In Louisiana, state law encourages both parents to spend as much time with their children as possible. Shared physical custody is a popular option. Here’s what that might look like after divorce.
2-2-3 or 3-3-4-4 parenting plans
Young children benefit from regular contact with both of their parents. Unfortunately, they can also struggle when their schedules change. A 2-2-3 or 3-3-4-4 parenting schedule can provide the best of both worlds.
In a 2-2-3 schedule, children spend two days with one parent, switch to the other parent for two days, and return to the first parent for the final three days of the week. Alternatively, a family may choose a 3-3-4-4 schedule to lessen the number of exchanges while still giving parents equal access to the kids.
Alternating weeks
Older children may benefit more from an alternating week schedule. In this arrangement, seven days are spent with one parent, followed by seven days spent with the other parent. This allows for fewer disruptions and less travel time between houses.
Nesting as an alternative
Nesting works best between parents who still get along. If you can communicate well and trust your co-parent to stick to the ground rules, nesting can give your kids extra stability during a rough time. It could also save you a significant amount of money.
In traditional shared parenting arrangements, each parent must maintain a suitable home for the family. With nesting, there is one family home. The children live there all the time, while the parents move back and forth. Nesting can be a short-term solution during the divorce process or while children adjust. Thankfully, family law in Louisiana makes it easy to change parenting plans as your goals change.
Regardless of the parenting schedule you follow, it’s important to get your agreement in writing. Consider things like weekends, holidays and summer vacations before they have a chance to become problems. Managed well, a shared custody agreement will give you quality time with your kids while allowing you and your co-parent time apart.