Divorce can be overwhelming, especially for parents. Mississippi spouses with children may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to share custody after a separation. Though it used to be the norm for mothers to have full custody, many people have realized that it is better if both parents stay actively involved in their kids’ lives, which entails figuring out a joint custody schedule that works for everyone.
There is no one-size-fits-all custody schedule
Ideally, parents should schedule custody changes so that their children do not go too long without seeing one of their parents. This is particularly the case for younger children, who can develop separation anxiety if they do not see one of their parents for more than a few days. However, for some parents, it may be too difficult to trade custody more often than once a week. If that is the case, parents should make an effort to see their children during their off weeks, such as by having dinner together or volunteering in their child’s classroom.
The 2-2-3 and 3-4-4-3 schedules
If it is something that parents can manage, a good co-parenting option is either the 2-2-3 or the 3-4-4-3 schedule. These schedules both give one parent custody for four days and the other person three days for one week, and then the parents switch the next week. These schedules are effective in that neither the children nor the parents have to go more than four days without seeing each other.
Though co-parenting should be collaborative, it does not have to be 50-50
Some parents may not want to share custody 50-50 due to work or other obligations, and there are options for that as well. There is also no rule saying that you have to have the same custody schedule every week. For example, if one parent travels twice a month for work, you can agree to share custody 50-50 whenever that parent is not traveling. A Mississippi-licensed family law attorney can help you plan for contingencies and craft a detailed custody plan.