significant difference, and something to consider carefully when evaluating this option.

Remember:

• This is just the basic framework. You can customize the start day, exchange times, and even incorporate 3rd-party time (like grandparents or childcare) to tweak the percentages and find your perfect balance.
• Tools like parenting time calculator can be your allies in navigating the numbers and ensuring each parent gets their fair share of precious moments.

 

Customization Tips

The every 3rd day schedule may initially seem like a structured routine, but it's more akin to a versatile framework, ready to be tailored to your family's distinctive rhythm. You are not bound to Mondays as the starting point. Instead, you can choose any day that seamlessly aligns with your weekly routine. You can also modify handover times from mornings to mid-day or afternoons depending on your schedule.  In most cases,  you will not need a court approval or engage an attorney.

 

If you would like provide grandparents some quality time with your little one, you can add 3rd-party slots into the cycle, striking a balance in time distribution and allowing both parents some well-deserved "me time."  However, these additions may alter the percentages. You can use the parenting time calculator, to see how it impacts you.

 

Tips for a Successful Implementation of Every 3rd Day Custody Schedule

1. Clear Communication and Cooperation: Stress the vital role of open and transparent communication between parents. Encourage them to cooperate on scheduling, exchanges, and decision-making to ensure a smooth transition for the child.
2. Practical Exchange Management: Provide practical suggestions for managing handovers, emphasizing flexibility in timing to accommodate both parents' schedules. Encourage the use of a shared calendar or communication platform to coordinate exchanges efficiently.
3. Routine Management: Offer guidance on establishing consistent routines for the child in both households. Consistency in daily activities, such as mealtimes and bedtime, contributes to the child's sense of stability and comfort.
4. Effective Communication Strategies: Recommend effective communication strategies, such as regular check-ins or a shared journal, to keep each parent informed about the child's activities, achievements, and any concerns. This fosters a collaborative co-parenting environment.
5. Prioritizing Child's Well-being: Remind parents to prioritize the child's well-being during the adjustment period. Encourage them to be attentive to the child's emotional needs, providing reassurance and support as they adapt to the new custody schedule.
6. Flexibility in Scheduling: Emphasize the importance of flexibility in scheduling to accommodate unexpected changes or special occasions. Encourage parents to discuss and plan for adjustments when needed, ensuring the child's best interests are always at the forefront.
7. Consistent Parental Involvement: Highlight the significance of both parents remaining actively involved in the child's life. Encourage shared decision-making on important aspects of the child's upbringing, reinforcing the idea that both parents play crucial roles in the child's development.
8. Positive Reinforcement: Offer positive reinforcement for cooperative behavior and successful implementation of the schedule. Acknowledge the efforts made by both parents to create a supportive and nurturing environment for the child.

 

Pros and Cons of Every 3rd Day Custody & Visitation Schedule

Pros

1. Frequent Contact: The schedule ensures the child has regular contact with both parents.
2. Daily Caregiving Opportunities: It provides daily caregiving opportunities for bonding between the child and each parent.
3. Weekday and Weekend Time: Both parents get dedicated time during weekdays and weekends, fostering a well-rounded involvement.
4. High Parental Involvement: The schedule promotes high levels of parental involvement in the child's life.

Cons

1. Frequent Exchanges: The schedule involves frequent and potentially challenging exchanges between parents.
2. Adjustment Difficulties: The child may experience difficulties adjusting to the frequent transitions between households.
3. Increased Communication Demands: There is an increased demand for communication, especially concerning school and extracurricular activities.
4. Geographical Proximity Requirements: The schedule may require parents to live in close proximity to each other and the child's school.
5. Potential for Conflict: Unequal time division may lead to potential conflicts between parents.

 

Examining both the advantages and disadvantages helps in understanding the complexities and nuances associated with implementing an every 3rd day custody and visitation schedule.

 

Every 3rd Day Custody Schedule vs. 2-2-3 Custody Schedule: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Both the every 3rd day and 2-2-3 custody schedules are popular options for co-parenting, but each offers unique advantages and disadvantages. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which might be a better fit for your family:

Feature	Every 3rd Day	2-2-3
Time with each parent	70% with one parent, 30% with the other (Some may argue it is 65% abd 35%)	50% with each parent
Frequency of exchanges	3 exchanges per week	2 exchanges per week
Longest separation	2 days	3 days
Customization	Flexible start day, exchange times	Flexible start day
Benefits	Frequent contact with both parents; minimizes long separations; good for newborns who need regular feeding	Longer stays with each parent; less frequent exchanges; more predictable routine
Challenges	Frequent exchanges can be disruptive; one parent has significantly more time; requires strong communication and coordination	Longer separations might be difficult for younger children; requires good communication and planning for exchanges
Suitability	Good for newborns and infants who need frequent feedings; families who can handle frequent transitions and prefer shorter stays	Good for older children who benefit from longer stays; families who prefer less frequent exchanges and a more predictable routine

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the every 3rd day custody schedule offers a distinctive and flexible approach, particularly suitable for parents with infants seeking frequent contact and a high level of involvement from both parties. While it provides a balanced rhythm of care, allowing the child to experience the love and attention of each parent regularly, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The frequent exchanges and potential communication hurdles demand careful consideration. This schedule proves to be an ideal choice during the early stages of a child's life, fostering a consistent presence from both parents. It offers a canvas for customization, allowing families to tailor it to their unique dynamics, ensuring that the child's well-being remains at the forefront. As families navigate this co-parenting adventure, the key lies in open communication, practical management of exchanges, and a shared commitment to prioritize the child's needs for stability and love.

 

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.