How the week on week off custody schedule works
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Week 2 | B | B | B | B | B | B | B |
The table shows weeks running Monday to Sunday, but the exchange can be any day: Friday after school and Sunday evening are the most common. Each parent has seven overnights every two weeks.
Pros and cons
- Only two exchanges every two weeks. The fewest handovers of any 50/50 schedule.
- Simple to remember. One week here, one week there.
- A week is long for young children. Some families add a mid-week dinner or overnight with the other parent.
- Works best for school-age children and teens. Older children usually cope well with a full week in each home.
Holidays and other schedules
Holidays and school breaks usually override the regular schedule. Set them on the holiday custody schedule page and they show up here. Compare patterns on the custody calendar, or see the 2-2-5-5, 2-2-3, 3-4-4-3 and week on, week off pages.
Questions
Is week on, week off a 50/50 schedule?
Yes. Each parent has seven overnights every two weeks.
What is the best exchange day?
Friday after school lets each parent start their week with a weekend; Sunday evening gives the children a calm night before school. Pick the exchange day in the calendar settings.
Is alternating weeks good for toddlers?
Many parents and child specialists prefer shorter gaps for very young children, such as 2-2-3, then move to alternating weeks as children get older.