Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

The Schedule Explained

Under this arrangement, one parent has primary custody (90% of the time), while the other parent has visitation for one extended weekend per month and potentially additional weekday visits. This structure provides stability and routine for the child while ensuring meaningful connection with both parents.

 

Benefits for the Child

• Stable Home Environment: The 90% primary custody allows the child to establish a consistent routine and sense of belonging in one home.
• Focused Quality Time: The extended weekend visits offer uninterrupted time for meaningful experiences and deeper connections with the non-custodial parent.
• Reduced Transitions: Fewer handoffs between parents can minimize stress and anxiety associated with frequent changes in environment.
• Predictability and Routine: The consistent schedule provides the child with a sense of security and predictability, fostering a sense of well-being.

 

Benefits for the Parents

• Dedicated Time for Personal Pursuits: The 90% primary custody allows the custodial parent significant time for work, self-care, and personal development.
• Meaningful Connection with Child: The extended weekend visits offer the non-custodial parent focused time to build strong bonds and engage in enriching activities.
• Reduced Conflict and Stress: The predictable schedule and clear division of time can minimize potential disagreements and conflicts.
• Flexibility and Individual Growth: The non-custodial parent may have greater flexibility for personal pursuits and individual growth during non-visitation periods.

 

Potential Challenges

• Logistical Coordination: Coordinating transportation, activities, and communication between households requires effective collaboration.
• Financial Considerations: Adjustments to child support and other financial arrangements may be necessary.
• Holidays and Special Occasions: Planning for holidays and special occasions requires careful negotiation and compromise.
• Child's Adjustment: Some children may require time to adjust to the extended time spent away from one parent.

 

Making the Schedule Work

Here are some tips for successful implementation:

• Open and Honest Communication: Maintain regular communication with your co-parent to discuss concerns, address adjustments, and make informed decisions together.
• Clear Expectations and Rules: Establish consistent rules and expectations across both households to provide the child with stability and predictability.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to adjusting the schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected events and changing needs.
• Utilize Tools and Resources: Leverage co-parenting apps, shared calendars, and online resources to manage logistics and communication effectively.
• Child-Focused Communication: Encourage open communication with your child and address any anxieties or concerns they may have about the schedule.

 

A Potential Fit?

This schedule may be ideal for families who:

• Value stability and routine for their children.
• Appreciate extended periods of solo parenting time.
• Prioritize focused quality time with the non-custodial parent.
• Can effectively communicate and coordinate logistics.

 

Carefully consider the benefits and challenges of this schedule, and openly discuss it with your co-parent. Remember, successful implementation requires clear communication, flexibility, and a commitment to working together for the well-being of your child.

 

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.