TalkingParents. A communication platform for co-parents. Sign in Open navigation
close navigation
Parenting resources

Common Custody Schedule Examples

|

Standard custody schedule formats and options for co-parents with joint physical custody.

|
Posted on
Updated on
Hero

For newly separated or divorced parents, figuring out the best schedule for their shared parenting situations can be challenging. Parenting plans and custody schedules are as unique as the co-parents and children involved in each joint custody situation. Fortunately, many agreements follow specific custody schedules that can effectively divide parenting time. Learn how custody schedules work, which options are more common, and how you and your co-parent can customize each to fit your family's needs.

How do child custody schedules work?

Custody schedules help co-parents with joint physical custody decide how to divide their time with their kids. When creating a parenting plan after a separation or divorce, co-parents must work together to choose a schedule that best fits their family's new situation. If parents can't collaborate on ironing out the details and reaching an agreement, the courts will likely decide for them and include it in their court-ordered parenting plan.

While some parents can negotiate their custody agreement without outside involvement, factors like high-conflict dynamics, domestic violence, or harassment issues can make it difficult or impossible. In many cases, co-parents can benefit from working with a family law attorney or mediator to choose a schedule. Working with a legal professional specializing in custody issues gives parents a better chance of reaching a fair arrangement that prioritizes their children's well-being.

What should be considered when choosing a custody schedule?

While each schedule offers different perks for you and your kids, some options can be especially beneficial based on your situation. There are several factors to consider when determining your custody schedule, but you're more likely to pick a schedule based on your children's ages. Depending on that and the importance of other factors, you and your co-parent can keep those in mind and find a schedule that best fits your needs.

Other relevant aspects to consider while setting your custody schedule include:

Mother helping daughter with homework

What are the most common custody schedules?

Custody schedules can vary in structure, but most follow one of four common formats. In cases where multiple schedules can work and offer different benefits, co-parents can combine their preferred parts from two choices into a middle ground that ultimately provides a more custom fit to their family's needs. Learn about the options and custody schedule examples for 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 splits.

50/50

A 50/50 schedule works precisely how it sounds: parents share equal custody of their children. This arrangement gives kids equal, consistent time to interact with their parents. 50/50 schedules work best for co-parents if they live close enough to facilitate frequent custody exchanges and communicate efficiently. Children of different ages can benefit from a 50/50 split, and co-parents can adjust their schedules if their kids need more frequent contact with each parent.

Here are some week and day split options for co-parents with equal physical custody:

60/40

Co-parents often choose a 60/40 split when they want considerable time with their children but are prevented from following a 50/50 schedule for various reasons. The most common reason parents pick a 60/40 split is the fewer custody exchanges. While not precisely equal, this schedule ensures children have reasonable time with each parent. Co-parents who want a 50/50 split but benefit more from the logistics of a 60/40 schedule can split custody over the holidays to have equal parenting time.

The standard options for a 60/40 split can include:

70/30

A 70/30 agreement may work best if parents live far from one another or when one parent works long hours or frequently travels. The main challenge is that one parent has significantly more parenting time than the other. Children may benefit from this schedule because they spend more consistent time in one home. In either case, co-parenting agreements with a 70/30 split often allow for some virtual visitation for the parent with less physical time with the child.

Co-parents with 70/30 custody may use these schedule options:

Father brushing teeth with son

80/20

An 80/20 custody schedule is often suited for co-parents who can't feasibly follow 70/30 options or other splits due to work or life circumstances. It's most common when parents live far apart and travel long stretches for exchanges. While this split is considerably more uneven for co-parents, children who depend on a primary caretaker or struggle with switching homes may benefit more from the consistency it offers.

Schedule examples for an 80/20 custody split can include:

Are these the only acceptable custody schedules?

These parenting time splits are more commonly used, but co-parents can and often customize their schedules to best fit their family's needs. Not every plan has a custody schedule that results in these ratios. For some parents, finding a happy medium that works best for their kids looks like a 65/35 or 55/45 schedule. Others may stick to a more flexible split that allows parents less time to be with their kids during holidays and school breaks.

How TalkingParents helps with all things co-parenting

Successful shared parenting depends on significant planning and coordination, no matter what custody schedule you and your co-parent choose and follow. Once you pick the best option for your situation, tracking your everyday life and meshing it with your custody schedule can quickly get complicated. Your parenting plan is a court-enforceable document, so it's vital to follow each requirement and do what you can to work through scheduling and exchange issues.

If you want a more organized shared custody situation, a communication service like TalkingParents can help. Our features can help you manage your custody schedule, communicate with your co-parent, share details about your kids, and so much more in one tool. With everything organized and documented in a single service, you and your co-parent can streamline shared parenting and maximize your time with your kids.

Safe & easy sign-up

In a few simple steps, you can sign-up and match with your co-parent without sharing personal information with each other. Keep your co-parenting life organized and accountable.