Understanding the 3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule
The 3-4-4-3 custody schedule is a balanced 50/50 parenting plan. It provides a consistent "3 days at one house, 4 days at the other" rhythm that repeats every week, ensuring that parents have the same days of the week for most of the rotation.
1. Overview
The 3-4-4-3 schedule splits the week into two main blocks: a 3-day block and a 4-day block.
In the first week, Parent A has the child for 3 days, and Parent B has the child for 4 days. In the second week, they flip: Parent A has the child for 4 days, and Parent B has the child for 3 days.
This creates a two-week cycle where each parent gets exactly 7 days out of 14 (50% custody). It is particularly popular because it usually gives one parent a consistent "start of the week" and the other parent a consistent "end of the week," with the weekend being the only variable that changes.
2. How the 3-4-4-3 Schedule Works
The most common version of this schedule uses specific fixed days. For example:
- Parent A always has: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (3 fixed days).
- Parent B always has: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (3 fixed days).
- Saturday: The only rotating day. It alternates between parents every week.
So, in Week 1, Parent A keeps the child Saturday through Tuesday (4 days), and Parent B has Wednesday through Friday (3 days).
In Week 2, Parent B gets Saturday, extending their block from Wednesday through Saturday (4 days), while Parent A has Sunday through Tuesday (3 days).
3. Visual Example
Seeing the pattern helps clarify the "fixed" nature of the weekdays. Notice how Sunday-Tuesday is always blue, and Wednesday-Friday is always green. Only Saturday changes color.
Fixed
Fixed
Rotate
Fixed
Fixed
Rotate
4. Weekly Rotation Breakdown
The simplicity of this plan lies in knowing "your days."
- Week 1: Parent A has a 4-day stretch. Parent B has a 3-day stretch.
- Week 2: Parent A has a 3-day stretch. Parent B has a 4-day stretch.
You are never away from your child for more than 3 or 4 days, similar to the 2-2-3 schedule, but with fewer total exchanges because the blocks are longer.
5. Advantages
Predictable Weekdays
Just like the 2-2-5-5, this schedule keeps school nights consistent. One parent always handles the start of the week (homework due dates), and the other handles the end of the week (spelling tests).
Only One Exchange Point
In many variations, you only exchange the child twice a week (e.g., Wednesday and Saturday). Fewer handoffs mean less disruption to the child's day.
Frequent Contact
The child sees both parents every single week. There are no long 5-day or 7-day gaps where they might miss the other parent.
Balanced "Fun" Time
Because Saturday rotates, both parents get to experience "weekend fun" time, while also sharing the responsibility of the school week grind.
6. Disadvantages
Split Weekends
This is the biggest drawback. One parent has Sunday, and the other has Saturday (depending on how you set it). It can be hard to plan a full weekend camping trip if you only have one day of the weekend.
Constant Transitions
While better than some schedules, the child still moves houses twice a week, every week. For some children, this feels like they never truly settle in anywhere.
Communication Required
Because you split the school week right down the middle (usually Tuesday night or Wednesday morning), you must communicate effectively about school projects and permission slips.
Inflexible Work Schedules
If Parent A has to travel for work every Monday, this works great. But if work schedules change, the rigid "fixed days" nature of this plan becomes a burden.
7. Best Situations for This Schedule
The 3-4-4-3 is often chosen by:
- Families with Young Children: The frequent contact (never away for more than 4 days) is great for bonding with toddlers and elementary-aged kids.
- Parents with Predictable Jobs: If you work part-time or have specific days off, locking those days in permanently is a huge advantage.
- Parents Who Live Close: Mid-week exchanges are much easier if you live in the same neighborhood or school district.
8. When It May Not Work Well
- Parents Who Want Full Weekends: If you value having Friday night through Sunday night off (or on), this schedule doesn't provide that. It usually chops the weekend in half or leaves one parent with Sunday-only.
- High-Conflict Parents: The mid-week exchange requires coordination. Parallel parenting plans usually prefer week-on/week-off to minimize this interaction.
- Teens with Busy Weekends: Teenagers often want to stay in one place for the whole weekend to hang out with friends, rather than switching houses on a Saturday morning.
9. Common Questions Parents Ask
How do we handle the Saturday exchange?
A common time is Saturday at 12:00 PM or late afternoon. This gives Parent A a nice Saturday morning breakfast, and Parent B gets to do dinner and a movie Saturday night.
Does it have to be Sunday/Monday/Tuesday?
No. You can pick any 3 days. Some parents do Monday-Wednesday for one parent and Thursday-Saturday for the other. The key is to have 3 fixed days for one parent, 3 fixed days for the other, and 1 rotating day.
What if we want full weekends?
If full weekends are a priority, you should look at the 2-2-5-5 schedule. It is very similar to this one but rotates the entire Friday-Sunday block, giving parents alternating full weekends.
The content provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, professional diagnosis, or a binding parenting agreement. Custody laws vary significantly by state and country. Before finalizing any parenting plan, you should consult with a qualified family law attorney or a court-certified mediator to ensure your schedule complies with local regulations and serves the best interests of your child.