Parenting Time, “Custody”: 5/2/2/5 And 2/2/3
Preparation of Parenting Plan Mediation Part Three
The below plans may start at any time during the week.
5/2/2/5
Pros
- If set up the right way both parents can enjoy weekend parenting time.
- Your child can spend time with both parents each week.
- Your child doesn’t go a long time without seeing a parent.
- The schedule is consistent during the week and is structured.
- Your child lives with the parents on mostly the same days so it is fairly easy for the children to remember.
- Both parents have equal amounts of parenting time so there may be less fighting about the schedule.
- This is a shared parenting schedule so both parents provide daily caregiving to the child.
- This schedule can work very well if parents have non-traditional work schedules.
- This schedule can work for younger children who aren’t in school.
Cons
- There are frequent exchanges that the parents must remember and keep track of.
- One parent may have the child every other weekend.
- Your child changes homes frequently and may struggle with the exchanges.
- Since your child will spend weekdays in both parents’ homes, the parents must communicate about school, homework and other activities. Collaboration should be ongoing, regardless.
- The parents must live relatively close to each other.
- If a child is in school, both parents must live close to the school.
2/2/3
Pros
- Children can spend time with both parents each week.
- Children don’t go very long before seeing either parent.
- The schedule is structured and can be easily implemented.
- The schedule can work with unusual employment schedules.
- Both parents have the same amount of time with the children and this can reduce conflict.
- This schedule can work for younger children who aren’t in school.
- This is a shared parenting schedule and both parents can perform daily caretaking.
Cons
- There are frequent exchanges which take time and planning.
- Children may not do well changing homes so frequently.
- The schedule doesn’t repeat for two weeks so there is a lot to keep track of.
- Parents must take extra effort to keep each other informed about the child’s school work and other activities.
- Parents must live close to each other and close to the child’s school.
- Parents must be able to communicate well with each other and commit to making the schedule work.
