Are you navigating the complexities of co-parenting in Texas and feeling overwhelmed by the various options for possession (also known as visitation) schedules? You are not alone.
Separation is a challenging time for any family, especially when it comes to maintaining consistent and equal time with your child. Creating a smart visitation schedule that works for both parents will often promote a healthy and respectful co-parenting relationship.
For many families, a 50/50 possession schedule presents a viable solution, ensuring both parents have an equal share of parenting time and parenting responsibilities. Let’s explore some common 50/50 possession schedules, accompanied by visuals, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
- Week- on, Week-off Schedule: This schedule allows for both parents to share time with the child on a weekly basis, Parent A having the child for an entire week (7 days) and then Parent B having the child the following week.
Pros:
- Provides a predictable routine for both parents and the child.
- Allows each parent to have seven (7) consecutive days of uninterrupted time with their child.
Cons:
- Without frequent transitions it might lead to a child missing the other parent.
- Challenges for parents with unpredictable work schedules.
- Seven (7) days may be too much time apart from their child for some parents.
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- 2-2-3 Schedule: This schedule involves a two-day, two-day, and three-day rotation, ensuring more frequent transitions and more opportunities for the child to interact with both parents.
Pros:
- Both parents are guaranteed multiple visits throughout the week and on different days of the week.
- Regular transitions between the child and each parent will ensure consistent contact.
Cons:
- The repeating pattern changes every week and may be difficult for the child to anticipate the schedule.
- Coordinating the schedule can be more complex due to the frequent transitions.
- Some children may find it more emotionally challenging to switch between households so frequently.
- 2-2-5-5 Schedule: This schedule involves a two-day, two-day, five-days and five-days rotation. This is a more frequently used option as it allows for regular transitions while still providing longer, uninterrupted periods for each parent.
Pros:
- Provides more consistency for a child as they will always know that they will be with Parent A on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Parent B on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Both parents get extended, uninterrupted time with the child in five (5)-day stretches
Cons:
- The longer stretches with one parent may require the child to constantly adjust to a different routine after the two-day stretch.
Choosing the Right Schedule
Selecting the most appropriate 50/50 possession schedule requires careful consideration of various factors, including some of the following:
- the child’s age;
- the child’s developmental needs;
- each parent’s work schedule;
- proximity to the child’s school; and
- most importantly each family’s needs and dynamics.
It is critical for parents to prioritize the best interests of the child when crafting a visitation schedule and to remain flexible and willing to adjust as circumstances change over time. For example, parents need to consider their child’s routine, well-being, extracurriculars, and their own ability to communicate and cooperate with their parents. While these schedules allow for the opportunity to have equal time with the child, the success of these schedules ultimately relies on the parties’ ability and commitment to being open, flexible, and reliable with each other.
Navigating a possession schedule can be complex, especially during emotionally charged situations such as divorce or separation. If you have any questions or need guidance regarding 50/50 possession schedules, please contact our office to learn more about your options in determining the best schedule for your family.
Written by Maria E. Portella
