When determining a suitable parenting arrangement for your children, several crucial factors must be addressed. It’s important to note that courts no longer use the term “custody” in legal proceedings. Instead, terms like “parenting time” and “decision-making responsibilities” are employed. However, “custody” remains a widely understood term for those unfamiliar with legal jargon here in Colorado. Essentially, “parenting time” refers to the time each parent spends with their children, including when and how this occurs. A “parenting plan” outlines the schedule governing when and where children will spend time with each parent, including regular weeks, holidays, and vacations. For more about custody and parenting time generally, check out our parenting time guide.
Read on to learn more about Colorado’s most common parenting plans:
Structuring Parenting Plans
Courts typically base parenting plans on two-week cycles to establish predictable routines. The primary guiding principle in crafting these plans is the child’s best interests. Key considerations include the abilities of each parenting, the child’s age, involvement in extracurricular activities, and established routines. Additionally, the feasibility of the arrangement depends on the co-parenting dynamic. For instance, high-conflict relationships may benefit from fewer exchanges to reduce potential disputes.
Let’s explore some of the most common parenting schedules in Colorado:
Equal Parenting Time (50/50)
- Alternating Weeks (7/7 Schedule)
This straightforward arrangement is especially effective for older children. Parents exchange the children once per week, often on Sundays or Mondays after school. This structure minimizes transitions, providing stability. However, it’s generally not recommended for children under ten years old due to extended time away from each parent.
- 5/2/2/5 Schedule
This schedule works well for younger children, as it limits the number of consecutive days spent away from either parent. However, it involves more frequent exchanges. In this arrangement, each parent consistently has the same two weekdays, alternating weekends. For example:
-
- Parent A: Monday and Tuesday.
- Parent B: Wednesday and Thursday.
Weekends alternate between the parents.
- 3/4/4/3 Schedule
Another option for younger children, this plan provides balanced overnight stays while alternating either Saturday or Sunday each week. While it ensures regular interaction, the increased number of exchanges may not suit high-conflict situations.
- 2/2/3 Schedule
Often referred to as the “every other weekend” plan, this arrangement minimizes time away from either parent, ideal for toddlers or small children. Parents alternate custody on weekends, with two days allocated to each during the week.
Non-Traditional Schedules (Firefighters, Doctors, Pilots, etc.)
For parents with non-traditional or irregular work schedules, such as firefighters, doctors, pilots, or other professions requiring extended or unconventional hours, a custom rotating schedule can provide a practical solution. This type of parenting plan aligns with the unique demands of the working parent’s schedule, allowing parenting time to be allocated in flexible blocks that fit around work rotations. For instance, a firefighter who works 24-hour shifts followed by multiple days off might have the children during their off-duty periods. Similarly, a pilot with extended trips could have their parenting time concentrated during stretches of consecutive days off.
The schedule typically includes provisions for advanced planning, where both parents collaboratively create a detailed monthly or bi-weekly calendar based on the working parent’s availability. Flexibility is key, with room for last-minute adjustments in case of schedule changes. To maintain consistency, virtual communication methods, such as video calls, are often incorporated for days when physical parenting time isn’t feasible. This arrangement ensures that children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents while accommodating the unpredictable nature of certain professions. It prioritizes both the child’s stability and the parent’s ability to be actively involved in their lives.
Unequal Parenting Time (60/40 or 70/30)
- 4/3 Schedule
This plan is common for families with a 60/40 split. One parent typically has the children for four days per week, while the other has three. To ensure equitable parenting time, weekends are alternated between parents.
- 5/2 Schedule
Under this arrangement, one parent has the children for five consecutive days, typically from Monday through Friday, while the other parent has them for two days, usually the weekend. This plan is often suitable when one parent has a work schedule that aligns better with weekday responsibilities, such as school drop-offs and pickups.
- Alternating Weekends with a Midweek Visit
In this schedule, one parent has the children for the majority of the week (typically five days), and the other parent has them every other weekend, with an additional midweek visit. This arrangement is particularly useful for ensuring consistent midweek contact for the non-custodial parent.
- Every Weekend Schedule
In this arrangement, the children reside with one parent during the week and spend every weekend with the other parent. This works well when the weekend parent has a more flexible schedule or lives farther away, making frequent weekday visits impractical.
- Extended Weekend Schedule
This plan provides the non-custodial parent with an extended weekend, typically from Friday evening through Monday morning. The children spend the remaining weekdays with the other parent. This slightly shifts the balance closer to a 70/30 split, allowing the weekend parent more quality time.
Relocation Parenting Plans
When parents live far apart but within Colorado, creating a workable long-distance parenting plan is essential. One typical approach involves assigning the school year to one parent and providing the other parent with extended parenting time during school breaks, summer vacations, and holidays. This minimizes disruption to the child’s schooling while maintaining meaningful connections.
Key Considerations for Long-Distance Plans:
- Travel Logistics: Clearly outline transportation responsibilities, including pick-up and drop-off arrangements.
- Expense Sharing: Specify how travel costs will be divided between parents to avoid conflicts over financial responsibilities.
- Communication: Incorporate provisions for regular virtual communication, such as phone calls or video chats, to maintain day-to-day involvement.
Parenting Plans Without Overnights
In some situations, a parent may not have overnight parenting time. This could arise due to restrictions on parenting time. To ensure meaningful interaction while respecting the other parent’s schedule, alternative arrangements are necessary. These might include:
- Weekend Day Visits: Allocating alternating weekends without overnight stays.
- Weeknight Visits: Scheduling consistent weeknight visitation to maintain a routine.
These arrangements aim to create a predictable and manageable schedule for both parents while prioritizing the child’s need for meaningful relationships with each parent. Many custody evaluators stress that it is the quality and frequency of parenting time that matters, not whether it is an “overnight” in the legal sense.
Crafting a Comprehensive Parenting Plan
Creating a parenting plan tailored to your family’s unique circumstances is a critical step in ensuring stability and harmony for your children. While many online resources provide basic templates, these tools often lack the personalized guidance needed to address the complexities of family dynamics and legal requirements. Consulting an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate this process effectively and avoid future conflicts. We highly suggest visiting a website called CustodyXChange, which provides templates and software for creating parenting plans.
Parenting plans involve more than just scheduling; they must address nuanced issues such as decision-making responsibilities, holiday schedules, travel arrangements, and contingencies for unforeseen circumstances. A skilled attorney ensures your plan:
- Complies with legal standards.
- Reflects the best interests of your children.
- Anticipates and minimizes potential areas of dispute.
Additionally, once a parenting plan is filed with the court, any modifications require a formal motion if the other parent does not consent. An attorney’s expertise helps you craft a plan that stands the test of time, reducing the likelihood of costly and time-consuming modifications.
At Griffiths Law, our team of seasoned family law attorneys specializes in drafting thorough and customized parenting plans. We take the time to understand your family’s specific needs, ensuring every detail is considered. By addressing potential issues proactively, we help you avoid future legal battles and protect your children’s well-being.
Let our expertise guide you in creating a parenting plan that provides clarity, structure, and peace of mind for your family. Contact us today to learn how we can support you through this important process.