- On Behalf of Topinka Law
- Family Law
Custody schedules can be as simple or complicated as parents’ and children’s schedules allow. Several arrangements can offer parents and kids the personalization and flexibility they need to stay on track. One of those arrangements is called “one-week-one-week.” This arrangement is ideal for parents who want balanced time with their child, giving the child relatively equal access to each parent’s love, care, and support.
The compassionate family law and custody attorneys at Topinka Law want to help Pennsylvania families understand the one-week-one-week custody arrangement and how it may benefit their child’s growth and development while fostering strong bonds with both parents.
What Is the One-Week-One-Week Custody Schedule?
The one-week-one-week custody arrangement is also referred to as a 50/50 custody schedule. That’s because it allows each parent to spend about half their time with their child, making a balanced joint physical custody arrangement. The arrangement works by giving parents alternating weeks with a child.
For example, in week one, the mother may have custody of the child, and in week two, the arrangement shifts to the father having custody, going back and forth.
Although parents or the court can personalize details, the general structure of a one-week-one-week schedule is as follows:
- Parents alternate custody every seven days, with the arrangement spelling out the day and time of the switchover or transition to the other parent.
- Each parent gets roughly the same number of overnights during the year.
- Children know they’ll spend a week in one home before switching.
The one-week-one-week custody schedule is one of the most common arrangements for separated or divorced parents sharing custody of a child.
The Benefits of a One-Week-One-Week
A one-week-one-week schedule can offer several benefits for parents who can effectively communicate and co-parent together. The obvious advantage is that it is predictable and gives parents equal access to their child. Parents with joint physical custody can feel confident that the arrangement is fair and gives them equal access to quality time with their child during the week and on weekends before the next transition occurs.
Another benefit is the stability it offers a child, who may be confused or frustrated with the changes that can come from divorce. Children can settle into a predictable routine and always know what to expect, limiting disruptions and confusion. It is also an easy-to-remember arrangement.
Things To Consider
Parents should consider some things before diving into a one-week-one-week custody arrangement. These custody schedules work best when parents live close to one another, reducing commute time and preventing confusion over which school district a child attends. Longer commutes between parents can complicate this custody arrangement and may interfere with child-parent time or extracurricular activities.
Cooperation and flexibility are also necessary because one-week-one-week schedules can be challenging around holidays and vacations. What if one parent gets Christmas two years in a row because of how the calendar breaks down? Or if an emergency arises or a parent only has time off work for a vacation on their off-week and wants to take their child, the one-week-one-week schedule can feel rigid and unfair. Parents who can work through these challenges together find that one-week-one-week schedules are ideal.
If there are co-parenting issues, a lack of consistency in rules between homes, communication challenges, or other issues that make pick-up and drop-off difficult, a one-week-one-week schedule may not be the optimal custody arrangement.
A Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney Can Help
If you are looking for a custody arrangement that meets you and your child’s needs, the family law team at Topinka Law can help. We can identify child custody and scheduling solutions that put your child’s best interests front and center.
Contact our office today, and let’s discuss your situation.