Common custody schedules explained
Choosing a parenting-time schedule is one of the hardest parts of co-parenting. This planner turns the most common arrangements into a clear calendar so both parents — and the kids — can see exactly who has them, and when. Here's what each option means:
- Week on / week off (50-50): the children spend one full week with each parent, alternating. Fewest exchanges — best for older kids and cooperative parents.
- 2-2-3 (50-50): a two-week rotation — 2 days with one parent, 2 with the other, then a 3-day weekend, then it flips. Kids never go too long without seeing either parent.
- 2-2-5-5 (50-50): each parent gets the same two weekdays every week, then they alternate a 5-day block — predictable weekdays with balanced time.
- 3-4-4-3 (50-50): a two-week rotation of 3, 4, 4, then 3 days — an even split with a consistent weekly rhythm.
- Every other weekend: one parent is primary during the week; the other has the children every other weekend (Fri–Sun). Common for longer distances or school-age routines.
Set the parents' names, the pattern, when it starts and who starts, and the calendar fills in instantly with the overnight split. Export it to your phone's calendar with iCal, or print a copy for the fridge or a parenting-plan document.
Making it official
A schedule like this is a planning aid — a clear, shared picture of the arrangement. When you're ready to make a parenting plan legally binding, it typically goes into a court-approved custody agreement. Many parents use an online legal service or a family-law attorney to draft and file it; bringing a printed schedule to that step makes the conversation much faster.
FAQ
- Is my information private?
- Yes. Everything runs in your browser and is saved only on your device — no account, and nothing is uploaded. Names and dates never leave your computer.
- Can I put this on my phone calendar?
- Yes — click “Export to calendar (iCal)” to download a .ics file you can import into Apple Calendar, Google Calendar or Outlook. Each day shows which parent has the children.
- Which schedule is best?
- It depends on the kids' ages, the distance between homes, and how the parents communicate. Week-on-week-off suits older kids; 2-2-3 and 2-2-5-5 keep younger kids in frequent contact with both parents. This tool lets you preview each before deciding.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. It's a free planning tool, not legal advice. Confirm any parenting plan with a qualified family-law professional and your local court.