Understanding the 70/30 Custody Schedule
The 70/30 custody schedule is a common parenting plan where the child spends approximately 70% of their time with one parent (the "Custodial Parent") and 30% of their time with the other parent (the "Non-Custodial Parent"). It is often used to provide school-week stability while ensuring consistent weekend visitation.
1. Overview
A 70/30 schedule typically means the child lives primarily with Parent A during the week and spends significant weekend time with Parent B.
While "Every Other Weekend" (an 80/20 split) is often the default in standard court orders, many modern families find that 20% isn't enough time. The 70/30 schedule bridges the gap by adding extra days—such as every weekend or extended weekends—giving Parent B nearly one-third of the year.
This arrangement is designed to prioritize academic consistency during the school week while maximizing leisure and bonding time on weekends.
2. How the 70/30 Schedule Works
There are several ways to achieve a 70/30 split, but the most popular version is the "Every Weekend" or "Extended Weekend" model.
Common Example (Every Weekend):
- Parent A: Monday through Friday morning (School Days).
- Parent B: Friday afternoon through Sunday evening (Weekends).
This results in roughly a 71/29 split.
Alternative Example (5-2 Schedule):
- Parent A: 5 days (e.g., Sunday through Thursday).
- Parent B: 2 days (e.g., Friday and Saturday).
The key is consistency. The child has a clear "school base" and a clear "weekend base."
3. Visual Example
The calendar is very predictable. In this example, Parent A (Blue) handles all school nights, and Parent B (Green) handles the weekends.
School
Weekend
School
Weekend
4. Weekly Rotation Breakdown
The 70/30 split creates distinct roles that complement each other.
- Weekdays (Parent A): Focus is on structure. Homework, early bedtimes, doctors' appointments, and daily routines happen here.
- Weekends (Parent B): Focus is on engagement. Sports games, family outings, and relaxation happen here.
This clarity can be very comforting for children who struggle with transitions. They know exactly what to expect at each house.
5. Advantages
School Stability
The child sleeps in the same bed every school night. There is no confusion about which bus stop to use or where the permission slip is. This is ideal for children who need academic consistency.
Predictability
There is no "Week 1 / Week 2" rotation to memorize. Every single week is identical. This routine lowers anxiety for younger children.
Work-Life Balance
If Parent A works from home or has flexible hours, and Parent B works long hours during the week, this schedule perfectly aligns childcare with availability.
More Time Than 80/20
Compared to the standard "every other weekend" plan, this schedule gives Parent B nearly 50% more time with the child (every weekend vs. every other).
6. Disadvantages
No "Fun" Time for Parent A
The primary custodial parent never gets a relaxing weekend with the child. Their time is consumed by the "grind"—waking up early, rushing to school, and enforcing homework.
No Breaks for Parent A
Parent A never gets a weekend off to travel or rest. They are "on duty" every single school morning, which can lead to significant burnout.
Missed School Events
Parent B misses out on the daily rhythm of school life. They rarely see the teacher, help with science projects, or attend Tuesday afternoon soccer practice.
"Weekend Parent" Syndrome
Parent B can inadvertently become the "fun parent" with no rules, while Parent A has to be the strict disciplinarian. This imbalance can cause tension between co-parents.
7. Best Situations for This Schedule
The 70/30 schedule is a specialized plan best suited for:
- Distance Parenting: If parents live 30-45 minutes apart, a mid-week exchange is impractical. This plan allows the child to attend school near Parent A's home without a long commute.
- Conflicting Work Schedules: When one parent works weekends (e.g., retail, healthcare) and the other works M-F 9-5.
- Children Needing Routine: Kids with ADHD or anxiety often thrive when their school week is uninterrupted by transitions.
8. When It May Not Work Well
- Parents Seeking 50/50: If both parents want equal time, this schedule is inherently unfair. One parent has more than double the time of the other.
- Older Teens: Teenagers often want their weekends free to hang out with friends. Being forced to go to the other parent's house every weekend can lead to resentment.
9. Common Questions Parents Ask
Can we give Parent A one weekend a month?
Yes. Many families modify this to a "3 weekends on, 1 weekend off" rotation for Parent B. This gives Parent A a break and a chance to have a fun weekend with the child once a month.
Does this affect child support?
Usually, yes. In most jurisdictions, child support is calculated based on overnights. Because Parent A has significantly more overnights (approx. 240/year vs. 125/year), the support obligation for Parent B is typically higher than in a 50/50 plan.
What about holidays?
Holidays typically override the weekly schedule. Even though Parent B has every weekend, they will likely still alternate major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas with Parent A to ensure fairness.
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.