What is the difference between physical and legal custody?

Physical custody refers to where the child lives (what the schedule defines). Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Parents can share joint legal custody while having an unequal physical custody arrangement. Joint legal custody is the norm in most states.

Custody Schedule Calculator

Build and compare custody schedules with visual 2-week calendars. Choose from 10+ preset arrangements or create a custom schedule. See overnight percentages, transitions per month, and child support impact.

Updated April 2026 UCCJEA / Best Interests Standard Private — runs in your browser

Parent A Name

Parent B Name

Select a Schedule

Week On / Week Off — 2-Week Calendar

Alternating full weeks. Exact 50/50 split with 2 transitions per cycle.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Parent AParent B

Schedule Statistics

Parent A: 50.0%

Parent A Overnights7 / 14 nights

Parent B Overnights7 / 14 nights

Monthly Overnights (A)~15 nights/mo

Transitions / Cycle1 exchanges

Advanced Calculator

Schedule and child support impact analysis, holiday schedule planner, transition frequency comparison, and exchange logistics guide.

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Schedule & Income Setup

Parent A Name

Parent B Name

Base Schedule

Children

Parental Income

Parent A Annual Income

Parent B Annual Income

Parent A

50.0%

7 / 14 nights

Parent B

50.0%

7 / 14 nights

Child Support Estimate

$66/mo

PayerParent A (higher earner)

NCP Custody %50.0%

Transitions/Cycle1 exchanges

Child Support vs. NCP Custody Time

Professional Simulator

Full schedule comparison matrix with child support for every arrangement, child age developmental recommendations, and lifetime financial impact across all schedule options.

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Global Settings

Parent A Name

Parent B Name

Parent A Annual Income

Parent B Annual Income

Children

Child's Age

All Schedules Comparison

2-2-3 Rotating

Parent A: 50.0% · Parent B: 50.0% · 5 transitions/cycle

$70/mo

CS via Parent A

5-2-2-5 Rotating

Parent A: 71.4% · Parent B: 28.6% · 4 transitions/cycle

$40/mo

CS via Parent A

Every Other Weekend

Parent A: 71.4% · Parent B: 28.6% · 3 transitions/cycle

$40/mo

CS via Parent A

Week On / Week Off

Parent A: 50.0% · Parent B: 50.0% · 1 transitions/cycle

$70/mo

CS via Parent A

70/30

Parent A: 78.6% · Parent B: 21.4% · 4 transitions/cycle

$30/mo

CS via Parent A

80/20

Parent A: 85.7% · Parent B: 14.3% · 3 transitions/cycle

$20/mo

CS via Parent A

Common Custody Schedule Types

A custody schedule (or parenting plan) specifies which parent has the child on each day of the year. Courts encourage parents to create a workable schedule that serves the child's best interests. These are the most commonly used arrangements:

Every Other Weekend (EOW) — ~21% / 79%

The traditional arrangement where the non-custodial parent has the child every other weekend (typically Friday evening through Sunday). This gives the non-custodial parent roughly 21% of overnights. It minimizes transitions but limits involvement of the non-primary parent.

2-2-3 Rotating Schedule — 50/50

The child spends 2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, then 3 days with Parent A — alternating so each parent gets every other weekend. This achieves near-equal time but requires frequent transitions (6 per two-week cycle), making it best suited for parents who live close together and communicate well.

Week On / Week Off — 50/50

Alternating full weeks between parents. This is the most common 50/50 arrangement for school-age children. It minimizes transitions (2 per cycle) and provides consistency, but means children go 7 days without seeing one parent — which can be difficult for young children.

5-2-2-5 Rotating Schedule — 50/50

A combination that gives one parent every Monday and Tuesday, the other parent every Wednesday and Thursday, and weekends alternate. This ensures children see both parents every week while alternating weekends.

Overnights % = (Parent's Overnights in Cycle ÷ Total Cycle Days) × 100
Annual Overnights ≈ (Overnights % ÷ 100) × 365
Monthly Overnights ≈ Annual ÷ 12

Example — Week On/Week Off Statistics

Two-week cycle: 7 overnights each parent.

Parent A Overnights7 / 14 nights (50%)

Parent B Overnights7 / 14 nights (50%)

Annual Overnights (each)~182 nights

Transitions per Cycle2 exchanges

Annual Transitions~52 exchanges

Official Sources & Legal References

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the custody schedule affect child support? ▼

Most states use an income shares or percentage of income model that applies a custody-time credit. The more time the higher-earning parent spends with the child, the lower their child support obligation. Moving from an 80/20 schedule to a 50/50 schedule can significantly reduce the higher earner's support obligation. Some states have specific formulas for "shared custody" when each parent has 40% or more time.

What schedule works best for young children? ▼

For infants and toddlers (ages 0-3), developmental psychologists typically recommend shorter, more frequent visits rather than extended overnights with the non-primary parent. As children develop secure attachments and routines (ages 3-6), slightly longer stretches become appropriate. School-age children (6+) generally adapt well to most schedules, including equal time arrangements.

Can the custody schedule be changed after the divorce is final? ▼

Yes, custody orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a parent relocating, a child's changing needs, school changes, work schedule changes, or evidence that the current arrangement is not working in the child's best interests. Courts always apply a "best interests of the child" standard to modification requests.

How are holidays handled in a custody schedule? ▼

Holiday schedules typically override the regular rotation. Courts commonly split Christmas (Christmas Eve with one parent, Christmas Day with the other), alternate Thanksgiving yearly, split spring break, and give each parent extended time during summer. Mother's Day is typically with the mother; Father's Day with the father. The parenting plan should specify all holidays explicitly to prevent disputes.

What is the difference between physical custody and legal custody? ▼

Physical custody refers to where the child lives — which is what the custody schedule defines. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Parents can share joint legal custody while having an unequal physical custody arrangement. Joint legal custody is the norm in most states unless there is a history of domestic violence or serious conflict between parents.

When to Consult a Family Law Attorney

Custody schedule decisions are among the most emotionally and financially significant in any divorce or separation. While this calculator helps you visualize and compare schedules, a licensed family law attorney can advise on how courts in your jurisdiction typically rule, whether a proposed schedule serves your child's best interests, how schedule changes affect child support, and relocation restrictions. If you and the other parent cannot agree, mediation or a parenting coordinator may help before going to court.

Custody Schedule Calculator

Common Custody Schedule Types

Every Other Weekend (EOW) — ~21% / 79%

2-2-3 Rotating Schedule — 50/50

Week On / Week Off — 50/50

5-2-2-5 Rotating Schedule — 50/50

Example — Week On/Week Off Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

When to Consult a Family Law Attorney

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