When going through a divorce with a child, creating a custody schedule is one of the requirements. You and your co-parent need to develop a schedule that allows your child to comfortably move between the two homes.
Here is how you can do this:
Prioritize your child’s best interests
You should take into account your child’s unique characteristics, including their age, needs and routine. If your child is a toddler, they can benefit more from a schedule that allows frequent contact with both parents. If you have a school-age child or teenager, you want a schedule that does not significantly disrupt their school or social lives.
A child’s temperament also matters. Does your child easily adapt to change, or do they need time to adjust? If your child is highly adaptable and handles changes in routine well, you have a lot of options. However, if they have a difficult time with change, fewer transitions and a high level of consistency in routines can be better.
If your child has a special medical, developmental, educational, emotional or social need, choose a custody schedule that allows them to easily receive the care they need. Moreover, consider your child’s daily routines. Do they go to school/daycare? Do they have extracurricular activities?
Consider your schedule and lifestyle
You and your co-parent should factor in each other’s schedules and lifestyles when creating a custody schedule. What are your work schedules? Does any of you frequently travel for work? How far apart do you live from each other? What’s the distance between each of your homes and the child’s school/other activities?
Balancing your child’s best interests and your schedules/lifestyles can help you create a custody schedule that is less likely to lead to misunderstandings. Learn more about how to make informed decisions when it comes to your child during divorce.