Divorced couples often have a difficult time sharing physical custody of their kids. Even if the court awards you and your ex joint custody, it can be difficult to make sure a child spends exactly half of the year with one parent and half of the year with the other parent, unless both parents have similar schedules and live near each other.
However, Virginia courts will always consider the best interests of the child when coming up with a custody and visitation arrangement. Here are a few common joint child custody arrangements.
2-2-3 plan
For a 2-2-3 arrangement, the child will spend two days with Parent A, two days with Parent B and then three days/the weekend with Parent A. The following week, the child will spend two days with Parent B, two days with Parent A and then three days/the weekend with Parent B.
5-2-2-5 plan
For a 5-2-2-5 arrangement, the child will spend every Monday and Tuesday with Parent A and every Wednesday and Thursday with Parent B. The parents will alternate weekends. So, the child will spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Parent A and then spend the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Parent B.
Alternating weeks
The child will spend Monday through Thursday with Parent A and Friday through Sunday with Parent B. The following week, the child will spend Monday through Thursday with Parent B and Friday through Sunday with Parent B.
A custody/parenting schedule that works for one family may not work for another for several reasons. That is why many factors need to be considered before implementing a custody schedule. If you need help coming up with a schedule that suits your child’s needs, consider speaking to a family law attorney in your area.