Physical custody and parenting time (previously called visitation) are what most people think of when they think of children and divorce. It is here that we discuss who the children live with and when. It is here that holidays and vacations are discussed. This is where you as the parents establish a schedule for access to the children.
Before discussing what you need to figure out, let me remind you that this schedule should reflect the best interests of your children. This isn't about you and your needs. You should consider what gives your children the most stability, continuity and security. As I said, this isn't about you and your needs.
You must establish a regular parenting time schedule, holiday parenting time schedule and vacation parenting time schedule.
Regular parenting time: There are two options for a regular parenting time schedule.
Option #1: One parent has primary physical custody and the other sees the children according to a parenting time schedule . The children live with the primary physical parent for more than 50% of the time. This is how you end up with something along the lines of every other weekend and one night per week to the non-custodial parent. In truth, the parenting time schedule established for the non-custodial parent can be anything that works for both parents and the children. It is often developed to accommodate the work schedules of the parents and sometimes the school activity schedules of the children.
Option #2: Each parent has equal parenting time, which is exactly as it sounds. Each parent literally has the children 50% of the time. There are several different ways to divide up the available time equally. One is to have the children live with each parent for one week at a time, exchanging the children on a particular day at a particular time each week. Another is to assign one parent Monday and Tuesday of each week, the other Wednesday and Thursday and have them alternate the weekends from Friday to Sunday. This is called a 5/2, 2/5 schedule. (If you think this is confusing for you to understand consider how confusing it may be for your children to remember.) Consider your children carefully when contemplating an equal parenting time schedule. How well would your children do going a week without seeing either parent or bouncing back and forth every couple of days?
And remember...
While you may find helpful insights or bits of information in this blog as it progresses, keep in mind that this is only being provided as general information to help you and others get started in this process. My first and best advice is to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in the area of family law. This is the only way to truly obtain advice directly pertinent to your situation. I am available for consultation by calling (928) 458-5026 to schedule an appointment.
