Creating shared custody schedules that actually work requires balancing practical logistics, children’s developmental needs, and both parents’ work obligations. Prioritizing stability and consistency is imperative for making them work. The child custody attorneys at Turner Family Law help families develop realistic custody schedules tailored to their unique circumstances, ensuring children thrive while both parents maintain meaningful relationships with them.
Standard Visitation
Courts frequently order standard visitation schedules when one parent has primary physical custody and the other exercises regular, though less extensive, parenting time. A traditional child custody arrangement in South Carolina follows predictable patterns:
- Weeknights: The non-custodial parent receives one weeknight (usually Thursday) visit from after school or work until bedtime, allowing midweek contact without disrupting school routines
- Weekends: Alternating weekends from Friday evening until Sunday evening. This provides the non-custodial parent with extended time for activities, outings, and quality bonding with children.
- Holidays: Parents alternate major holidays each year or split holiday breaks, with specific schedules for Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and other significant occasions
- Summer: Extended summer visitation often grants the non-custodial parent several weeks of consecutive parenting time to compensate for the limited time during the school year
We customize standard visitation schedules to accommodate your family’s needs while ensuring children maintain strong relationships with both parents. These arrangements work well for families where significant distance, work schedules, or other factors make equal time sharing impractical or inadvisable.
Shared Child Custody Schedules That Actually Work
Shared physical custody schedules aim to split parenting time evenly while also fostering stability for the children. They work best when parents live nearby and can coordinate around school, activities, and other daily routines.
Alternating Weeks
Children spend a whole week with each parent, switching homes on the same day each week to maintain a predictable routine. Alternating weeks reduces transitions and allows each parent to run a complete household. That said, younger children may find long separations challenging.
2-2-3 Child Custody Schedules
Children alternate spending two weekdays with one parent, two with the other, then three days with the first parent, switching the pattern the following week. This child custody schedule ensures that children see both parents multiple times each week and never go more than 3 days without seeing either parent. The frequent transitions suit younger children who need regular contact with both parents, but may prove logistically challenging for families with demanding work schedules.
2-2-5-5 Child Custody Schedules
In this rotating schedule, children spend two days with one parent, two with the other, followed by five days with each parent in turn. The 2-2-5-5 child custody schedule offers frequent contact and longer uninterrupted periods, while also blending the advantages of short and extended custody arrangements. We recommend this schedule for school-age children who adapt well to routine changes but benefit from extended periods in each home.
3-4-4-3 Child Custody Schedules
Children alternate spending three days with one parent, four days with the other, then four days with the first parent and three days with the second parent, over two-week cycles. The 3-4-4-3 child custody schedule distributes time equally, while also preventing one parent from monopolizing weekend activities and bonding time.
The varied pattern requires more coordination. However, it works well for parents committed to equal parenting time without extended separations.
7/7 Child Custody Schedules
Children alternate full weeks with each parent, creating a simple, predictable schedule. This works well for older children and teens who can maintain routines independently. We caution against this schedule for very young children who may struggle with week-long separations from either parent.
Considerations for Child Custody Schedules in South Carolina
South Carolina courts evaluate many factors when approving or modifying child custody schedules to ensure arrangements serve children’s welfare. Parents must consider these elements when proposing shared child custody arrangements:
- Child’s Best Interests: South Carolina courts focus on the child’s best interests under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240. Judges prioritize stability, continuity in education and extracurricular activities, maintaining family relationships, and meeting physical and emotional needs.
- Parental Proximity and Schedules: Parents should live close enough to allow frequent exchanges. Shared custody arrangements mean maintaining flexible work schedules for school drop-offs, pick-ups, and activities without excessive travel.
- Child’s Age and Adaptability: Younger children usually need more frequent transitions to maintain strong bonds with both parents, while older children benefit from longer stays in each home to reduce disruption to school, homework, and extracurricular routines.
We assess your family’s specific circumstances to recommend schedules that courts will likely approve under South Carolina law. Our experience with local judges helps us anticipate how courts evaluate proposed custody arrangements and identify potential objections before they become obstacles.
Contact a Family Law Attorney to Discuss Your Child Custody Schedule
The right custody schedule can mean the difference between children struggling with constant changes and children who thrive with predictable routines and strong relationships with both parents. Contact Turner Family Law today or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced child custody attorney who can help create practical arrangements that support your family and protect your parental rights.
