Section 61.046(23) of the Florida Statutes defines a “time-sharing schedule” as “a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays, that a minor child will spend with each parent.” The three most common 50/50, regular time-sharing schedules are as follows:

(1) 2/2/3 Schedule — e.g., Monday and Tuesday with Dad; Wednesday and Thursday with Mom; Weekend #1 with Dad; Monday and Tuesday with Mom; Wednesday and Thursday with Dad; Weekend #2 with Mom

(2) 2/2/5/5 Schedule — e.g., every Monday and Tuesday with Dad; every Wednesday and Thursday with Mom; Weekend #1 with Dad; Weekend #2 with Mom

(3) 7/7 Weekly Rotations — e.g., Week #1 with Dad; Week #2 with Mom; exchange on Fridays at school dismissal or 6 p.m. if school is not in session

The above sample time-sharing schedules do not include holidays or extended time with each parent during the summer, which are also part of a parenting plan, but are outside the scope of this particular blog post.

In determining which 50/50 time-sharing schedule might be right for you and your family, it is critical to take into consideration the needs of the child/children. For example, typically, the younger children tend to function better with more frequent contact (e.g., 2/2/3 or 2/2/5/5). In contrast, older children of middle school or high school age might do better with less exchanges (e.g., week-on and week-off). These, of course, are generalities and it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer in crafting the time-sharing schedule that best suits your child’s needs. You may reach out to our team at Coffman Family Law using this form or call us at 407-399-7440 to discuss your families’ specific needs.