Finding The Right Parenting Time Schedule For Your Family
In Minnesota, parenting time refers to the time each parent spends with their child as part of a custody arrangement. During a divorce or separation, the parents must determine a shared custody schedule that suits the best interests of their child. In some cases, parents can work together to find an arrangement that works for everyone. In others, a judge may have to intervene.
At Hill Crabb, LLC, in Edina, our attorneys assist parents throughout the Twin Cities metro area in establishing a Minnesota shared custody schedule. Whether you can negotiate with your co-parent or you need representation in the courtroom, you can trust our parenting time attorneys to put the best interests of your family first.
Helping You Understand Your Options In A Minnesota Shared Custody Schedule
Depending on your custody arrangement, there are numerous parenting time schedules you can choose that suit the needs of all parties. One of the most common parenting time schedules is the 5-2-2-5 weekly schedule (see example below), which allows for a two-week rotation.
If your child has special needs or is neurodivergent, establishing a parenting time schedule can be more complex. In these cases, parents must consider the stress of switching households on the child, the daily stresses of parenting alone, difficulties in school and how the divorce impacts your child and their needs. For example, children with special needs may struggle more with transitioning between households.
The following examples are some common Minnesota shared custody schedules. At Hill Crabb, LLC, we can help you find a tailored solution depending on your circumstances and needs.
Equal Custody Schedules
5-2-2-5 Schedule
Each parent gets the same 2 days in a row each week, with the weekends alternating.
- Pros: Provides consistency in scheduling for parents and allows kids to generally know where they will be based on the day of the week.
- Cons: Depending on the age of the children, the 5-day stretches may feel too long.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
2-2-3 Schedule
Each parent gets 2 days in a row each week, but the two days they get alternates on a two-week rotation.
- Pros: Great for little kids as they never go more than 3 days without seeing a parent.
- Cons: The alternating days each week makes it harder for parents to schedule around.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
Week-On/Week-Off Schedule
Parents each have 7 days in a row, with exchanges happening on a set day each week, such as Sunday, for example.
- Pros: Great for older kids (middle school or high school age) or children who are involved in a lot of sports, so kids don’t have to worry about forgetting equipment or school assignments at the other parent’s home.
- Cons: 7 days are long stretches of time away from a parent.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
Unequal Custody Schedules
Unequal schedules can also serve the best interest of children and can vary in structure and percentage of time. Minnesota statute provides that a parent is presumptively entitled to 25% parenting time. Below are examples of unequal schedules that range from 25%-35% for Parent B.
35% Custody Schedule (Option 1)
Under this schedule, Parent B would have an overnight one day per week and alternating weekends Friday to Monday morning. This represents 130 overnights or 35% of parenting time.
- One week on, one week off.
- One parent has the child during the week, and one parent has them during the weekend.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B |
35% Custody Schedule (Option 2)
The following example has the same amount of parenting time as above but a different configuration
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B Until 5pm |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B Until 5pm |
25% Custody Schedule
Under this schedule, Parent B would have overnights one day per week and alternating weekends, Friday to Sunday at 5 pm. This represents 104 overnights or 25% of parenting time.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W2 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B Until 5pm |
| W3 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A | Parent A |
| W4 | Parent A | Parent A | Parent B | Parent A | Parent B | Parent B | Parent B Until 5pm |
Graduated Custody Schedules
In some cases where a child has not had the benefit of an established relationship with a parent or has become estranged from a parent, a graduated schedule might be the most appropriate way to introduce/reintroduce a child to a parent. Under a graduated schedule, parenting time would start slow and increase over a period of weeks
Let Us Help You Move Forward
At Hill Crabb, LLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find a parenting plan that works for you. We will always take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you find a solution that is in the best interests of your entire family. To learn more, schedule a consultation at our Edina office by calling 612-568-5967 or filling out our online contact form.