A 50/50 custody schedule gives both parents roughly equal parenting time, but the calendar can look very different depending on school, distance, age, and work schedules.
Common 50/50 patterns
- 2-2-3: frequent contact with both homes, more handoffs.
- 2-2-5-5: fixed weekdays with longer alternating blocks.
- Alternating weeks: simple rhythm, longer stretches away from each home.
- Custom rotation: useful when work schedules or travel make standard patterns awkward.
Preview the stress points
Before choosing a pattern, look at the next 8 to 12 weeks. Weekends, activities, late work days, school breaks, and holidays often reveal issues that a simple rotation name hides.