What Are Child Custody Schedules?

When parents separate, one of the most important things to organise is a child custody schedule. This schedule outlines when the child will spend time with each parent, helping to provide stability and reduce conflict. It aims to disrupt your child's life as little as possible and can be created around your family’s unique needs. A great way to do this is to create your schedule based on your child’s age. This will allow you to take into consideration your child’s needs currently and give you the flexibility to change those arrangements as your child gets older and their needs change.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but some of the more common arrangements include:

• Week-on, week-off: The child spends one full week with one parent, then the next with the other.
• Every second weekend: One parent has primary care, and the other spends alternate weekends with the child.
• Split weekdays and weekends: For example, one parent has Mondays to Thursdays, and the other has Fridays to Sundays.
• School holidays and special occasions: Time is often split equally for holidays, birthdays, and major events.

Every family is different. Custody schedules can and should be tailored to suit your unique situation. Flexibility and communication are key, what works now might need to change as children grow. Factors to consider include:

• Parents’ work rosters or commitments
• School routines and extracurricular activities
• The age and needs of the child
• Distance between households

A well thought out custody schedule can make co-parenting smoother by setting clear expectations and reducing misunderstandings. It helps your child feel secure, supported, and connected to both parents. The flexibility of the schedule allows for changes to be made when needed and fits around every family.

For more family law advice like this, feel free to reach out to Genuine Legal for a consultation. Call us on (07) 2102 0641 if you need our assistance.