California Custody Schedule and Parenting Time Calculator
See exactly how different custody arrangements work for your family. Compare time splits, understand transition patterns, and make informed decisions about parenting schedules.
This free tool helps you visualize common custody schedules used in California. Select a schedule type below to see a 4-week calendar view, time split percentages, and transition frequency.
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Quick Schedule Comparison
Compare all custody schedules at a glance to find what might work for your family.
Common Custody Schedules Explained
50/50 Custody Schedule
A 50/50 custody schedule gives each parent equal time with the children. This arrangement works best when both parents live relatively close to each other and can cooperate effectively. Common 50/50 schedules include alternating weeks, 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, and 3-4-4-3 arrangements. Children benefit from substantial time with both parents, though the frequent transitions in some 50/50 schedules may be challenging for younger children.
60/40 Custody Schedule
A 60/40 custody schedule typically means children spend 4 days per week with one parent and 3 days with the other. This often translates to a schedule where one parent has every weekend plus one weeknight, or an extended weekend from Thursday to Monday morning. This arrangement provides substantial time with both parents while giving one parent slightly more time, often due to work schedules or school proximity.
70/30 Custody Schedule
A 70/30 custody schedule usually involves children living primarily with one parent during the week and spending alternating weekends with the other parent. This is one of the most common arrangements when parents live further apart or when one parent's work schedule makes equal time impractical. The non-custodial parent typically gets every other weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening or Monday morning.
2-2-3 Custody Schedule
The 2-2-3 schedule is a 50/50 arrangement where children spend 2 days with one parent, 2 days with the other, then 3 days with the first parent. The schedule then reverses the following week. This creates a consistent weekly pattern where each parent gets the same days every other week. It's popular for younger children who benefit from frequent contact with both parents but requires excellent communication between parents due to frequent exchanges.
2-2-5 Custody Schedule
The 2-2-5 schedule (also written as 2-2-5-5) is another 50/50 arrangement. Children spend 2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, then 5 days with Parent A. The next rotation gives Parent B the 5-day stretch. Each parent consistently has the same two weekdays, providing routine and predictability. This schedule reduces transitions compared to 2-2-3 while maintaining regular contact with both parents.
2-3-2 Custody Schedule
The 2-3-2 schedule divides the week with children spending 2 days with one parent, 3 days with the other, then 2 days back with the first parent. Unlike the 2-2-3, this pattern typically remains constant each week, creating a 60/40 or 70/30 split depending on exact timing. This provides predictability and works well when one parent has a more flexible midweek schedule.
2-2-5-5 Custody Schedule
The 2-2-5-5 schedule is a 50/50 arrangement where children spend Monday and Tuesday with one parent, Wednesday and Thursday with the other, then alternate 5-day weekends (Friday through Tuesday) with each parent. This gives each parent consistent weekdays and alternating extended weekends. It's ideal for school-age children as it minimizes midweek transitions while maintaining equal time.
3-3-4-4 Custody Schedule
The 3-3-4-4 schedule provides a 50/50 split with slightly longer stays at each home. Children spend 3 days with one parent, 3 days with the other, then 4 days with each parent. This reduces transitions while maintaining equal time. The longer stretches work well for older children who can handle extended time away from each parent and benefit from fewer transitions between homes.
How to Choose the Right Custody Schedule
Consider Your Child's Age and Development
Younger children (ages 0-5) typically need more frequent contact with both parents to maintain attachment bonds. Short, frequent visits work better than extended separations. As children enter school age (6+), they can handle longer periods away from each parent and benefit from more stable weekly routines.
Teenagers may prefer schedules that minimize disruption to their social lives and activities. Many teens appreciate having a primary home base while maintaining regular contact with the other parent.
Distance Between Homes
Parents living close together (within 5-10 miles) have more flexibility with frequent-exchange schedules like 2-2-3 or 2-2-5-5. These arrangements work well when transitions don't require significant travel time.
For parents living 30+ miles apart, schedules with fewer transitions like alternating weeks or alternating weekends are more practical. Consider the impact on school commutes and extracurricular activities.
Work Schedules and Availability
Your custody schedule should align with both parents' work commitments. If one parent works nights or has an unpredictable schedule, arrangements like alternating weeks give that parent full control during their parenting time.
Consider who can handle school drop-offs, pick-ups, and attend to sick days. The most successful schedules account for practical realities of both parents' availability.
Communication and Cooperation
Frequent-exchange schedules (like 2-2-3) require excellent communication between parents. You'll need to coordinate daily about school, activities, medication, and schedules. If communication is difficult, simpler arrangements like alternating weeks reduce the need for constant contact.
High-conflict situations often work better with schedules that minimize exchanges and have clear, detailed parenting plans that reduce decision-making together.
School and Activity Considerations
Think about which parent lives in the school district and how activities are distributed. Some families choose the school year schedule based on school location, then modify for summer.
If children have significant extracurricular commitments (sports, music lessons, etc.), ensure the schedule allows both parents to participate and support these activities.
There Is No Perfect Schedule
Every custody arrangement has trade-offs. A 50/50 schedule maximizes time with both parents but requires more transitions. Less frequent schedules mean more stability but longer gaps between visits. Choose the arrangement that best fits your family's specific circumstances and be willing to adjust as children grow and situations change.
Frequently Asked Questions
California law presumes that frequent and continuing contact with both parents is in the child's best interest. However, courts don't automatically default to 50/50. Judges consider many factors including the child's age, each parent's ability to care for the child, work schedules, distance between homes, and the child's preferences (for older children). The court's primary concern is the child's best interest, not equal division of time.
Yes! California courts encourage parents to agree on their own custody arrangements. As long as both parents consent and the schedule serves the child's best interests, courts will typically approve your agreement. You can customize any standard schedule or create an entirely unique arrangement that works for your family. The court will review it to ensure it's appropriate.
If you can't reach an agreement, the court will decide for you. Most California counties require mediation before a custody hearing. A professional mediator will help you explore options and try to reach consensus. If mediation fails, you'll attend a court hearing where a judge will establish the custody schedule based on evidence about what's best for your child.
Most custody orders include separate provisions for holidays that override the regular schedule. Common approaches include alternating major holidays each year (you get Thanksgiving in even years, other parent gets odd years) or splitting holiday breaks. Your parenting plan should specifically address holidays, school breaks, and special occasions.
Yes. As children grow and circumstances change, custody schedules can be modified. If both parents agree, you can change the schedule informally or file a stipulation with the court. If you don't agree, the parent requesting modification must show a significant change in circumstances and that the modification serves the child's best interests. Courts expect some flexibility as children's needs evolve.
Physical custody refers to where the child lives and the parenting time schedule. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority about major issues like education, healthcare, and religion. Parents can have joint legal custody (making decisions together) while having different physical custody arrangements. Most California courts favor joint legal custody unless there are serious concerns.
You're not required to have a lawyer, especially if you and the other parent can agree. Many California families use mediation or work through their county's Family Court Self-Help Center. However, if your situation involves domestic violence, substance abuse, complex financial issues, or significant disagreement, consulting with a family law attorney is advisable to protect your rights and your child's interests.
California courts consider children's preferences when they're mature enough to express reasoned opinions - typically around age 12-14, though there's no strict age requirement. The judge will consider the child's stated preference along with other factors. Younger children's preferences carry less weight. Courts focus on the child's reasoning, not just their stated preference, and consider whether they've been influenced by either parent.
Ready to Learn More About Successful Co-Parenting?
Understanding custody schedules is just the beginning. Our California Co-Parenting Course teaches you effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, how to create comprehensive parenting plans, and what courts expect to see in custody arrangements.
What You'll Learn:
- How to communicate effectively with your co-parent
- Creating detailed parenting plans that courts approve
- Managing transitions and exchanges smoothly
- Protecting your child's emotional wellbeing
- Handling disagreements without conflict
- Understanding what California courts look for
No credit card required • 4-hour certificate • Accepted by California Family Courts