Time-Sharing

Understand Parental Time-Sharing Before Your Divorce Mediation Meeting

It’s just like it sounds: it is the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Florida law encourages both parents to have equal parenting time with their children, even after a divorce. However, it is not always possible for divorced parents to share an equal amount of time with their kids, which is why parents may need to work out a different time-sharing arrangement.

What Are the Different Time-Sharing Schedules?

Parents are free to work out a unique time-sharing schedule that fits their particular needs and circumstances. Some of the most common time-sharing schedules are as follows:

1. 50/50 Custody Schedule

• How it works: This schedule divides parenting time equally between both parents. Each parent typically spends 50% of the time with the child.
• Examples:
  • Week-On, Week-Off: The child spends one full week with one parent and the next with the other.
  • 2-2-3 Schedule: The child spends two days with one parent, and two days with the other, then alternates weekends (three days each).
  • Alternating Weeks with a Midweek Visit: One parent has the child for the week, while the other gets a midweek overnight or visit.
• Best for: Parents who live close to each other and want an equal time split that minimizes disputes.

2. 60/40 Custody Schedule

• How it works: One parent has the child 60% of the time, while the other parent has the child 40%. This gives one parent slightly more time while still allowing significant involvement for both.
• Examples:
  • Extended Weekend Schedule: The child lives with one parent during the workweek and spends long weekends (Friday through Sunday evening, or Friday through Monday morning) with the other parent.
  • 4-3 Schedule: The child stays four days with one parent and three days with the other each week.
• Best for: Parents who want a balanced schedule but feel the child might benefit from a “home base” for school or stability.

3. 70/30 Custody Schedule

• How it works: The child spends 70% of their time with one parent and 30% with the other.
• Examples:
  • Every Other Weekend Plus a Day: The child spends every other weekend (Friday through Sunday) and one weekday evening per week with the non-custodial parent.
  • School-Week and Weekend Plan: One parent has custody during the workweek (school days), and the other parent has the child every weekend.
• Best for: Situations where one parent has a more stable home environment for the child’s school or activities, while the other remains actively involved.

4. 80/20 Custody Schedule

• How it works: One parent has the child 80% of the time, while the other parent has them 20%. This is common when one parent assumes the primary caregiving role.
• Examples:
  • Every Other Weekend: The child spends alternate weekends (Friday evening to Sunday evening) with the non-custodial parent.
  • One-Day Visits: The child has one evening or day visit during the week in addition to alternate weekends.
• Best for: Families where one parent has a demanding schedule or lives further away, making frequent exchanges challenging.

5. Alternating Weekends

• How it works: The child lives primarily with one parent and visits the other only on alternating weekends, typically Friday to Sunday evening.
• Best for: Parents with significant work or travel commitments or when stability in school and daily life is a top priority.

6. Holiday and Summer Schedules

• How it works: Parents share or alternate major holidays (such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthdays) and divide vacations or summer breaks.
• Examples:
  • Alternating Holidays: One parent has the child for Thanksgiving in odd years, while the other has Christmas, then they alternate the following year.
  • Split Summer Break: Each parent has custody for half of the summer, either consecutively (e.g., four weeks each) or alternating weeks.
• Best for: Balancing special occasions and longer time periods without disrupting school schedules.

7. Rotating Days Schedule

• How it works: This schedule alternates custody on a day-by-day basis (e.g., Parent A has Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Parent B has Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Sundays alternate weekly.
• Best for: Parents who live very close and want to be equally involved in the child’s daily routine but can handle frequent transitions.

8. Custody with Unequal Overnights

• How it works: The child spends most nights with one parent but has regular daytime or evening visits with the other.
• Best for: Young children or kids who need consistency in bedtime routines or schooling while still maintaining contact with both parents.

9. Third-Party or Supervised Visitation Schedule

• How it works: A third party (e.g., a relative or court-appointed supervisor) oversees a parent’s time with the child. This is common in cases involving safety concerns, such as a history of abuse or substance issues.
• Best for: Ensuring the child’s safety while preserving a relationship with both parents.

10. Custom or Hybrid Schedules

• How it works: Parents create a schedule that integrates elements from multiple models, tailoring the arrangement to their child’s needs, school activities, or the parents’ work schedules.
• Best for: Families willing to collaborate and prioritize their child’s unique situation.

Key Considerations When Creating Time-Sharing and Visitation Schedules

• Age of the Child: Young children benefit from frequent visits to maintain attachment to both parents, while older children might prefer fewer transitions.
• Distance Between Homes: Parents living far apart may require long stretches with each parent to minimize travel disruptions.
• Child’s Routine: Custody arrangements should prioritize stability for schooling, extracurriculars, and social life.
• Flexibility: A successful plan requires flexibility for unforeseen events and changing needs as the child grows.

Contact Untying the Knot For Help Setting Up Your Parenting Schedule Agreement

Time-sharing can be one of the most costly aspects of a divorce. If you can work out a time-sharing schedule between yourselves, you will save thousands of dollars and considerable stress. If you’re having trouble nailing down a schedule, mediation can be an extremely helpful and cost-effective solution. 

If you have questions regarding this issue or any other issue, please contact our Florida divorce and time-sharing lawyers to schedule an appointment.