What Type of Custody Schedule Is Best for My Child?

 Posted on April 25, 2024 in Child Custody

Parents who get divorced in Illinois are required by law to submit a parenting plan to the court. A parenting plan is a legal document that outlines the parameters of child custody, such as:

• Whether the parents share joint custody or if one of the parents has sole custody

• How the parents split parenting time, otherwise known as physical custody

• How decision-making responsibilities are divided between the parents

• Transportation arrangements for shuttling the child between the parents

• Parenting schedules

Hopefully, the parents will be able to communicate with each other and place the best interests of their child first. In that case, they will probably submit a joint parenting plan to the court. Otherwise, each parent must submit his or her own. Either way, a parenting plan should be created with the help of an experienced Illinois attorney. 

Why Are Parenting Time Schedules so Important?

The right parenting schedule can help the child and the parents transition more smoothly to life after divorce. It can also help the child keep some much-needed stability in his or her life. On the flip side, a schedule that is not the right fit for the parents or the child can cause increased stress, breakdowns in communication, hostility, instability, and an all-around negative atmosphere for the child. 

What Types of Schedules Are There?

There are many schedules parents may choose for parenting time, depending on whether there is joint custody or sole custody. Some of these schedules include:

• Every other weekend: When one parent has the majority of custody, the child spends every other weekend with the non-custodial parent.

• Week on, week off: This is an example of a 50/50 schedule, where the child lives an equal amount of time with each parent. In this case, the child lives for a week with one parent, then spends the next week with the other parent, and rotates accordingly.

• 2-2-3: The child lives two days with one parent, the next two days with the second parent, and then three days with the first parent. The next week, the rotation switches.

• 4-3: The child lives with one parent for four days, spends the next three days with the second parent, then switches the next week.

• 2-2-5-5: The child lives with one parent for two days, then with the second parent for two days. The child goes back to the first parent for five days and spends the next five with the second parent.

Contact a Kane County, IL Family Lawyer

If you are about to become a divorced parent, there are significant life adjustments you and your child will need to make. Make sure you are planning correctly by choosing a smart parenting schedule. The last thing you or your child needs is to have a schedule that conflicts with your job or other important responsibilities. Consult a skilled St. Charles, Illinois family law attorney who is experienced in child custody matters. The experienced attorneys at Goostree Law Group offer top-tier legal services and will guide you toward the best custody schedule for you and your child. Call 630-584-4800 for a free consultation today.