Understanding the 4-3 Custody Schedule
The 4-3 custody schedule is a straightforward, fixed parenting plan. Unlike 50/50 rotating schedules, this plan splits the week into a consistent 4-day block for one parent and a 3-day block for the other, providing extreme stability for children who thrive on routine.
1. Overview
The 4-3 schedule (sometimes called "4-3-4-3" or a "60/40 split") allocates parenting time based on fixed days of the week that never change.
- Parent A has the child for 4 days every week.
- Parent B has the child for 3 days every week.
Over the course of a year, this results in approximately 57% of time for Parent A and 43% of time for Parent B. While not a perfect mathematical 50/50, it is often treated as a shared custody arrangement in many jurisdictions because both parents have substantial, regular time with the child.
This schedule is popular because it avoids the confusion of "Week 1 vs. Week 2" rotations. Every Monday is exactly the same as every other Monday.
2. How the 4-3 Schedule Works
The week is typically divided into "weekdays" and "weekends," though any combination of days works.
Common Example (The "Weekend Split"):
- Parent A (4 Days): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
- Parent B (3 Days): Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
In this scenario, Parent A is the "School Week Parent," handling homework, bus stops, and weekday routines. Parent B is the "Weekend Parent," handling leisure time, sports games, and relaxation.
Alternative Example (Mid-Week Split):
- Parent A: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
- Parent B: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Regardless of the specific days chosen, the key feature is that the schedule repeats identically every 7 days.
3. Visual Example
Because the schedule is fixed, the calendar looks the same every single week. There is no rotation to memorize.
School
Weekend
School
Weekend
4. Weekly Rotation Breakdown
This schedule offers two consistent exchanges per week.
- Monday Morning: The child transitions to Parent A (often via school drop-off).
- Friday Afternoon: The child transitions to Parent B (often via school pick-up).
This simplicity reduces the mental load on the child. They know that "School Days = Mom" and "Weekends = Dad" (or vice versa), without needing to check a color-coded calendar on the fridge.
5. Advantages
Maximum Stability
This is the easiest schedule for young children to understand. The routine never changes, which helps reduce anxiety and confusion about where they are sleeping tonight.
Easy Planning
Parent A can schedule piano lessons every Wednesday without asking Parent B. Parent B can plan hiking trips every Saturday without checking the rotation.
Fits Work Schedules
If one parent works weekends and the other works a standard 9-to-5, this schedule perfectly aligns childcare with work availability, reducing the need for babysitters.
Frequent Contact
The child is never away from either parent for more than 3 or 4 days. This ensures strong bonds are maintained with both the "weekday" and "weekend" parent.
6. Disadvantages
Unequal Leisure Time
One parent never gets a relaxing weekend with the child. The other parent never has to deal with the stress of school mornings. This imbalance can lead to resentment ("You only do the fun stuff!").
No Breaks
The weekend parent never gets a weekend off to travel or rest. The weekday parent never gets a break from the morning rush. The lack of rotation means the "grind" is permanent.
Not Exactly 50/50
If you are legally mandated to have exactly equal time, this schedule falls short (approx. 60/40). You would need to add vacation weeks for the 3-day parent to balance the math.
Missed Activities
The weekend parent will never be able to take the child to Monday night soccer practice. The weekday parent will never wake up with the child on a leisurely Sunday morning.
7. Best Situations for This Schedule
The 4-3 schedule is highly recommended for:
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: The high consistency and frequent contact (3-4 days max separation) are ideal for early childhood development.
- Complementary Work Schedules: When one parent is a restaurant manager (busy weekends) and the other is an office worker (busy weekdays).
- High-Conflict Parents: Because the schedule is fixed, there is zero need to negotiate dates. It operates like clockwork, minimizing communication triggers.
8. When It May Not Work Well
- Parents Seeking True Equality: If both parents want equal shares of "fun time" (weekends) and "work time" (school days), this schedule feels unfair.
- Older Children: Teens often have weekend jobs, sports, or social lives that might conflict with always being at one parent's house every single weekend.
9. Common Questions Parents Ask
Can we rotate the 4-3?
If you rotate the 4-3 (so Parent A gets the weekend one week, then Parent B gets it the next), you are actually doing a 2-2-5-5 schedule or a 3-4-4-3 schedule. A true 4-3 is fixed and does not rotate.
How do we handle the time difference?
To bridge the gap from 43% to 50%, many agreements give the 3-day parent (Parent B) extra time during summer break. For example, Parent B might get 6 weeks of summer custody while Parent A gets 2 weeks.
Does it have to be Friday-Sunday?
No. The 3-day block can be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. However, the Friday-Sunday split is the most common because it aligns with the school week, making transitions easier to manage.
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.