A parenting time schedule, also referred to as a custody or visitation schedule, is a detailed arrangement that outlines how divorced or separated parents will share time with their children. The primary goal of such a schedule is to provide stability for the child while balancing the involvement of both parents. These schedules are typically part of a larger co-parenting or custody plan and aim to minimize conflict, foster consistency, and meet the unique needs of the child and parents.

Authorities on parenting schedules point to the following variations that families commonly adopt:

1. 50/50 equal time splits — This arrangement divides parenting time equally between both parents. Examples include alternating weeks, a 2-2-3 schedule (where the child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other and three days with the first), or a 5-2-2-5 schedule (five days with one parent, then two days with the other). These arrangements are ideal when parents live close to each other and can support consistent transitions for the child.

2. Every other weekend — In this more traditional schedule, one parent has the child during weekdays, and the other parent has weekends, often with an overnight stay. This schedule can work when parents live farther apart or when one parent has a demanding schedule.

3. Extended weekends — This is a variation of the every-other-weekend plan, where the non-custodial parent adds an additional overnight stay, such as a Friday-to-Monday schedule. This gives the non-custodial parent more time while still maintaining a home base for the child.

4. Midweek visits — In some cases, a parent might have one or two evenings with the child during the week, in addition to weekends. This arrangement gives more frequent contact but requires good coordination, especially with school and extracurricular activities.

5. Customized or situational schedules — Families may choose less conventional arrangements based on unique circumstances, such as one parent’s work schedule or the child’s needs.  parent with irregular working hours might have a flexible schedule adjusted monthly or weekly.

6. Holiday and vacation plans — Beyond regular schedules, special arrangements are made for holidays, birthdays, and school vacations. These can include alternating holidays yearly or splitting longer breaks like summer vacations into blocks of time for each parent.

The choice of a parenting time schedule often depends on factors like the parents' proximity, the child’s age, school or daycare routines and the parents' ability to communicate and cooperate effectively. Regardless of the plan chosen, there should be flexibility built in to adapting to changing needs.

Bombardo Law Office, P.C. in Syracuse represents New York residents in all aspects of family law, including drafting and negotiating parenting plans. I give each client diligent and compassionate representation. Feel free to call 1-315-488-5544 or contact me online for an initial consultation.