Child custody can vary, but California is one of many states that promote joint custody of children in a divorce. Joint custody implies both parents share legal and physical custody, allowing the child to have a relationship with both parents. Joint custody typically means that parents have custody of the child roughly 50% of the time, although this can vary to some degree.
If you and the other parent have agreed to each have the child 50% of the time, then there are many ways to go about creating a schedule. Here are some parenting time schedules to consider:
- 2 weeks each. This schedule requires your child to spend two weeks with one parent and then two weeks with the other parent.
- Alternating weeks. With this schedule, your child spends one week with one parent and the next week with the other parent.
- 2-2-5-5 schedule. This schedule is a little different, as it has your child spend two days with each parent and then five days with each parent.
- 3-4-4-3 schedule. This schedule is common but can be confusing. Your child spends three days with one parent, then four days with the other parent. Then it switches, with the child spending four days with the first parent, followed by three days with the other parent.
- Alternating every 2 days. This schedule requires the child to switch between the parents every two days. This works well if the parents live close to each other.
- Every extended weekend. One parent may get the child for a long weekend (3 to 4 days), while the other parent gets the child for the rest of the time.
Dealing With Holidays
Handling parenting time during the holidays can be complicated, as both parents typically want to spend time with their children during the holidays. Parents deal with this in a number of ways. For example, if both parents want the kids on Christmas, they may celebrate on different days. One parent may have the kids on Christmas Eve, while the other has them on Christmas Day. Or they may rotate years, so one parent has the kids for Christmas in even years, while the other parent celebrates with the kids on odd years.
Parents may also be assigned holidays. For example, if one parent prefers to have the children on Labor Day weekend, the other parent may be given Memorial Day weekend.
In California, parents can set their own holiday visitation schedules as long as they both agree. If parents can’t agree, they can seek mediation or family court assistance to resolve their differences.
Contact Us Today
Child custody and parenting time are not legal decisions. They are your family’s future. Take your court orders seriously so your children can have the best life possible after a divorce.
Have a custody matter? The Law Offices of Oliver Gutierrez can help. We are ready to work toward a solution that protects your rights and meets your family’s needs.Se habla español. Fill out the online form or call (650) 590-7675 to schedule a consultation today.
