50/50 Custody & Visitation Schedules: 7 Examples

Here are some common residential schedules where each parent has the child 50% of the time. You can modify any of these schedules so they work better for your situation.

As you make your schedule, you can use a visitation timeshare calculator so you know exactly how much time your child spends with each parent.

Alternating weeks

The alternating weeks schedule has your child spend 1 week with one parent and the next week with the other parent.

2 weeks each

The 2 weeks each schedule has your child spend 2 weeks with one parent and then 2 weeks with the other parent.

3-4-4-3 schedule

The 3-4-4-3 schedule has your child spend 3 days with one parent, then 4 days with the other parent. Then it switches, and the child spends 4 days with the first parent, followed by 3 days with the other parent.

2-2-5-5 schedule

The 2-2-5-5 schedule has your child spend 2 days with each parent and then 5 days with each parent.

2-2-3 schedule

The 2-2-3 schedule has your child spend 2 days with one parent, 2 days with the other parent and 3 days with the first parent. Then the next week it switches.

Alternating every 2 days

The alternating every 2 days schedule has the child switching between the parents every 2 days.

Every extended weekend

The every extended weekend schedule normally splits time between parents 60/40, but it becomes a 50/50 schedule if you insert 3rd party time when your child is at school or daycare.

Insert 3rd party time to adjust the timeshare of any schedule. Marking when your child isn't with either parent more accurately reflects quality parenting time.

You can also adjust schedules by changing exchange times, adding visits, divvying up holidays, etc. As you make adjustments, the Custody X Change parenting time calculator shows the effect.

Deciding if a 50/50 schedule will work for you

There are many factors to consider when deciding what schedule will best fulfill the physical, social, and emotional needs of your child.

50/50 schedules can benefit a child because the child spends substantial time living with both parents. This allows him or her to build a close relationship with both parents, and to feel cared for by both parents.

50/50 schedules work best when:

• The parents live fairly close to each other, so exchanges are easier.
• The parents are able to communicate with each other about the child without fighting.
• The child is able to handle switching between parents' homes.
• Both parents are committed to putting the child's best interest first.
• The parents agree that the 50/50 schedule is the best one for their child.

Along with your residential schedule, you may want to include a holiday schedule or a summer break schedule in your parenting time arrangements. These schedules may change the percentage of time each parent has with the children. If you have a residential schedule that isn't 50/50, you can use a holiday or seasonal schedule to make parenting time closer to equal.

The easiest way to make a 50/50 schedule

There's a lot to think about when you build a parenting time schedule. You'll want it to address holidays and school breaks, give the right amount of time to each parent, and work for years to come.

The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Just follow the steps to make a custody schedule.

On Step 2, select one of the options marked 50/50, or select "custom repeating rate" to make a 50/50 schedule with another pattern.

To make a custody schedule quickly and affordably, turn to Custody X Change. You'll get a written schedule and a visual calendar that meet your family's needs, as well as court standards.