Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Example of an Extended Weekends Custody Schedule

The image above represents a month of the extended weekends custody schedule for co-parents Kevin and Peggy. In this example, children stay with Peggy from 4pm to 8am every weekday. Then they are with Kevin from 4pm Friday to 8am on Monday.  Children attend school from 8am to 4pm.  If it is a school holiday during the week, the children will stay with Peggy.

 

If Kevin and Peggy agree, they can arrange for an overnight stay of children with the Kevin during the week.

 

This Extended Weekends Custody Schedule 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 Extended Weekends custody schedule. For example, if the co-parents want the week to start on Tuesday, not Monday, then the new schedule will start from Tuesday thru Monday instead of Monday thru Sunday in the example above.  The start day can also be modified based on the local customs or religious practices. 

 

Can you change the pickup and drop-off time?

With mutual consent, co-parents can alter the pickup and drop-off time.  They can also alter the pickup and drop-off time based on the school schedule.

 

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 Extended Weekends schedule?

Pros:

• Children can spend time with both parents each week.
• The schedule is easy to understand.
• It can work well with professions where a parent might have to travel out of town every week.  For example, a consultant or sales representative. 
• Both parents get to spend an equal amount of time with their children.
• Both parents are the active caretakers of their children.
• It works well 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 during the 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. 
• One of the parents may not know what is going on with children's education.
• One of the parents cannot perform any weekend activities with their children.
• The parent with weekend custody may not be able to have a social life with their friends.

 

Personal Stories and Experiences

1. Mia and Ethan from Colorado: Mia, a wildlife biologist, and Ethan, a graphic designer, successfully embraced the Extended Weekends schedule for co-parenting in Colorado. Despite their demanding careers, they prioritized quality time with their child during the extended weekends. Mia shared, "Find common ground in your child's interests and build your weekends around them. It strengthens the bond and makes the schedule enjoyable for everyone."
2. Nia and Marcus from Florida: Nia, a marine biologist, and Marcus, a fitness trainer, navigated co-parenting with the Extended Weekends schedule in Florida. Juggling busy lives, they emphasized the importance of clear communication and flexibility. Marcus advised, "Be open to adjusting plans when needed. It's about creating a positive environment for your child, and that requires collaboration."
3. Leila and Omar from New York: Leila, a journalist, and Omar, a musician, found success with the Extended Weekends schedule in New York. They emphasized the value of consistency in routines and setting clear expectations. Leila shared, "Having a routine helps our child feel secure, and it allows us to plan enjoyable activities that align with our schedules."
4. Jasmine and Rafael from Texas: Jasmine, an event planner, and Rafael, a software developer, co-parented with the Extended Weekends schedule in Texas. They shared insights on maintaining a balance between structured activities and spontaneous moments. Rafael noted, "While routines are essential, leaving room for unplanned fun adds a sense of adventure to the weekends, creating lasting memories."
5. Ava and Diego from California: Ava, a travel blogger, and Diego, a teacher, successfully implemented the Extended Weekends schedule for co-parenting in California. They stressed the significance of being present during the limited time together. Ava encouraged, "Make the most of every moment. Whether it's a simple family dinner or a day at the park, these weekends are precious opportunities to connect with your child."

Conclusion

In conclusion, an Extended Weekends 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 Alternating Weeks schedule.  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.