When parents divorce, one of the major decisions they will have to make in their parenting schedules is how to split custody of their children. A 50/50 child custody schedule is one option that can work well for families with joint physical custody who are able to communicate and cooperate while co-parenting with each other.
There are a few different ways that a 50/50 custody schedule can be set up. The most important thing is to make sure that the schedule works for both parents and gives the children equal time with each parent.
Week On and Week Off
One option is to have the children use an alternating weeks custody schedule between homes. This is usually done so that each parent has the children every other week and is known as week on and week off.
However, week on and week off custody can be better for older kids who can handle longer periods of time away from their other parent. It can be advantageous due to matching with school schedules, extracurricular activities, after school work schedules, and their own developing social life.
It can be tough on younger kids, however, who might miss the other parent more and struggle with being away from them for a full week. Most attorneys we have discusses this with think that, depending on maturity, around age 7 children are able to handle a week-long plan more effectively.
If you have younger children, you might want to consider a schedule that has more frequent exchanges the children spending more time with each parent.
2-2-5-5 Schedule
Another option is to have the children split their time evenly between homes, with the 2-2-5-5 schedule: In this schedule, the children spend two days with one parent and then two days with the other parent. On the fifth day, the children are with whichever parent they did not spend the previous two nights with.
While the 2-2-5-5 schedule has more frequent changes, it can be better for younger children who need more stability and might find it tough to be away from one parent for more than a few days at a time.
This schedule can be tough to coordinate, but it can give the children a sense of stability by spending more time with each parent. It can also be easier on parents, as they have more time to spend with the children when they are with them.
If you are considering a 2-2-5-5 schedule, it is important to make sure that both parents factor in their work schedules and are able to take time off from work when needed and that the children have a place to stay during the times when they are not with either parent.
Flexibility with the Other Parent
Whatever schedule you choose, it is important for both you and to be flexible and willing to adjust with your ex partner as needed. Children’s needs can change as they grow older and their schedules may need to be adjusted accordingly.
If your relationship is amicable with your ex-partner, you can both agree to temporarily change the custody schedule for things like summer break , vacation schedules, holidays, or if one parent has other plans or circumstances that have come up. It is important to know that both parents must agree to this and at any point that either parent does not agree to any of these changes then the schedule defaults back to what was agreed in the parenting plan.
Wrapping it Up
The most important thing is to find a good custody schedule that works for both parents and the children. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so be sure to talk to your ex-partner and figure out what will work best for your family.