The Most Common Joint Parenting Time Schedules

 Posted on December 29, 2023 in Visitation

Illinois allows parents to come up with their own parenting plan, which includes a parenting time schedule, to maximize parenting time with their children. However, a judge can intervene if they feel a different schedule would fit the children’s best interest more. There are many examples of parenting time schedules that parents or a judge can choose, but some are more common than others. For a more in-depth look into parenting plans and schedules, consulting an attorney could be beneficial.

Weekly Alternation

A very typical parenting schedule involves a one-week on, one-week off approach. Alternating weeks where one parent has the child in the first and third weeks or second and fourth weeks of the month can work out great if it fits into both parents and the child’s schedules.

50/50 Month Split

Similar to alternating weekly, except in this scenario, one parent gets back-to-back weeks with their children before dropping them off at the other parent’s house for their two weeks of parenting time.

Overnight Mid-Weekly Visitation

The weeks in the above two parenting time schedules often begin Friday after school. The overnight mid-weekly visitation schedule can break up the middle of the week with an overnight stay or late dinner before alternating parenting time. The schedule could also begin late on Wednesday rather than Friday, as is typical.

2-2-3 Arrangement 

One parent gets parenting time for two days in a row before passing off the children for the following two days with the other parent. The second parent will then drop the children off at the first parent’s home after their two days, only this time for three days straight. This schedule fills out the seven-day week and allows for an alternating weekly schedule that works best, beginning on a Monday.

2-2-5-5 Arrangement 

This schedule is similar to the 2-2-3 schedule but covers two weeks instead of one. It starts similarly with alternating back-to-back days (two for Parent A, two for Parent B) and culminates in five straight days with each parent for a lengthier stay.

3-3-4-4 Arrangement 

This schedule modifies the previous schedule by removing one day from the end of the schedule and placing it at the beginning for both parents. Now, each parent receives three straight days with their children at the onset and only four on the backend.

60/40 Arrangement 

Parents can split up the single week where one parent gets the children’s time for four straight days, and the other parent receives them for three, or vice versa. This schedule can remain consistent or alternate weekly so that parents can spend an equal number of days with their children throughout the month.

Every Other Weekend

In this scenario, one parent retains most of the parenting time while the other receives the children for only two weekends out of the month. The schedule will look like this: Parent A will receive five days with their child, and Parent B will receive two days (the first weekend). After this, Parent A will get the children for 12 straight days before Parent B will receive their next two days of parenting time. Regardless of your chosen schedule, it is important to remember that it takes time for children to adjust to the new normal.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Family Law Attorney

The Davi Law Group can assist in advocating for the joint allocation of parental responsibilities on your behalf. Cooperative parents can make it happen much sooner with the help of an experienced Wheaton, IL visitation lawyer. Contact our office at 630-657-5052 for a free consultation and guidance on your unique legal matters