There are virtually an unlimited number of ways to share physical custody of your children with your ex. Parents can organize their parenting plans around their and their children’s schedules to best reflect the needs and best interests of everyone involved. In this article, we will discuss the Alternating Weeks parenting plan, which could be a great way to organize your own parenting schedule.
Why the Alternating Weeks plan can work
Imagine your children have a busy school schedule and other extracurricular activities. When you are caring for them, you have to make sure they get to school and these activities. You also have to make sure that you get to work. Adding one more drop off or pickup to your schedule because you need to drop your kids off at your ex’s house multiple times a week can make you want to do as few parental exchanges as possible during the week.
If you also live on opposite ends of town from your ex, exchanging your kids can take even more time out of your day. For these and other reasons, some parents choose the Alternating Weeks parenting plan, which only requires them to drop off or pick up their kids one time per week.
How the Alternating Weeks plan works
The Alternating Weeks parenting schedule is easy to remember and easy to organize. Pick one day a week for the exchange, such as Fridays, and you will either receive or leave your children on Friday every other week. The kids will live at your house one week, and at your ex’s house the next.
In order for the Alternating Weeks plan to work, your children will need double sets of wardrobes, toys and other favorite items at both houses. This way your kids don’t feel like they’re always on the move without a solid base that’s their home. When done properly, your kids will feel secure with all their things in both of your residences.
Consider your parenting plan carefully
Once you’ve signed your divorce agreement, it might not be easy to change your parenting plan. As such, North Carolina parents will want to consider the plan they choose carefully to ensure that it reflects the schedules and needs of everyone in the family it affects.