One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week Custody Schedule Explained
Michael J. Peterson, Attorney
For co-parents seeking a balance between structured routine and significant chunks of solo time, the "One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week" custody schedule offers a unique structure. This arrangement allows children to enjoy extended periods with each parent while maintaining a sense of stability and routine.
The Schedule Explained
Under this arrangement, the child typically spends one full weekend (Friday evening to Sunday evening) with one parent each month. This extended period allows for uninterrupted quality time, fostering deeper bonds and creating lasting memories. Additionally, the schedule includes one evening per week with the other parent, offering a consistent opportunity for connection and participation in daily activities.
Example of One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week Custody Schedule
Week 1:
| Day |
Parent A |
Parent B |
| Monday |
School |
N/A |
| Tuesday |
School |
N/A |
| Wednesday |
School |
N/A |
| Thursday |
School |
N/A |
| Friday |
School |
Pick up |
| Saturday |
Weekend |
Overnight |
| Sunday |
Weekend |
Extended Weekend |
Week 2:
| Day |
Parent A |
Parent B |
| Monday |
School |
N/A |
| Tuesday |
School |
N/A |
| Wednesday |
School |
N/A |
| Thursday |
School |
N/A |
| Friday |
School |
N/A |
| Saturday |
N/A |
Evening visit |
| Sunday |
N/A |
N/A |
Week 3:
| Day |
Parent A |
Parent B |
| Monday |
School |
N/A |
| Tuesday |
School |
N/A |
| Wednesday |
School |
N/A |
| Thursday |
School |
N/A |
| Friday |
School |
N/A |
| Saturday |
N/A |
Evening visit |
| Sunday |
N/A |
N/A |
Week 4:
| Day |
Parent A |
Parent B |
| Monday |
School |
N/A |
| Tuesday |
School |
N/A |
| Wednesday |
School |
N/A |
| Thursday |
School |
N/A |
| Friday |
School |
Pick up |
| Saturday |
Weekend |
Overnight |
| Sunday |
Weekend |
Extended Weekend |
How to read tables
- School: Child attends school.
- Weekend: Child spends the weekend (Friday night to Sunday night) with the designated parent.
- Evening visit: Child spends one designated evening per week with the other parent. This could be arranged for a specific time slot (e.g., 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) or left more flexible based on individual needs.
- Overnight: Child spends the night with the designated parent.
- Extended Weekend: Child spends the entire weekend (Friday night to Sunday night) with the designated parent.
- Pick up/Drop off: Parent picks up/drops off child at school or another designated location.
- N/A: Child is not with this parent on this day.
Benefits for the Child
- Longer Periods of Quality Time: Extended weekends provide focused time for shared activities, hobbies, and exploration, facilitating deeper connections with each parent.
- Stability and Predictability: The consistent weekly visit ensures regular interaction and helps maintain a sense of routine, reducing anxiety and stress.
- Balanced Exposure to Both Homes: The schedule allows the child to experience both parents' routines and values, fostering a well-rounded understanding of family dynamics.
- Reduced Transitions: Fewer switches between homes minimize disruptions and allow for better adaptation to each environment.
Benefits for the Parents
- Flexibility and Time for Personal Pursuits: Extended periods without childcare responsibilities offer greater flexibility for personal time, work commitments, and self-care.
- Focused Attention and Deeper Connections: The longer weekend visits allow for uninterrupted quality time with the child, strengthening bonds and fostering deeper emotional connections.
- Reduced Stress and Conflict: The structured schedule minimizes potential disagreements and conflicts regarding scheduling and logistics.
- Opportunity for Individual Growth and Development: Solo time allows each parent to focus on their own well-being and personal development, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Logistical Considerations
- Communication and Coordination: Collaborative communication between parents is crucial for coordinating schedules, transportation, and activities effectively.
- Financial Adjustments: This schedule may require modifications to child support payments and other financial arrangements to ensure fairness and support.
- Legal Aspects: Consulting with a family law attorney helps ensure the schedule is legally sound and documented in a formal agreement.
Making the Schedule Work
- Open and Honest Communication: Prioritize open communication with your co-parent to address concerns, discuss adjustments, and make informed decisions collaboratively.
- Consistency and Routine: Maintain consistent routines and expectations across both households to provide children with a sense of stability and predictability.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to adjusting the schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected events and evolving needs.
- Utilize Tools and Resources: Leverage co-parenting apps, shared calendars, and online tools 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.
Is It A Potential Fit?
This schedule may be ideal for co-parents who:
- Value extended periods of quality time with their children.
- Appreciate flexibility and time for personal pursuits.
- Prioritize stability and routine for their children.
- Desire to minimize transitions and potential conflicts.
Conclusion: Finding Balance with One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week
The "One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week" custody schedule offers a unique and potentially rewarding option for co-parenting families. By providing extended periods of quality time with each parent while maintaining a sense of routine, this schedule can foster strong bonds, support individual growth, and promote a balanced family dynamic.
However, it's crucial to carefully weigh the benefits and challenges before adopting this schedule. Open and honest communication with your co-parent, as well as a commitment to flexibility and adaptation, are essential for making this arrangement work effectively.
If you find this schedule resonates with your family's needs, remember to:
- Prioritize clear and open communication.
- Establish consistent routines and expectations across both households.
- Remain open to adjustments as circumstances evolve.
- Utilize tools and resources to manage logistics and communication.
- Encourage open communication with your child and address their concerns.
By embracing these key principles, you can successfully implement the "One Weekend per Month and One Evening per Week" schedule and create a thriving environment for your children.
Other Custody Schedules
Typical 50/50 Custody Schedules
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
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.
