Parenting Time

Since it is no longer common for children to have two parents who both work 9 to 5 jobs, there is no longer an average or typical schedule of parenting time. The best schedule is one that takes account of each parent’s availability, as well as the best interests of the children.

Often, the parents agree on a schedule that includes alternate weekends and weekday time one or two times per week. There can be much variability in such schedules, however. The weekend can be a long as from Friday afternoon, pick up at school, to Monday morning, drop off back at school. Or it can be as short as from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. The weekday time can be for a couple hours for dinner, or one or two overnights during the week. All of these terms are negotiable.

The parents can also agree to shared parenting or 50-50 time. This type of arrangement is not favored by the court because judges often feel that it takes too much cooperation between the parties, but it can be agreed upon in an out of court settlement. A shared parenting schedule can use alternating weeks or any other arrangement which is acceptable to the parents. However it is scheduled, both parents must work closely to coordinate every aspect of the child’s activities, including school work, doctor and dentist appointment, extracurricular activities, and ever clothing and accessories. 



Call David W. Teeter for your free consultation at 516-408-3832.