60/40 Custody Schedule: What’s with a 4-3 Example?

A 60/40 joint physical custody agreement means that your child will spend 60 percent of his time with one parent and 40 percent of his time with the other. This is a great schedule because it gives both parents a significant amount of time with the child, but one parent has a little more time.

Parents and/or courts may choose to have this as part of their parenting plan due to work schedules, the child’s personality, or because they don’t want to split it evenly.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you or the other parent is seeking 60/40 physical custody.

First, with a 60/40 plan there may be more problems paying for child custody. Some states require you to pay child support based on how much time you do or don’t have with the child. In this situation, you will have to pay more than if you had 50/50 physical custody. The only way to find out what your state requires is to ask a lawyer or research your state’s laws.

Second, look at the motivation for a 60/40 plan. Many parents try to push for 60 percent because they think it will give them a step up from the other parent. This is not always the case, but you want to make sure that the custody schedule chosen is in the best interest of the child. You can also consult your lawyer if you are concerned.

Finally, thank you for the time you are given. Some parents are upset if 60/40 is given and feel it should have been 50/50. Look on the bright side of being able to have your child as much as you do. There are many people who would love to have 60/40 custody.

Hours 4-3

The 4-3 schedule is probably one of the most popular options under 60/40 joint physical custody. This schedule works by having your child spend 4 nights a week with one parent and three nights a week with the other.

This schedule is very simple and can be tailored to your needs. For example, each parent can have the same nights each week or can change the nights to fit work, school, or weekend schedules. This schedule is also known as the all-weekend schedule if one parent has the child on all three nights of the weekend.

The benefit of this plan is that your child spends frequent time with both parents. They know that they both love them and are committed to being their parents.

There are some requirements to effectively implement this plan. You and the other parent must live very close to each other and to the child’s school. You will also need to be able to communicate well to update each other on school and other activities.

If you follow this plan, make sure your child is old enough to go back and forth from house to house each week. Some children really struggle with the frequent change. You may want to consider other schedule options if this is the case.

Conclution

60/40 physical custody with a 4-3 schedule is a great option for you, the other parent, and your child. The most important thing to think about when choosing a parenting schedule is determining what is best for your child. No one knows a child and their needs better than parents. Good luck!