60/40 Custody & Visitation Schedules: 3 Examples

Here are some common residential schedules in which one parent has the child for 60% of the time and the other parent has the child for 40%.

4-3 schedule

The 4-3 schedule has your child spend 4 days with one parent and 3 days with the other parent.

Every extended weekend

The every extended weekend schedule has your child spend weekdays with one parent and a long weekend with the other parent.

Every weekend with 3rd-party time

If long weekends don't work for you, the every weekend schedule may be better — it shortens the weekend visit to two days. This schedule normally splits time between parents 70/30, but it approaches 60/40 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 60/40 schedule is right for you

There are many factors to consider when deciding what custody schedule is best. As you look at different ideas, think about what is best for your child physically, emotionally, and mentally.

A 60/40 schedule works well when:

• Parents both want substantial time with the child, but 50/50 schedules have too many exchanges
• Parents are able to communicate without conflict about the schedule and the child
• Parents live fairly close to each other so the exchanges aren't a burden
• The child does well living in two houses and feels comfortable with change

Many parents, psychologists, and judges feel it is very important for the child to be a part of both parents' lives. A 60/40 schedule allows a child to spend enough time with each parent to build close relationships with them both. This helps the child feel loved and cared for by both parents.

If you like a 60/40 schedule but want your overall parenting time to be equal, you can use a holiday schedule or a summer break schedule to even out the parenting time.

60/40 schedules count as joint or shared physical custody because both parents have significant and frequent contact with the children.

The easiest way to make a 60/40 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 "every weekend," or select "custom repeating rate" to make another 60/40 schedule.

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.