Custody Schedule Optimizer

In most income-shares states, parenting-time overnights past a threshold (often 92, 110, or 146 nights/year) trigger reductions or "shared custody" formulas. Going from a 80/20 split to 50/50 can reduce the higher earner's child support by 20-40%, sometimes more, depending on state formula.

Common 50/50 schedules include 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and 3-4-4-3. Standard non-50/50 schedules include every-other-weekend with one weeknight (about 80/20), and 5-2-2-5 (about 60/40). Court preferences vary by state and judge; some states presume joint physical custody.

Courts consider the child's relationship with each parent, stability and continuity (school, community), each parent's mental and physical health, history of caregiving, ability to co-parent, child's preference (usually weighted at 12-14+), and any history of abuse or substance abuse. Documentation of involvement matters.

Before agreeing to any schedule that significantly differs from your current arrangement, before relocating with a child, and any time the other parent proposes changes that affect support. Many family courts also offer parenting-coordinator or co-parenting counseling at lower cost than litigation.