Understanding the 60/40 Custody Schedule
The 60/40 custody schedule offers a balanced compromise between the traditional "Every Other Weekend" plan and a full 50/50 split. It allows one parent to maintain primary responsibility for the school week while ensuring the other parent has substantial, frequent time with the child, often including extended weekends.
1. Overview
A 60/40 schedule divides the child's time so that Parent A has custody roughly 60% of the time (about 4.2 days per week on average) and Parent B has custody roughly 40% of the time (about 2.8 days per week).
This is most commonly achieved through the 4-3 Schedule (which we cover in a separate guide), but it can also be created by extending standard weekend visits. For example:
- Parent A: School week (Monday-Thursday) and alternating weekends.
- Parent B: Every Thursday overnight, plus alternating extended weekends (Friday-Monday).
This arrangement is often seen as "Shared Custody Lite." It provides the stability of a primary home base without relegating the other parent to a "visitor" role.
2. How the 60/40 Schedule Works
While there are many variations, the goal is always to expand Parent B's time beyond just 2 days a week.
The "Every Weekend Plus" Model:
- Weekdays: Parent A has Monday-Friday morning.
- Weekends: Parent B has Friday afternoon to Monday morning every week.
(Note: This specific version actually leans toward 70/30 or even 50/50 depending on exchange times, but is often categorized here).
The "Extended Alternating" Model:
- Week 1: Parent A has Mon-Thu. Parent B has Friday-Monday morning (3 nights).
- Week 2: Parent A has Mon-Tue. Parent B has Wed-Thu (2 nights). Parent A has Fri-Sun (3 nights).
This creative mix ensures Parent B sees the child during the week and gets long weekends, inching the total time up to 40%.
3. Visual Example
Let's look at the classic 4-3 split, which is the cleanest way to achieve 60/40. Notice how Parent A (Blue) always has 4 days and Parent B (Green) always has 3 days.
4 Days
3 Days
4 Days
3 Days
4. Weekly Rotation Breakdown
The 60/40 schedule allows parents to play to their strengths while sharing the load.
- Parent A (60%): Usually covers the bulk of the school week. They handle the "business" of parenting: homework, doctor visits, and routines.
- Parent B (40%): Usually covers the weekend plus one or two weekdays. This allows them to be involved in both leisure time and some school/homework responsibilities, preventing them from becoming just a "weekend parent."
5. Advantages
Substantial Involvement
40% is significantly more than standard visitation. It allows Parent B to feel like a true co-parent rather than a visitor, fostering a deeper bond with the child.
Predictability
Most 60/40 schedules (like the 4-3) are fixed. The child knows exactly which days they are at each house, reducing anxiety and confusion.
Flexible for Work
This schedule works well when one parent has a traditional M-F job and the other works weekends or has a flexible schedule. It aligns childcare with parental availability.
School Stability
Parent A handles the majority of school mornings. This consistency helps children who struggle with organization or have demanding academic loads.
6. Disadvantages
Perceived Inequality
Even though 60/40 is close to equal, the 10% gap can be a source of conflict. Parent B may feel like a "second-class parent," while Parent A may feel overburdened by the extra 20%.
Weekend Imbalance
Often, to achieve the 40%, Parent B gets most of the weekend time. This leaves Parent A with all the work (school) and none of the fun (Saturday relaxation).
Missed Activities
If the schedule is fixed (e.g., Parent B always has Thu-Sat), Parent B will never see a Sunday soccer game, and Parent A will never see a Thursday night recital.
Financial Implications
In some states, child support calculations change drastically at the 50/50 mark. A 60/40 split might result in significantly higher payments for Parent B than a 50/50 split, leading to financial disputes.
7. Best Situations for This Schedule
The 60/40 schedule is ideal for:
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: The stability of a primary home combined with frequent contact (3-4 days max separation) supports secure attachment.
- Parents with Different Schedules: If one parent travels for work 2 days a week, this schedule naturally accommodates their absence.
- Close Proximity: Parents should live relatively close (within 20 mins) to make the mid-week exchanges or school runs feasible.
8. When It May Not Work Well
- High-Conflict Parents: If parents cannot agree on a schedule, a 60/40 split often feels "unfair" and leads to litigation for 50/50.
- Teens with Jobs: If a teenager works weekends, a schedule that puts them at one house every weekend (to hit the 40% mark) will conflict with their employment.
9. Common Questions Parents Ask
Is 60/40 considered "Shared Custody"?
Legally, it depends on your state. In many jurisdictions, any time over 35% or 40% is considered shared physical custody, which impacts child support and legal decision-making power.
Can we rotate the days?
You can, but rotating a 60/40 split usually turns it into a 50/50 split (like the 2-2-5-5). The defining characteristic of 60/40 is that the days are unequal. If you rotate them fairly, you end up with 50/50 over a two-week period.
Does Parent A make all the decisions?
No. Physical custody (where the child sleeps) is different from Legal Custody (decision-making). Even with a 60/40 physical split, parents usually share 50/50 Legal Custody regarding medical, religious, and educational decisions.
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.