If you are going through a divorce with a child, creating a custody schedule is one of the decisions to make. You and your co-parent need to determine how your child will move between the two homes.
It’s essential to select a schedule that suits your specific needs. Here are five factors to help you do that:
1. Your child’s age
If your child is younger, for instance, a toddler or preschooler, they can significantly benefit from frequent contact with both parents. If they are older, for instance, a teenager, they can work with fewer transitions, especially since at this point, they usually have their own life with extracurricular activities, social relationships and part-time jobs.
2. Your child’s needs
You should take into account your child’s individual needs. For example, if they struggle with change, regardless of age, it can help to have a schedule with fewer transitions, allowing them to spend more time with each parent. Other needs to consider are special, medical, educational, developmental, and social.
3. Your child’s daily schedule
Create a custody schedule that works with your child’s daily schedule. Do they go to school or day care? Do they have soccer practice on the weekend? etc
4. Your work schedules
Co-parents should consider their work schedules to avoid custody schedules that will likely result in late pick-ups or drop-offs, constant reschedules and misunderstandings.
5. The distance between the two homes
If you and your co-parent live close to each other, a custody schedule with frequent transitions can work. However, if you live far from each other, your child traveling for an hour every two days may be demanding. The distance from each home to the child’s school, day care and other crucial places also matters.
Making informed decisions when developing a custody schedule is critical. Learn more to choose a schedule that promotes effective co-parenting.