Pros and Cons of the “2-2-3” Schedule for Child Custody in Atlanta

One of the most important aspects of child custody for Atlanta parents is the schedule. This schedule will dictate how you spend your time with your kids, and there are various options to choose from. One of the most popular options is the “2-2-3” schedule. The following chart shows a two-week rotation following a 2-2-3 schedule:

Under this schedule, the parties alternate the days they have parenting time every week.  Although this schedule might be popular among many parents, it is important to review its various pros and cons before moving forward.

Advantages of the 2-2-3 System

One of the main advantages of the 2-2-3 custody schedule is the fact that both parents enjoy equal amounts of time with their children. Unlike other schedules, the 2-2-3 is a “true” 50/50 approach. Although it might be impossible to split a seven-day week into two equal sections, the 2-2-3 schedule solves this problem relatively easily.

Another advantage is the frequency of exchanges. With exchanges occurring every two or three days, the children will never be away from either parent for very long. This may help parents deal with the emotional turbulence associated with being away from their children.

Children may also appreciate this schedule for the same general reasons. However, it is important to note that children also appreciate predictable schedules. 2-2-3 schedules are consistent, and some might argue that this benefits the mental health of children.

Disadvantages of the 2-2-3 System

The frequency of exchanges under this system may be a benefit, but it could also be a disadvantage, especially in high conflict situations. With children going back and forth between family homes so many times throughout the week, there is greater potential for mistakes, miscommunication, and stress. This affects not only parents, but also the children.

Children may grow tired of constantly traveling back and forth between homes, and some might argue that they would benefit from a more long-term, stable home environment. A 2-2-3 schedule could be particularly problematic if the parents live far apart from each other. In fact, a family court judge in Atlanta might conclude that the 2-2-3 schedule is not suitable for parents who live too far apart.

Parents may also want to consider how a 2-2-3 schedule might affect their child’s educational journey. If your student is spending hours upon hours each week packing up their belongings and traveling between family homes, their grades might start to suffer. After all, it is difficult enough to find time for homework these days, even without the added demands of shuttling back and forth between homes.

Can a Child Custody Attorney in Atlanta Help Me? 

A child custody attorney in Atlanta may be able to help if you need to review various schedules. While the 2-2-3 schedule certainly offers its fair share of benefits, there are also certain downsides that you need to be aware of. Consider expanding on this conversation with an experienced attorney who has dealt with these kinds of situations before. Contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French today to learn more.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorced-with-children/201108/custody-arrangements-for-very-young-children