4 Common Timesharing Schedules for Successful Co-Parenting

Florida Law requires every divorce case in the state of Florida to include a detailed parenting plan that describes (among other things) a child timesharing schedule which addresses when the children will spend time with each of their parents. What follows is a description of 4 timesharing schedules that are most commonly used.

1 Week On/1 Week Off

What it is: Children alternate between parents homes each week on a specified day of exchange.

What it looks like:

MON.TUES.WED.THURS.FRI.SAT.SUN.
MotherMotherMotherMotherMotherMotherMother
FatherFatherFatherFatherFatherFatherFather
1 Week On/1 Week Off

Best for: Older children, or families that live more than 20 minutes drive time from each other.

Pros: Easier to remember, easier on kids with less frequent exchanges, less contact between parents if co-parenting isn’t possible

Cons: Long period of not seeking one parent

Solution: Off week Wednesday Night Dinner

My ex and I practice 1 week on, 1 week off during summer breaks, which allow us to travel. We instituted the mid week dinner for the off-week parent so neither one of us had to go an entire week without seeing the children.

2-2-5-5

What it is: 2 week arrangement where Parent A has Monday, Tuesday. Parent B has Wednesday, Thursday, and the weekends are alternated. Then it repeats.

What it looks like:

MON.TUES.WED.THURS.FRI.SAT.SUN.
MotherMotherFatherFatherMotherMotherMother
MotherMotherFatherFatherFatherFatherFather
2-2-5-5

Best For: Younger children, co-parents who work well together

Pros: Both parents and children have frequent contact every week, easy to remember, both parents enjoy 5 day runs with the kids for more consistent.

Cons: Frequent exchanges, easy to forget things at parents homes if disorganzied.

Solution: If at all possible live near to each other.

My Ex and I use the 2-2-5-5 schedule during the school year to allow for both of us to be actively involved with the children every week. We have always lived in the same school district which has made this schedule easy for us.

2-2-3

What it is: Like 2-2-5-5- except the Monday and Tuesday parent alternates each week.

What it looks like:

What it looks like:

MON.TUES.WED.THURS.FRI.SAT.SUN.
MotherMotherFatherFatherMotherMotherMother
FatherFatherMotherMotherFatherFatherFather
2-2-3

Best For: Young Children

Pros: Allows children to see both parents frequently without long periods of not seeing the other parent.

Cons: Most frequent of exchanges, constantly rotating can become confusing for children (and parents) to keep track of, require frequent communication or contact with ex.

Solution: Become rock solid in your co-parenting skills

I have a lot of clients who choose this when the children are young and then once the children start middle school move to a 1 week on/1 week off schedule.

Every Other Weekend/Wednesday Overnight

What it is: Alternating weekends for minority timesharing parent with a Wednesday overnight during off week.

What it looks like:

MON.TUES.WED.THURS.FRI.SAT.SUN.
MotherMotherMotherMotherFatherFatherFather
MotherMotherFatherMotherMotherMotherMother
Alternating Weekend with Every Other Wednesday

Best For: A co-parent with a very busy work schedule, or parents who live more than 20 miles apart.

Pros: Consistency for the children, less exchanges, less confusion

Cons: Lack of time and involvement with other parent.

Solution: Use Facetime every night, and get makeup time during academic breaks.

Which one is right for your family? Call The Law Office of Christine Diorio, P.A. at 813-322-2082 for a free consultation today.