If you’re like many parents going through divorce, you know that it’s best for your kids if you and your ex work out a child custody agreement between yourselves. But how do you create joint custody schedules after figuring out what’s fair to everyone involved?

These tips will get you started, and then you can view a few examples below.

How to Create Joint Custody Schedules

Before you and your soon-to-be ex can create joint custody schedules that work for your whole family, the first thing you need to do is sit down and talk about it. You know what’s best for your family, so it’s just a matter of putting it down on paper and reaching a parenting time agreement between yourselves.

Here’s what to talk about:

• Both of your work schedules
• The kids’ school schedules
• The kids’ extracurricular activities
• Where you’re each going to live
• Transportation to and from your homes and kids’ activities
• What the kids prefer
• What to do during holidays
• What you’ll do during emergencies when changing the joint custody schedule is necessary

For many parents, it’s best to have the kids stay in one home during the week and visit with the other parent periodically. However, that’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to do what’s best for your family, and if that’s not it, that’s okay.

Sample Joint Custody Schedules

Sometimes it’s helpful to see sample joint custody schedules – they can give you a springboard from which to create your own.

Joint Custody Schedule Example 1

This custody schedule assumes that Parent 2 has more time with the kids, and you can alternate Wednesdays and every other weekend.

Joint Custody Schedule Example 2

This schedule assumes that you and your ex have equal time with the kids.

Joint Custody Schedule Example 3

This custody schedule assumes that you have equal time with the kids, and that you’ll alternate every other week (so one week, Parent 2 has the kids for four days in a row; the next week, Parent 1 has the kids for four days in a row).

Joint Custody Schedule Example 4

This custody schedule has the kids going back-and-forth between each of your homes throughout the week, spending a day or two at each parent’s house. This works for equal custody, provided that you alternate weeks.

Joint Custody Schedule Example 5

This custody schedule example features one parent getting the kids on Friday and keeping them through Sunday, and visiting on Wednesday evenings. You can alternate this schedule so both parents have the kids every other weekend or otherwise modify it to meet your needs, too.

If you and your ex can’t reach an agreement on your own, you may want to talk about divorce mediation. It’s always in your kids’ best interests for you and their other parent to come up with a schedule. While family law judges always consider the kids’ best interests, only you know what will work well for your family.

Do You Need to Talk to a Stockton Child Custody Lawyer?

You don’t have to face all of this alone. If you’re contemplating divorce, or if your spouse has already filed for divorce, you can work with a Stockton child custody attorney who understands what you (and your children) are going through – and who can help you develop joint custody schedules that works for your whole family.

Call us at (209) 989-4425 or get in touch with us online to talk to a lawyer who can help today.