A 60/40 custody schedule, also known as unequal or primary custody, is a type of parenting arrangement where one parent has primary physical custody of the children, while the other parent has visitation rights. Under this arrangement, the children typically spend 60% of their time with the primary custodial parent and 40% of their time with the non-custodial parent. This type of custody arrangement can be beneficial for families where one parent is better able to provide a stable and consistent home environment, or where there are concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for the children.
However, a 60/40 custody schedule can also present challenges for both parents and children in terms of scheduling and maintaining strong relationships. It is important for parents to carefully consider their children’s needs and well-being when making decisions about custody arrangements.
What Is A 60/40 Custody Schedule?
A 60/40 custody schedule is a type of parenting arrangement where one parent has primary physical custody of the children, while the other parent has visitation rights. Under this arrangement, the children typically spend 60% of their time with the primary custodial parent and 40% of their time with the non-custodial parent. This type of custody schedule can be beneficial for families where one parent is better able to provide a stable and consistent home environment, or where there are concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for the children.

However, a 60/40 custody schedule can also present challenges for both parents and children in terms of scheduling and maintaining strong relationships.
60/40 Custody Schedule Split
Long Weekends
This plan divides the week into two parts: a regular week and a long weekend. Parent #1 has custody of the children from Monday morning to Friday early afternoon, and Parent #2 has custody from Friday early afternoon to Monday morning. In this situation, Parent #2 is usually the one who drops the kids off at school on Monday morning and picks them up on Friday afternoon. The fundamental benefit of this schedule is that the days are always the same; nevertheless, one parent gets it every weekend. This can be a problem if Parent #1 works during the week, as they will have very little downtime with the children.
4-3
Custody schedules are frequently presented as numbers with dashes in between in discussions. This refers to the manner in which the days are divided between the parents. In the 4-3 schedule, for example, Parent #1 has the children for four days and Parent #2 has them for three days. This keeps happening.
2-2-5-5

The 2-2-5-5 parenting schedule is a type of 60/40 custody arrangement where the children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other parent, and then five days with the first parent, followed by five days with the second parent. This pattern then repeats, with each parent alternating the two-day and five-day periods. This type of schedule can provide a consistent routine for the children and allow both parents to have significant time with them. However, it may not work well for parents who live far apart or have demanding work schedules, as it requires frequent transitions between homes. It’s important for parents to carefully consider their children’s needs and their own schedules when choosing a custody schedule and to be open to making adjustments as needed.
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2-2-3
The children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other parent, and then three days with the first parent, followed by three days with the second parent. This pattern then repeats, with each parent alternating the two-day and three-day periods. This type of schedule can provide a consistent routine for the children and allow both parents to have significant time with them.
However, it may not work well for parents who live far apart or have demanding work schedules, as it requires frequent transitions between homes. It’s important for parents to carefully consider their children’s needs and their own schedules when choosing a custody schedule and to be open to making adjustments as needed.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on A 60/40 Custody Schedule
When deciding on a 60/40 custody schedule, parents should consider their children’s needs, their own schedules, the children’s relationship with each parent, the distance between homes, the ability to communicate and cooperate, and the children’s adjustment to the schedule.
How to Create A Successful 60/40 Custody Schedule
Creating a successful 60/40 custody schedule requires careful planning and communication between both parents. To start, parents should consider their children’s schedules and needs, as well as their own schedules and availability.
When creating a schedule, it’s important to prioritize consistency and predictability, as well as the children’s ability to maintain relationships with both parents. It’s also important for parents to be flexible and willing to make adjustments as needed. Using a shared calendar or scheduling app can be helpful for coordinating transitions and managing any changes to the schedule.
Common Challenges of A 60/40 Custody Schedule for Parents And Children
A 60/40 custody schedule can present several challenges for both parents and children. For parents, managing scheduling conflicts and coordinating transitions can be difficult, especially if they live far apart or have demanding work schedules. Additionally, the parent who has less time with their children may feel like they are missing out on important moments in their children’s lives. For children, frequent transitions between homes can be disruptive to their routine and may cause stress or anxiety.

Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with both parents can be challenging, especially if one parent is less involved in the child’s daily life. It’s important for parents to be aware of these challenges and to work together to address them. This may involve being flexible and willing to make adjustments to the schedule, as well as prioritizing open communication and the needs of the children. Seeking professional help, such as counseling or mediation, can also be beneficial for both parents and children in navigating the challenges of a 60/40 custody plan.
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Conclusion
A 60/40 custody schedule can be a viable option for some families where one parent is better able to provide a stable and consistent home environment or where there are concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for the children. This type of custody arrangement can also provide children with a sense of stability and consistency while allowing them to maintain a relationship with both parents. However, a 60/40 custody schedule can present challenges for both parents and children in terms of scheduling and maintaining strong relationships. It is important for parents to carefully consider their children’s needs and well-being when making decisions about custody arrangements, and to approach co-parenting with an open mind and a focus on what is best for the children.
FAQs of 60/40 Custody Schedule
How many days does a 60-40 split take?
This is a genuine 60/40 split, but for older children who have activities and school, it may feel like a lot of back-and-forths. Three days are spent with the parent who has 60% custody, followed by two days with the parent who has 40% custody, and so on.
What exactly is a 60/40 split?
A 60/40 portfolio invests 60% of its assets in equities and 40% in bonds. The 60/40 split is intended to reduce risk while delivering profits, even during moments of market volatility. The possible disadvantage is that it is unlikely to yield as strong returns as an all-equity strategy.
How do parents decide on a 60/40 custody schedule?
Parents should carefully consider their children’s needs and well-being when making decisions about custody arrangements, and work together to create a schedule that works for everyone.
What if one parent doesn’t agree to a 60/40 custody schedule?
If one parent doesn’t agree to a 60/40 custody schedule, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a mediator or other professional to help negotiate a custody arrangement.
What are the benefits of a 60/40 custody schedule for children?
A 60/40 custody schedule can provide children with a stable and consistent home environment, while also allowing them to maintain a relationship with both parents.