Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Understanding the Every Other Weekend Schedule

The "Every Other Weekend" custody schedule typically involves one parent having custody of the child on alternate weekends. This structure aims to provide a balance between both parents' involvement while maintaining a predictable routine for the child.

 

Example of Every Other Weekend Custody Schedule

Week 1:

Day	Parent A	Parent B
Monday	N/A	School
Tuesday	N/A	School
Wednesday	N/A	School
Thursday	N/A	School
Friday	N/A	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	Pick up	N/A
Saturday	Weekend	Overnight
Sunday	Weekend	Extended Weekend

 

Week 3:

Day	Parent A	Parent B
Monday	N/A	School
Tuesday	N/A	School
Wednesday	N/A	School
Thursday	N/A	School
Friday	N/A	Pick up
Saturday	Weekend	Overnight
Sunday	Weekend	Extended Weekend

 

Week 4:

Day	Parent A	Parent B
Monday	School	N/A
Tuesday	School	N/A
Wednesday	School	N/A
Thursday	School	N/A
Friday	Pick up	N/A
Saturday	Weekend	Overnight
Sunday	Weekend	Extended Weekend

 

How to read it

• School: Child attends school.
• Weekend: Child spends the weekend (Friday night to Sunday night) with the designated parent.
• Overnight: Child spends the night (Saturday 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 Children

While this schedule may seem limited, it offers unique advantages for children. The routine provides stability and predictability, reducing stress and anxiety. It also allows for extended periods of quality time with each parent, fostering deeper bonds and meaningful interactions.

 

Challenges and How to Address Them

Managing longer gaps between visits and potential adjustment issues are common challenges. We'll discuss proactive strategies for open communication, maintaining connection through technology, and creating a supportive environment for the child's adjustment.

 

Logistical Considerations

Coordinating schedules, transportation, and extracurricular activities can be complex. Practical tips on effective communication, shared calendars, and collaboration will be explored to streamline logistical aspects and ensure a smooth experience.

 

Personal Stories and Experiences

Real-life stories from parents successfully navigating the Every Other Weekend schedule will be shared. These anecdotes offer valuable insights, advice, and encouragement for other families facing similar situations.

 

Making it Work

Strategies for effective communication, maintaining consistency across households, and addressing potential challenges will be highlighted. Additionally, we'll discuss available tools and resources that can contribute to the success of this custody arrangement.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Every Other Weekend custody schedule presents a viable option for co-parenting, offering benefits for both parents and children. By understanding its dynamics, addressing challenges proactively, and leveraging the experiences of others, families can create a positive co-parenting environment and ensure the well-being of their children.

 

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.