When parents separate or divorce in Georgia, one of the most important issues to resolve is how they will share custody and parenting time of their children. Parenting time refers to the schedule that determines how much time each parent spends with the children after a breakup or divorce, and it’s essential for ensuring that both parents remain involved in the child’s life.
Typical parenting time schedules in Georgia Family Law.
In Georgia, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors like the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the physical proximity of the parents. While every family’s situation is unique, there are several common parenting time schedules used in Georgia courts as starting points for creating fair and workable custody arrangements.
The Standard Parenting Time Schedules (Every Other Weekend & Midweek Visitation)
One of the most typical parenting time arrangements in Georgia is the standard schedule, especially when one parent is designated as the primary custodian and the other has visitation rights. In these arrangements, the non-custodial parent typically has visitation during weekends and some additional time during the week.
– Weekends: The non-custodial parent typically has the children every other weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. This allows the children to spend the majority of their week with the primary custodial parent. However, weekends can begin on Fridays and end on Monday mornings or even start Thursday evenings and end on Monday mornings.
– Midweek Visitation: In addition to weekend time, the non-custodial parent may have one evening visit during the week (often for dinner or a few hours on a school night or possibly an overnight visit). This ensures that the non-custodial parent has consistent and regular contact with the child, even if it’s for a short period.
– Holidays and Special Occasions: In Georgia, holiday parenting time is typically alternated each year between the parents. Summer vacations, school breaks, and other special occasions like birthdays are also typically divided between the parents.
This arrangement works well for families where the parents live near each other and are able to maintain a routine despite the shared time.
The Alternating Weekends with Extended Visitation
In cases where a 50/50 schedule may not be feasible, alternating weekends with extended visitation is a common solution. In Georgia, this schedule often looks like:
– Parent 1 has the children during the week (e.g., Monday through Friday).
– Parent 2 has the children every other weekend (from Friday evening to Sunday evening).
– Parent 1 may have extended time with the children during school holidays, vacations, and special events.
This arrangement allows the non-custodial parent to maintain regular contact on weekends while providing the primary custodial parent with more time during the week. Extended visits during school breaks can help balance the parenting time over the course of the year.
The 50/50 Shared Parenting Schedule
In Georgia, a 50/50 shared custody arrangement aims to give both parents equal time with the children. Georgia courts generally encourage shared custody when both parents are willing and able to co-parent effectively. The 50/50 schedule is often used when parents are committed to maintaining significant involvement in their children’s lives.
There are various ways to structure a 50/50 schedule:
– The Week On / Week Off Schedule: In this arrangement, the children spend one full week with each parent, rotating back and forth on the same day each week. This is a simple and predictable schedule that works well for children who are old enough to handle a longer period with each parent.
– The 2-2-5-5 Schedule: Another common shared parenting arrangement is the 2-2-5-5 schedule, where the children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then five days with the first parent, as demonstrated below. This gives each parent extended time with the children but still allows for frequent contact.
– Parent 1 has the children for 2 days (e.g., Monday and Tuesday).
– Parent 2 has the children for 2 days (e.g., Wednesday and Thursday).
– Parent 1 and 2 Parent 2 then alternate 3 days (e.g., Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
– The “Bird’s Nest” Custody: In Georgia, some parents may choose the “bird’s nest custody” arrangement, where the children stay in the family home and the parents rotate in and out based on the custody schedule. While this can minimize disruption to the children’s routine, it is often difficult to maintain financially and logistically.
Shared parenting schedules work best when both parents have similar parenting styles, are geographically close, and are able to communicate effectively for the sake of the children.
Holiday and Vacation Schedules in Georgia
In addition to regular parenting time, Georgia courts typically require parents to create a holiday and vacation schedule to ensure both parents get to spend important holidays and school breaks with the children. These schedules usually include alternating major holidays, summer vacations, and school breaks.
Because holidays and vacations can carry significant emotional value, it’s important for parents to communicate and negotiate a plan that allows both parents to celebrate these events with the children, while still being fair to everyone involved.
Final Considerations
When developing a typical parenting time schedule in Georgia, it’s essential to keep the best interests of the children as the top priority. Each family is different, and while the schedules mentioned above are common, they can and should be adjusted to fit the unique needs and circumstances of the parents and children involved.
Georgia courts will always consider the ability of the parents to cooperate and communicate when determining the appropriate schedule. In situations where parents are unable to agree on a plan, mediation or a family law attorney may be necessary to help navigate the process.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a plan that fosters stability, ensures the children maintain strong relationships with both parents, and provides the support and care they need as they adjust to their new family dynamic.
If you’re navigating a custody dispute or need assistance creating a parenting time schedule, contact Platt Family Law. We can help you understand your rights and options based on the specific circumstances of your case.
