50/50 Plans

A 50/50 parenting plan is just what it sounds like—an arrangement where both parents share equal parenting time. This option is often considered when both parents are equally involved in their child’s life, live relatively close to one another, and have a strong and functional co-parenting relationship. But there are several ways to structure a 50/50 plan to meet your children’s needs.

Week On/Week Off:

Each parent has their child for one full week at a time. This schedule minimizes exchanges, making it easier to manage for busy parents, but it may not work well for younger children who need more frequent contact with each parent.

Pros:

Children spend equal time with both parents.
Simple to track and manage for both parents and children.
It minimizes transitions.

Cons:

Some children, especially younger ones, may find week-long separations from a parent challenging.

5-5-2-2 Schedule: Consistency and Routine

The 5-5-2-2 schedule is a 50/50 plan that provides consistency and routine while splitting parenting time more evenly throughout the week. Here’s how it works:

Parent A has the child for five days (Monday–Friday), and then Parent B has the child for the next five days.
Following this, Parent A has two days (Saturday–Sunday), and Parent B has the same two days the next weekend.
Another way to visualize this schedule is that Parent A has every Monday and Tuesday night, Parent B has every Wednesday and Thursday night, and the weekends (Friday-Sunday night) alternate so that children are with a parent every other weekend.

This schedule creates a repeating cycle where the child knows which days they’ll spend with each parent. It’s often used when parents want to share parenting time equally but with shorter stretches of time away from either parent.

Pros:

Maintains frequent contact with both parents.
Works well for children who thrive on routine.
Give both parents regular and routine involvement with their child’s school and after school activities.

Cons:

More frequent exchanges may feel disruptive, especially for parents living further apart.

3-4-4-3 Schedule: Balanced and Predictable

The 3-4-4-3 schedule is another 50/50 option that splits the week in a predictable way. Typically, the schedule looks like this:

Parent A has the child for three days (Monday–Wednesday), then Parent B has four days (Thursday–Sunday) in the first week.
In the second week, the schedule flips, with Parent A having four days and Parent B having three.

This alternating pattern ensures the child spends equal time with both parents while maintaining regularity in their routine.

Pros:

Predictable and easy to follow.
Works well for school-aged children who can manage alternating schedules.
Works well for young children who may find it difficult to be away from a parent for more than a few nights.

Cons:

Frequent transitions may be challenging for younger children or parents with complicated work schedules.
This schedule can be a bit confusing for children and parents to follow since the mid-week exchange days alternate.

Choosing the Right Parenting Plan

When deciding on a parenting plan, consider the following factors:

Your Child’s Age and Needs: Younger children often benefit from more frequent contact with both parents, while older children may adapt better to longer stretches.
Parenting Communication: A schedule like 3-4-4-3 or 5-5-2-2 requires regular communication and cooperation between parents.
Distance Between Homes: These plans work best when parents live relatively close to one another and the child’s school, minimizing travel time.
Flexibility and Work Schedules: Evaluate whether the plan aligns with your work commitments and ability to manage exchanges.

The court’s ultimate focus—and yours—should always be on what serves your child’s best interests. Oregon courts encourage parents to work together to create a plan that supports their child’s well-being and stability.

Need Help Designing Your Parenting Plan?

Parenting schedules can be overwhelming to navigate, but you don’t have to go it alone. As an experienced family law attorney in Oregon, we’ve helped countless families develop parenting plans that work for them. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need guidance fine-tuning a plan, we are here to help.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to split time - it’s to ensure your child feels loved, supported, and secure, no matter the schedule. Reach out if you’d like to discuss what might work best for your family. Together, we can craft a parenting plan that meets your needs and helps your child thrive.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified Oregon family law attorney.

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