What are some common visitation plans in Washington?

When the judge gives you and your former spouse shared physical custody, the next step is figuring out a visitation schedule. You’ll want a fair one that gives you and your former spouse an equal amount of time with your child, while still working around your job schedule, family life and other commitments. Here are a few examples of potential arrangements.

What are some examples of visitation schedules?

When it comes to issues of custody and parenting, it’s important to make sure that each parent gets an equal opportunity to spend time with their child. One popular visitation schedule is the simple “alternating weeks” plan. You’ll get a week with your child, then your former spouse gets a week with your child, and so on. Typically, the exchange happens over the weekend.

Another option is the “alternating weeks” schedule with a midweek visit for the other parent. For example, if you have your child this week, your former spouse would get to hang out with your child once in the middle of the week. Likewise, you’d get to spend an afternoon with your child when your former spouse has them over for the week. This prevents your child from going an entire week without seeing the other parent.

Alternatively, if you and your former spouse still live in the same neighborhood, you could trade off every two or three days. With this joint custody schedule, your child won’t have to wait too long before they get to see the other parent.

Who can help you write a visitation schedule?

If you have questions about writing a co-parenting plan or visitation schedule, you might want to talk to your attorney. Counsel could help you figure out a plan that allows you to spend the most time with your child without violating the judge’s order.

FindLaw Network