Common Custody Schedules & Time %
| Schedule | Parent A % | Parent B % | Overnights/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every other weekend | 83% | 17% | 52 nights |
| Every other weekend + Wednesday | 75% | 25% | 91 nights |
| Week on/week off (50/50) | 50% | 50% | 182–183 nights |
| 2-2-3 rotation | 50% | 50% | 182–183 nights |
| 3-4-4-3 rotation | 50% | 50% | 182–183 nights |
| Full custody (one parent) | 100% | 0% | 365 nights |
How to Calculate Parenting Time %
Formula: (Your overnights ÷ 365) × 100 = Your %
Courts count "overnights" — the nights the child sleeps at each parent's home. A 50/50 schedule = 182.5 overnights each per year.
- Count overnights across a full year including holidays, summers, school breaks
- Don't forget to include any agreed alternating holidays
- Document your schedule in a parenting plan or court order
How Parenting Time Affects Support
In most states using the Income Shares model, parenting time directly reduces the non-custodial parent's support obligation:
- More overnights → lower support obligation (for the non-custodial parent)
- At 50/50 (182+ overnights), many states apply a "shared custody" reduction
- Some states only apply the reduction above a threshold (e.g., 146 overnights in CA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is parenting time calculated?
Parenting time is calculated as a percentage of overnights. Divide your annual overnights by 365 and multiply by 100. For example, 91 overnights ÷ 365 = 24.9% parenting time.
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?
Not necessarily. Even with equal parenting time, child support may still be owed if there is a significant income difference between parents. The higher earner typically pays the lower earner.
What is the standard visitation schedule?
The most common "standard" is every other weekend (4 days/month) plus some holidays. This gives the non-custodial parent about 14-17% of time. Many courts now favor more equal arrangements.
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