How to Create a Joint Child Custody Schedule
When parents decide to try joint child custody, they need to create a custody schedule that gives equal time to both parents. Here is the way to do that.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Sit down with the other parent in front of a calendar. Both parents should bring information about their work schedules, the children's school schedules, and other calendar information.
-
2
Decide the best way to make joint custody work for your situation. You have the option of splitting the time equally all year or letting the kids stay with one parent during the school year and giving the other parent more time during breaks and holidays. This decision depends on the temperament of the children, how close the parents live to each other and the children's school, the age of the children, etc.
-
-
3
Consider the options you have for a repeating cycle of custody. If you are splitting custody equally all year, the most straightforward joint custody schedule is alternating weeks of custody. You can also use a 2/2/5/5 or a 3/3/4/4 plan to split the week between the parents. These schedules alternate the days between the parents to come up with a pretty stable schedule for the kids.
-
4
If you decide to give one parent custody of the children during the school year, come up with a repeating cycle for the year. This could be an alternating weekends schedule with some evening visits, one parent having custody during the week and the other parent having custody on the weekends, etc. Then decide how the custody schedule will change during breaks and holidays to give the other parent more time.
-
5
Once you've set up the repeating cycle of custody for the year, go through and make a holiday schedule. You should divide the holidays between the parents and figure out how you'll make that work.
-
6
Go through the calendar and mark any special events where the custody schedule will change. This could be because of extra-curricular events like sports games or after school activities. Make arrangements for how the parents will handle transportation during those times and how you will make up the custody and visitation time.
-
7
Make multiple copies of your schedule so that both parents know what's going on. Keep your schedule handy so you always know where your child is.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are many computer programs that let you set up custody schedules. This can make the process a lot easier and can save you time.
If your child is old enough, you can ask the child what he/she prefers about the schedule.
You may need to make different schedules for children of different ages.
Resources
- Photo Credit Custody X Change Joint Custody Schedule - Screenshots
