Even though the divorce process in Wisconsin is almost always unpleasant, it’s best for separating parents to put aside their own feelings and focus on what’s best for their children. If you are going through a divorce, one of the important decisions you’ll have to make is how to spend time with your kids. There are several different parenting schedules you could explore depending on your unique circumstances and goals. They include:
Alternating weeks
Upon receiving a shared physical child custody arrangement in Wisconsin, some parents draft a simple schedule that involves their children spending a week with one parent and then the following week with the other parent. That schedule repeats itself on a bi-weekly basis. While it may look easy to follow, it can be disruptive for kids who are used to having both parents in their lives every day.
“Bird nesting”
In a “bird nesting” arrangement, the children remain in the family home while the parents take turns living there. This parenting schedule is beneficial because it provides stability for kids and allows them to maintain their daily routines. However, it can be difficult for parents because they have to find other places to live while still paying utility bills and perhaps a mortgage on the family home.
Split time, or rather 2-2-3 or 3-4-4-2 schedule
This type of parenting schedule is common when one parent lives not far away from the other parent and the children. It typically involves one parent having the kids for two days, followed by the other parent having them for two days, then three days with the first parent, four days with the second parent, and four days with the first parent, with the cycle repeating itself.
Weekends only
In some cases, one parent may live significantly far away for an alternating week or split time parenting schedule to work logistically. In these instances, the non-custodial parent may only get weekends with their children. But this schedule may not be ideal for building a solid relationship with the kids.
When creating a parenting schedule in Wisconsin, it’s important to consider the unique needs of your family. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so you’ll need to find a plan that works best for you, your soon-to-be-ex, and your children.