When is a 50/50 Parenting Schedule Right for a Family?
The million dollar question: Can I get a 50/50 parenting schedule; is the other parent going to get it? There is no right answer and no one size fits all. We understand both the allure and fear that surrounds this hot topic. There are times when an equal shared schedule is best for the child, and other times not so much. is just as it sounds - parents share equal parenting time with their children each year. While in a perfect world, each parent would have equal parenting time with their children, however, it is not always in the child’s best interest for a 50/50 parenting schedule to be implemented.
There are factors to consider before jumping to the conclusion that 50/50 is right for your family. 750 ILCS 5/607.2 provides factors that the Court will apply when determining a parenting schedule. Some of these factors include the wishes of each parent seeking parenting time; the wishes of the child; the amount of time each parent spent performing caretaking functions with respect to the child; the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parents and siblings and with any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests; the child’s adjustment to his or her home, school, and community; the distance between the parents’ residences; and the willingness and ability of each parent to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own needs. These factors are not exclusive, and the Court has the authority to use any other factor they deem necessary to decide.
Let’s talk about how some of the statutory factors play out in considering whether a 50/50 parenting schedule is best for a family.
Distance. The distance between parent’s residences is a key consideration because with a 50/50 schedule, there will be frequent exchanges between the two households. If the parents live close to each other, this schedule can work more efficiently versus parents with a great distance between the two households. The distance from each parent’s residence to the child’s school or daycare also will need to be considered.
Daily Schedules and Routine. The work and activity schedules of both parents and the children will also have an impact on parenting time. The children’s school schedule, extra curriculars, and the parents’ work schedule will all be impacted by a 50/50 schedule, and pick up/drop off times may have to be flexible. If one parent travels often for work, or works odd or long hours, a 50/50 schedule may not be practical. Usually a 50/50 schedule is easier with two working parents, rather than one parent who works long hours or non-traditional hours.
Age. The age of the children involved is crucial in determining whether a 50/50 schedule is appropriate. Younger children, especially infants and toddlers, generally have an attachment to a primary caregiver. 50/50 schedules are less than ideal for younger children because even one night away from the primary caregiver can feel much longer to them and can cause stress for the minor child. Step up schedules are typically a good option for younger children especially under age 2, where the parenting time with the other parent can increase as the child ages, so that they are able to spend their key developing years with their primary attachment.
Communication. In order for a 50/50 schedule to run smoothly, parents need to be able to communicate with each other efficiently, due to the increased number of pick up/drop offs and schedule changes that may come up. This means not putting the child in the middle, or speaking negatively about one another in front of the child. Further, with a 50/50 schedule, it is more likely that doctor’s appointments or activities may fall on the other parent’s parenting time, and it is necessary to be able to effectively communicate any scheduling with a co parent. A 50/50 schedule is likely to work best when both parents have always been very hands-on with the child and his/her activities.
Once it is determined a 50/50 parenting schedule will happen, then we consider what actual schedule it will be. Not every 50/50 parenting schedule will look alike, as there are several ways to split parenting time equally. Some of the common schedules include one week on/one week off, typically only put in place with older children. Another popular schedule is the 5-2-2-5 schedule, where each parent has two designated week days and alternating weekends. 3-4-4-3 is another option that parents will use, where they will alternate between three days of parenting time, four days without parenting time, four days with parenting time, and then three days without parenting time. Some families will add in the option of a mid-week dinner so that the minor children do not go more than a couple days without seeing a parent. These are just some options, and parenting time schedules can always be catered to fit the needs of families.
Above all, it is important to keep in mind what will be easiest on the children in terms of transitions, such as modifying the schedule over time as children get older, parents’ work schedules, and summer vs. school year scheduling looking different.
In determining a parenting schedule, there are resources available other than a Judge that can provide assistance in finalizing a schedule. A Guardian ad Litem or Child Representative can be appointed by agreement or by the Court to assist in applying all the above factors and working with the parents and children to find a schedule that works best. A mediator may also be a good alternative to litigation to act as a neutral third party to help parents create a schedule. Erin M. Wilson has worked as a Guardian ad Litem, Child Representative, and Mediator and has crafted individualized parenting schedules for numerous families. Contact The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson for a consultation to discuss potential parenting schedules and the first steps to put one into place, or to modify an existing schedule.
NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.