Free Parenting Schedule Calculator - Visualize Your Custody Plan
Calculate parenting time percentages, see visual 2-week calendars, and get age-appropriate recommendations for 50/50 custody schedules, 70/30 arrangements, and other common parenting plans. Understand how different schedules work before making important custody decisions.
Parenting Schedule Calculator
Visualize common custody schedules and calculate parenting time percentages. See how different schedules work for your child's age and your co-parenting situation.
Select Your Situation
50/50 Equal Time Schedules
Child spends one full week with each parent, alternating every week.
Child alternates between 2 days with each parent, then 3 days, ensuring no more than 3 days apart.
Each parent has the same weekdays every week, with alternating 5-day weekends.
Alternating 3 and 4-day blocks provide balance between contact frequency and stability.
Unequal Time Schedules
Child lives primarily with one parent, spending every other weekend with the other parent.
Every other weekend plus one overnight during the week increases non-custodial parent time.
One parent has 4 days, the other has 3 days each week, creating a 60/40 split.
Different ages have different developmental needs
Alternating Weeks (Week-On/Week-Off)
Child spends one full week with each parent, alternating every week.
Parenting Time Breakdown
Two-Week Visual Schedule
Suitability for Your Situation
Excellent Fit (100%)Pros
- •Simplest schedule with only one exchange per week
- •Allows children and parents to settle into a routine
- •Minimizes logistics and potential for conflict
Cons
- •Long separation (7 days) can be difficult for young children
- •Can feel like "living out of a suitcase"
- •May increase separation anxiety in younger children
See How This Schedule Affects Your Finances
Your 50/50 parenting time split can significantly impact child support, tax filing status, and spousal support calculations.
Important Disclaimer:
This calculator provides educational information about common parenting schedules. Actual custody arrangements vary based on individual circumstances, children's needs, and court decisions. The suitability assessments are general guidelines based on child development research and should not replace professional legal or psychological advice.
For a comprehensive parenting plan tailored to your situation, use our full platform or consult with a family law attorney and child psychologist.
How the Parenting Schedule Calculator Works
Choose Your Schedule
Select from 7 common custody arrangements including 50/50 schedules (alternating weeks, 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3) and unequal splits (80/20, 70/30, 60/40).
Enter Your Details
Input your child's age and your co-parenting cooperation level. The calculator provides age-specific recommendations based on child development research.
See Visual Results
View a color-coded 2-week calendar, overnight percentages, exchange frequency, and suitability assessment with pros and cons for your situation.
Understanding Common Parenting Schedules
50/50 Equal Time Schedules
These schedules divide parenting time equally between both parents, ensuring each parent has approximately 182-183 overnights per year. The key differences are in how the time is structured:
Alternating Weeks (7/7)
The simplest 50/50 schedule with only 4 exchanges per month. Best for older children and teens who can handle week-long separations. Requires minimal coordination but means 7 days away from each parent.
High-Frequency Rotation (2-2-3)
Child is never away from either parent more than 3 days. Excellent for infants and toddlers needing frequent contact. Requires exceptional cooperation with 16 exchanges per month.
Consistent Weekday Model (2-2-5-5)
Same weekdays every week (Mon-Tue with one parent, Wed-Thu with the other), alternating 5-day weekends. Ideal for school-aged children who benefit from predictable routines.
Balanced Block Model (3-4-4-3)
A middle ground with alternating 3 and 4-day blocks. Balances contact frequency with stability. Maximum 4 days apart with 8 exchanges per month. Versatile for many ages.
Unequal Time Schedules
These schedules provide one parent with more time while ensuring regular contact with both parents:
Every Other Weekend (80/20)
Traditional visitation schedule with child at primary home during school week, visiting other parent every other weekend. Simple but limited time (73 overnights/year) for non-custodial parent.
Alternating Weekends + Midweek (70/30)
Adds Wednesday or Thursday overnight to standard visitation, increasing to 110 overnights/year. Breaks up long separations and involves non-custodial parent in weekday routines.
4-3 Schedule (60/40)
One parent has 4 days, the other has 3 days each week. Approaching equal time (146 overnights/year) while maintaining a primary home. Predictable weekly pattern.
Age-Appropriate Parenting Schedules
Research in child development shows that different ages have different needs when it comes to parenting schedules. Here's what works best at each stage:
0-3 yearsInfants & Toddlers
Key Need: Frequent, predictable contact with both parents to form secure attachments. Infants cannot retain experiences over long periods.
Max Tolerable Separation: 1-2 days
Recommended: 2-2-3 schedule, 2-2-5-5 schedule, frequent short visits
Avoid: Alternating weeks (7 days is too long for this age)
3-5 yearsPreschoolers
Key Need: Consistent routines and frequent contact while being able to handle slightly longer separations.
Max Tolerable Separation: 3-4 days
Recommended: 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3, 2-2-3 schedules
Considerations: Predictability and consistency between homes is very important
6-12 yearsSchool-Age
Key Need: Stability during the school week while maintaining involvement from both parents in school and activities.
Max Tolerable Separation: 5-7 days
Recommended: Alternating weeks, 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3, 4-3 schedules
Considerations: Minimize transitions on school nights; both parents should attend school events
13-18 yearsTeenagers
Key Need: Flexibility to accommodate busy social and academic schedules. Respect for their growing independence.
Max Tolerable Separation: 1-2 weeks
Recommended: Alternating weeks, 60/40 arrangements, flexible custom plans
Considerations: Teens often prefer fewer exchanges; give them input into schedule decisions
How Parenting Time Affects Child Support & Taxes
The parenting time percentage you calculate here has significant financial implications:
Child Support Calculations
Most states adjust child support based on overnights. A 50/50 schedule often reduces or eliminates payments. Moving from 80/20 to 70/30 can significantly change support amounts.
Tax Benefits
The parent with 50%+ time may claim the child as a dependent. Head of Household filing status, Earned Income Credit, and Child Tax Credit are all affected by custody arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this parenting schedule calculator?
This calculator uses the exact patterns and calculations from the 7 most common court-ordered and mediated parenting schedules. The overnight percentages are mathematically accurate. The age-based recommendations come from child development research and family law best practices. However, every family is unique, and courts may deviate from standard schedules based on specific circumstances.
What's the difference between 50/50 custody and joint custody?
"Joint custody" has two meanings: Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making authority for major life decisions (education, healthcare, religion). Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time with both parents, but doesn't require exactly 50/50 time. A "50/50 schedule" specifically refers to equal parenting time (182-183 overnights per year for each parent).
How many overnights determine child support calculations?
This varies by state, but most states have thresholds. In many states, if a parent has less than 20% of overnights (~73 nights/year), they pay full support. Between 20-35% may get a partial credit. 40-50% often triggers "shared custody" calculations where support is reduced or offset. True 50/50 time (182+ overnights) may result in no support or support based solely on income differential.
Can a parenting schedule be modified after divorce?
Yes. Most courts allow schedule modifications when there's a "material change in circumstances" such as a child's changing developmental needs, a parent's work schedule change, or a move. As children age, schedules should evolve. What works for a 2-year-old won't work for a teenager. Many parenting plans include provisions for regular reviews and updates.
What if we can't agree on a parenting schedule?
If parents can't agree, options include: (1) Mediation - a neutral third party helps you reach agreement; (2) Custody evaluation - a mental health professional assesses what's best for the child; (3) Court decision - a judge decides based on the "best interest of the child" standard. Courts generally prefer equal or substantial time with both parents unless there are safety concerns.
Do these schedules include holidays and summer vacation?
The schedules shown here reflect the regular year-round pattern. Most comprehensive parenting plans layer a separate holiday and vacation schedule on top of the regular schedule. Holidays typically supersede the regular schedule. Summer vacation may use the regular schedule or a modified plan. Our full platform includes holiday and vacation planning tools.
Ready for a Complete Parenting & Financial Plan?
This calculator shows you parenting time percentages. Our full platform helps you understand the complete financial impact of your custody arrangement, calculate child support based on your schedule, optimize for tax benefits, and create a comprehensive divorce financial plan.