Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Overview 

The custody arrangement known as the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" schedule introduces a distinctive co-parenting approach, dividing time between parents in a structured yet adaptable manner. This schedule typically encompasses the following components:

• Extended Weekends: One parent assumes sole custody of the child for an extended period, typically from Friday afternoon after school until Monday morning at the commencement of the school week. This prolonged timeframe allows for dedicated quality time, fostering robust connections, and establishing a sense of stability and routine for the child.
• One Evening Visit: The non-custodial parent spends one evening per week with the child, often occurring on a weekday evening. This regular visit ensures a consistent connection and provides opportunities for shared experiences, complementing the extended weekend stays.

 

Example of the Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week Custody Schedule

Extended Weekends:

• Week 1 (Friday to Monday): Parent A has sole custody of the child from Friday afternoon after school until Monday morning when school begins. This extended weekend allows for quality time, shared activities, and a sense of routine.
• Week 2 (No custody): The child returns to the other parent, Parent B, for the school week, spending time with them from Monday to Friday.
• Week 3 (Friday to Monday): Parent B has sole custody of the child for the extended weekend, repeating the pattern from the first week.

One Evening Visit:

• Every Wednesday Evening: Regardless of which parent has custody for the extended weekend, the non-custodial parent gets an additional evening visit every Wednesday. This mid-week visitation provides a consistent connection and opportunities for shared experiences during the weekdays.

This schedule continues to alternate in subsequent weeks, providing a balance of extended, uninterrupted time with each parent and regular, ongoing contact through weekly evening visits. It aims to offer stability, routine, and meaningful parent-child interactions.

 

Benefits for the Child

• Stability and Routine: The "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule is designed to provide children with a crucial sense of stability and routine. With a consistent and predictable arrangement, children can anticipate when they will spend extended periods with each parent and when they will have regular evening visits. This predictability fosters a comforting routine that is essential for the emotional well-being and development of children.
• Stronger Bonds with Each Parent: This custody schedule offers extended periods during weekends for children to bond deeply with each parent. The uninterrupted time allows for meaningful shared experiences, fostering stronger emotional connections. The quality time spent during the extended weekends contributes to a sense of security and belonging, enhancing the overall parent-child relationship.
• Exposure to Different Activities and Routines: One notable advantage of this custody schedule is that it exposes children to diverse activities and routines across the households of each parent. During the extended weekends, children engage in specific activities, rituals, and environments unique to each parent's home. This exposure broadens their perspectives, enhances adaptability, and enriches their experiences, contributing to a more well-rounded and resilient upbringing.

 

Benefits for the Parents

• Larger Blocks of Free Time: One significant advantage for parents under the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule is the provision of larger blocks of free time. With extended custody periods, parents can enjoy uninterrupted stretches where they can focus on work, pursue personal hobbies, or engage in other individual pursuits. This extended time frame provides parents with the flexibility to strike a better balance between their parental responsibilities and personal needs.
• Reduced Stress and Conflict: The predictability embedded in this custody schedule contributes to a reduction in stress and potential conflicts between parents. By having a set routine and clear expectations, the likelihood of disagreements regarding custody arrangements diminishes. This reduction in stress and conflict fosters a more positive co-parenting environment, creating a space where both parents can collaborate more harmoniously for the well-being of their child.
• Opportunity for Self-Care: Extended custody periods offer parents valuable opportunities for self-care. During these longer stretches of free time, parents can prioritize their own well-being, ensuring they are replenished and better equipped to care for their children. Whether it's engaging in activities that bring personal fulfillment, enjoying moments of relaxation, or pursuing self-improvement, these moments contribute to the overall resilience and happiness of the parents.

 

Potential Challenges

• Adjusting to Different Homes and Routines: One notable challenge faced by children under the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule is the adjustment to different homes and routines. Moving between households can be particularly challenging for young children, requiring an adaptation period. The varying environments, rules, and expectations in each home may initially cause discomfort or confusion for the child as they navigate these transitions.
• Missing the Other Parent: Another potential challenge is the emotional impact on children who may miss the non-custodial parent during extended periods away. Particularly for younger children, spending longer stretches of time without one parent can evoke feelings of sadness and longing. Addressing these emotions and finding ways to maintain a connection during these separations becomes crucial for the child's emotional well-being.
• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating logistics across two households presents its own set of challenges. From transportation arrangements to managing activities and schedules, parents must navigate the complexities of ensuring a smooth transition for the child. This includes coordinating school commitments, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities, requiring careful planning and collaboration between both parents to avoid disruptions and conflicts.

 

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential elements for the success of the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule. Here are key aspects to consider:

 

• Importance of Open and Consistent Communication: Maintaining open and consistent communication between parents is paramount. Both parents should actively engage in discussions about the child's well-being, needs, and any potential schedule changes. This ensures that everyone stays informed and aligned, promoting a positive co-parenting environment.
• Strategies for Discussing Child's Needs and Schedule Changes: Implementing effective strategies for discussing the child's needs and any necessary schedule changes is crucial. Regular discussions should focus on the child's development, challenges, and preferences. When addressing changes, parents should approach these conversations with sensitivity and a willingness to find mutually agreeable solutions.
• Tools and Resources for Facilitating Communication: Utilizing tools and resources that facilitate communication can significantly enhance collaboration. Co-parenting apps, shared calendars, and regular phone or video calls are valuable tools to keep both parents in the loop. These resources provide a centralized platform for discussing important matters and help minimize misunderstandings.

 

By prioritizing open communication, employing effective strategies for discussions, and utilizing available tools, parents can establish a cooperative co-parenting dynamic that benefits the child's well-being and overall success of the custody schedule.

 

Making the Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week Schedule Work: Essential Tips

Successfully managing the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule involves thoughtful strategies. Here are key tips to make the schedule work effectively:

 

• Tips for Managing Longer Periods of Parenthood: Extended custody periods can be demanding, requiring significant energy and focus from the responsible parent. To manage this, consider implementing effective time-management strategies, ensuring that both parenting and personal commitments are met. Prioritize self-care during these longer stretches to maintain well-being.
• Maintaining Consistency in Rules and Routines: Ensuring consistency in rules, discipline practices, and routines across both households is essential for the child's stability. Coordinating with the other parent to establish shared guidelines and expectations helps create a seamless experience for the child. Open communication is key to addressing any discrepancies and maintaining a cohesive parenting approach.
• Strategies for Addressing Co-parenting Difficulties and Conflicts: Despite the benefits of the schedule, co-parenting difficulties may arise. Strategies for addressing conflicts include maintaining open communication, seeking professional mediation if necessary, and fostering a collaborative mindset. Establishing clear expectations and a commitment to compromise can help navigate challenges effectively.

 

By implementing these tips, parents can enhance their ability to manage longer parenting periods, maintain consistency for the child, and address co-parenting difficulties with a proactive and collaborative approach.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week" custody schedule provides a distinctive framework for co-parenting, offering a balance between extended quality time and regular visitation. As we explored the benefits for both children and parents, acknowledging the stability, stronger bonds, exposure to diverse experiences, larger blocks of free time, reduced stress, and opportunities for self-care, it's evident that this schedule can significantly contribute to positive family dynamics.

 

While we discussed potential challenges, including adjustments for children, feelings of missing a parent, and logistical complexities, proactive communication and a collaborative mindset prove crucial in overcoming these obstacles. By prioritizing open dialogue, flexibility, and strategies for effective co-parenting communication, parents can successfully navigate the intricacies of this schedule.

 

As we delve into making the schedule work with tips for managing longer parenthood periods, maintaining consistency, and addressing co-parenting difficulties, the overarching theme is a commitment to the well-being of the child. Through thoughtful strategies and a shared dedication to creating a stable, supportive environment, parents can foster positive co-parenting relationships and ensure the best interests of the child are paramount.

 

In essence, the Every Other Extended Weekend and One Evening Per Week schedule, when approached with patience, understanding, and a collaborative spirit, has the potential to contribute to fulfilling co-parenting experiences where children thrive and both parents actively participate in their upbringing.

 

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.