50/50 Plans that Work

Illinois considers the best interests of the child when creating a parenting plan, which means that emphasis is on the child’s well-being and not one parent’s wishes or rights.

One of the most popular parenting plans is the 5-2-2-5 plan, where the child spends five days with one parent, two days with the other parent, and then five days with the first parent again, followed by two days with the other parent. This rotation continues week-to-week, ensuring both parents get roughly equal time with their child.

Another popular plan is the 4-3 plan where the child spends four days with one parent and three days with the other parent one week and opposite the next.

Another popular plan, especially with older children or parents who work more one week and less the next is the week-on/week-off plan. This means that the child spends a week with one parent and the following week with the other. I have also seen a few instances of the modified week-on/week-off, where one parent always has Tuesday night, even on their off week, and the other has Wednesday night, even on their off week.

The critical challenge when developing a parenting plan is figuring out what works for everyone involved. The goal of a good parenting plan is to create a schedule that the parents can follow easily, so the child’s life is disrupted as little as possible. A parenting plan should also acknowledge each parent’s work schedule and ensure that they have time to care for their child both as a parent and as an individual. Consequently, it is not only significant to clarify the time when the child spends time with each parent, but also the time for individual activities and leisure (yes, its OK to have not-parenting times too!)

A good parenting plan offers flexibility and can be adjusted when necessary. It is also imperative to be transparent and communicative when changes are needed in the child’s schedule. It is best if adjustments are made calmly and in the best interests of the child.

Of course, all of these require two parents who can learn to cooperate with each other, despite their feelings towards each other. In other words, you have to be able to cooperate, comprimise and work with your former spouse to have a workable 50/50 parenting plan, unless you can both agree to parallel parent.

If you need further parenting time ideas, try looking at custodyxchange.com. The creators of that website have more parenting plans as well.

If you can work this through and agree on the division of stuff, I can help you turn your agreement into your parenting plan and make the process of divorce a lot less messy. Reach out to my office through my website or call me. I have nearly 20 years of experience writing workable parenting plans and can help you through your case.