Building a parenting plan that works

A parenting plan says where the children live, when, and how parents make decisions. Courts approve plans that serve the child's best interests, and most plans that parents agree on are approved.

Two kinds of custody

• Decision-making, often called legal custody: education, health care, religion. Usually shared.
• Parenting time, often called physical custody or time-sharing: where the children sleep.

Common schedules

• Alternating weeks: simple, 50/50, suits older children.
• 2-2-3 and 2-2-5-5: 50/50 with shorter stretches, suits younger children.
• Every other weekend plus a midweek visit: about 70/30.

What a strong plan covers

• The regular schedule and exactly when and where exchanges happen.
• Holidays, birthdays, school breaks and summer, alternating by year where it helps.
• How you will communicate, and how fast you will answer.
• Travel, relocation notice and passports.
• How you will resolve disagreements, such as mediation before court.

Moving away

Many states require written notice before a parent moves a significant distance with the children, and a court can block the move. Talk to a lawyer before relocating.

The Parenting screen builds your schedule, counts overnights for support, and drafts the plan.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.