With so many types of custody arrangements, below is a list of some of the more common types. Remember that these are brief descriptions and they do not cover all aspects of each custody arrangement.
50/50 CUSTODY
50/50 custody, also known as joint physical custody, refers to a custody arrangement in which both parents share equal time and responsibility for the upbringing of their child or children. In this arrangement, the child spends an equal amount of time with both parents. It is aimed at promoting shared parenting and allows both parents significant involvement in their child's life. Decisions regarding the child's education, health care, and other important matters are typically made by both parents.
2-2-5
A 2-2-5 custody schedule, also known as a 2-2-5-5 schedule, is a type of rotating custody arrangement commonly used in co-parenting situations. In this schedule, the child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other parent, and then five days with the first parent before the rotation repeats. Here's a breakdown of how it typically works:
The child stays with parent A for two days (Monday and Tuesday), then switches to parent B for two days (Wednesday and Thursday). Friday, the child returns to parent A for five days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). The child will then return to parent B for five days starting on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
This pattern continues to repeat, with the child alternating between both parents for shorter periods and spending a longer block of time with each parent every other week. The 2-2-5 schedule aims to provide regular and consistent contact with both parents while also ensuring the child has time to settle into a routine with each parent during their longer stretches.
WHAT IS CO-PARENTING?
Co-parenting refers to a parenting arrangement in which divorced, separated, or unmarried parents work together collaboratively to raise their child or children. Rather than one parent having primary custody while the other has limited involvement, co-parenting aims to ensure both parents actively participate in parenting and decision-making. Co-parents often share responsibilities such as childcare, education, healthcare, discipline, and other aspects of raising a child. Effective co-parenting typically involves open communication, mutual respect, and a focus on the well-being and best interests of the child. While it can require effort and cooperation from both parents, co-parenting facilitates a stable and nurturing environment for the child despite the separation or divorce of the parents.
ONE WEEK ON/ONE WEEK OFF
A one week on, one week off custody schedule is relatively common in custodial arrangements. It is known as a 7/7 or 50/50 custody schedule. In this arrangement, the child spends one week with one parent and then switches to spend the following week with the other parent. This schedule provides equal amounts of time with each parent and allows for consistency and routine in the child's life. It can be particularly beneficial when both parents live relatively close to each other or have joint decision-making responsibilities.
SOLE CUSTODY
In this arrangement, one parent is granted primary physical custody and legal responsibility for the child, while the other parent may have limited visitation rights or supervised visitation, if applicable.
SPLIT CUSTODY
This arrangement is typically used when there are two or more children involved. Each parent is awarded physical custody of at least one child. For example, one parent may have custody of one child, while the other parent has custody of the remaining child or children.
BIRD’S NEST CUSTODY
This arrangement focuses on maintaining stability and consistency for the child by allowing them to stay in the family home while the parents take turns living there. The parents rotate in and out of the family home according to an agreed-upon schedule.
PARALLEL PARENTING
This approach is utilized in high-conflict situations where effective co-parenting is challenging. Parents have limited direct contact and communication, with a strict focus on following a detailed parenting plan or schedule.
Please keep in mind that custody arrangements vary depending on jurisdiction and individual circumstances. If you have any questions regarding any of the parenting plans or what plan might best suit your family’s needs, please feel free to call our office for a consultation with one of our attorneys. Every family is different and the custody arrangements should always be made with the child’s best interests at heart.