Common Parenting Time Arrangements After Divorce

In a divorce, parenting time — also known as visitation — is an essential part of a child custody arrangement. A New York court deciding on allocation of parenting time will focus on what is in the child’s best interests, weighing such factors as the child’s age, their relationship with each parent and the ability of parents to cooperate. Whenever possible, the court will follow a plan that the parents can agree on and be capable of carrying out.

A parenting plan can be structured in different ways to accommodate the needs and limitations of the parents and the child. Here are some that are frequently used:

1. Every other weekend — The non-custodial parent has the child for two weekends a month, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. This schedule concededly gives the custodial parent the vast majority of time with the child, but it also allows the non-custodial parent to have quality time during the allocated weekends, which can help promote bonding. The arrangement is straightforward and easy to manage and does not interrupt the child’s weekly routine. Sometimes, the weekend will conclude at the start of school on Monday. This will in part depend on the proximity of the non-custodial parent to the child’s school. 
2. 50/50 schedule — The child either alternates weeks with each parent or splits each week. However, in most cases of true shared custody, a child might stay with one parent from Monday to Wednesday morning and the other parent from Wednesday after school to Friday to school. The parties would then alternate the weekend from Friday after school to drop off at school on Monday. If there is no school, exchanges would normally occur at 9 am on an exchange day. This schedule both parents equal time with the child, fostering strong relationships, shared responsibilities and better adjustment for the child. However, it requires a high level of cooperation and communication between parents. It also requires the parents to reside in reasonably close proximity to one another. 
3. Extended weekends — This schedule lets the non-custodial parent have the child for three-day weekends, such as Friday through Monday It provides that parent with longer, more meaningful interactions with the child, which can strengthen their bond. It gives the custodial parent weekend time without the child, which may be suitable to their lifestyle. It may require adapting work schedules. 
4. Alternating holidays and vacations — In addition to regular parenting time, parents often agree to make special arrangements for holidays, birthdays, school recesses, vacations and other occasions. One parent might have the child for Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years, while the other parent has them for Christmas. This schedule gives both parents the opportunity to create lasting memories of important occasions. It encourages children to celebrate holidays with both parents and helps reduce feelings of loss or separation during these times.
5. Flexible schedule — Parents may choose a fluid schedule that accommodates each other’s work and personal commitments. A plan can build in flexibility about when the child will be with each parent, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances. This arrangement helps with cooperative co-parenting and can minimize the conflicts that sometime result from rigid schedules. However, it requires a high degree of trust and communication between parents.

The right choice of parenting schedule depends on the family’s particular circumstances, including the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules and their ability to cooperate. Open communication and a willingness to prioritize the child’s needs will produce a parenting plan that supports healthy relationships and stability for the family. An experienced child custody attorney can help parents work out arrangements that are fair and feasible.

The attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James, New York are experienced in developing child custody arrangements that permit parents to spend significant time with children after divorce. For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 631-360-0400.