Understanding the Every Third Week Custody Schedule
The Every Third Week schedule allows one parent to have the child for two consecutive weeks while the other parent has the child for the third week. This rotation provides long periods of stability and minimizes travel, making it an excellent option for parents who live far apart.
1. Overview
The Every Third Week schedule (sometimes called a 2-1 split) operates on a three-week cycle.
- Week 1: Parent A
- Week 2: Parent A
- Week 3: Parent B
This pattern repeats indefinitely. Over the course of a year, Parent A has custody roughly 66% of the time, and Parent B has custody roughly 33% of the time.
While not a 50/50 split, it offers significant, high-quality parenting time for the non-primary parent—much more than a traditional "every other weekend" plan. The child gets to settle in for a full week with Parent B, experiencing daily life, school runs, and weeknight routines, rather than just weekend fun.
2. How the Schedule Works
The schedule relies on a single exchange day that happens once a week, but the direction of the exchange changes based on the cycle.
Let's assume the exchange day is Sunday at 6:00 PM.
- Start of Cycle: Child stays with Parent A for 14 straight days.
- Day 14 (Sunday): Child goes to Parent B.
- Day 21 (Sunday): Child returns to Parent A.
This means exchanges only happen two times in a three-week period. The rarity of transitions is a major feature of this plan.
3. Visual Example
Here is what a full 3-week cycle looks like. Notice the long block of Blue (Parent A) followed by a solid week of Green (Parent B).
Full Week
Full Week
Full Week
4. Weekly Rotation Breakdown
The beauty of this schedule is that it allows the child to fully "move in" to a home.
- The 2-Week Block: Parent A has enough time to establish deep routines. School projects, sports practices, and social events are managed consistently without interruption.
- The 1-Week Block: Parent B isn't just a "weekend visitor." They have 7 full days. This means they participate in the school week grind—homework, packing lunches, and early mornings. This helps maintain their authority and bond as a parent, not just a playmate.
5. Advantages
Ideal for Distance
If parents live 45 minutes to an hour apart, driving back and forth multiple times a week is exhausting. This schedule requires only two drives every 21 days.
Immersion Parenting
Parent B gets a full week of "real life." This prevents the "Disney Parent" dynamic where the non-custodial parent only sees the child for fun weekend activities.
Fewer Goodbyes
Transitions are often the hardest part of divorce for children. By minimizing exchanges, you minimize the stress of packing bags and saying goodbye.
Predictable Rhythm
The 21-day cycle is easy to track. "Two weeks with Mom, one week with Dad." It is simple enough for even young elementary school children to understand.
6. Disadvantages
Long Separation
During Parent A's two weeks, the child doesn't see Parent B at all. 14 days is a very long time for a young child to be away from a parent.
Missing Activities
If the child has a recurring activity (like Tuesday night karate), Parent B only gets to see it once every three weeks. They can feel disconnected from the child's weekly hobbies.
Unequal Time
This is a 66/33 split, not 50/50. If both parents want equal time, this schedule requires significant modification (like adding extra weeks in summer) to balance the scales.
Re-entry Friction
After spending two weeks at one house, the transition to the other house's rules and routine can be jarring. The first day after a switch might be behaviorally difficult.
7. Best Situations for This Schedule
The Every Third Week schedule works best for:
- Medium-Distance Co-Parenting: Parents who live too far for daily commuting but close enough (e.g., 30-60 miles) to handle a weekly school run.
- Traveling Careers: If Parent A travels for business two weeks a month (e.g., pilot, sales rep), this schedule can be built around their work roster.
- Older Children (10+): Tweens and teens often handle the longer separation better than toddlers and enjoy having a "home base" for longer stretches.
8. When It May Not Work Well
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: A 14-day gap is too long for children under 5. They need more frequent contact to maintain a secure attachment.
- Different School Districts: If parents live in different cities, Parent B cannot get the child to school during their week. This schedule only works if both parents can facilitate the school commute.
9. Common Questions Parents Ask
Can we add a mid-week visit?
Yes! To help with the 14-day separation, many families add a dinner visit (e.g., Wednesday evening) for Parent B during the middle of Parent A's two-week block. This breaks the long stretch into manageable pieces.
Does Parent B get weekends during the 2-week block?
Typically, no. The trade-off for getting a full week is giving up the weekends in between. However, you can modify it so Parent B gets one weekend day during Parent A's block, though this adds two extra exchanges.
How do holidays fit in?
Major holidays usually override the 3-week rotation. For example, if Christmas falls during Parent A's "Week 1," but it is Parent B's turn for Christmas, Parent B gets the child for the holiday, and the schedule resumes afterward.
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.