Designing and implementing a parenting and visitation schedule is understandably a touchy subject. The parenting plan can be emotional because it may limit the time a parent spends with a child. The ability to visit and spend time with children is of the utmost importance to parents.
An idea of typical parenting time schedules in Colorado can help you create one of your own.
What is Parenting Time?
Parenting time describes the visitation periods a parent has with children. A parenting plan is a formal document that lists specifics involving parenting time.
A parenting plan includes information about custody details, parenting routine schedules, and holiday and summer visitation.
50/50 Custody Schedules
50/50 Custody Schedules are common in Colorado and strive to afford both parents equal child custody.
Alternating Weeks Parenting Plan
The alternating weeks parenting plan is popular because it is simple, straightforward, and requires less changeover. One parent takes the child for one week, and the next week, the other parent takes the child.
The 7/7 rotating plan also allows parents to spend weekdays and weekends with children. A drawback of this plan is that it requires parents to go longer without seeing a child and is, therefore, better suited for older children.
5-2-2-5 Parenting Plan
In a 5-2-2-5 Parenting Plan, both parents get two regular days of the week with a child. The remaining three days of the week, often Friday through Sunday, alternate.
This parenting plan is often used for younger children because it restricts consecutive days away from the other parent. A downside of this parenting plan is that it increases the number of exchanges that parents must make. Exchanging custody can be stressful depending on the relationship between co-parents.
3-4-4-3 Parenting Plan
In the 3-4-4-3 Parenting Plan, parents keep three days of the week each and alternate one day each week, typically a weekend day.
This is another parenting plan designed for young children to reduce the consecutive days away from the other parent. It requires an increase in exchanges between parents.
Can You Make a Parenting Time Schedule in Colorado?
In Colorado, parents can make their own parenting time schedules, and courts encourage it. Parents can collaborate to devise a parenting schedule that works for the children. Parents must create a written version and submit it to the court for proof of arrangements.
Get The Plan in Writing
Once the parenting plan is complete and sufficiently detailed, submit it to the court. The parenting plan will list different parenting schedules and details regarding the child’s exchange and locations of child exchange. Listing details and defining expectations removes the element of surprise and promotes normalcy for the children involved.
Contact an Attorney for Parenting Time Schedule Assistance in Colorado
Contact our team at Jones Law Firm, PC, or call us at 720-513-5983 for a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.