Alternating Weeks Custody Schedule

Week on / week off, with a mid-week dinner visit with the off-parent so neither parent goes more than a few days without seeing the children.

7 days A / 7 days B + mid-week dinner with off-parent

Two-Week Pattern

M
T
W
T
F
S
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
Parent A Parent B

How It Works

Same as week-on-week-off (Sunday exchanges), but Wednesday evening every week is dinner with the off-parent. Dinner can be in-person or video call depending on distance. Preserves the simplicity of weekly exchanges while keeping both parents present each week.

Best For

Pre-teens and teens who can handle weekly stretches, with parents who want structured mid-week contact.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Only one full exchange per week
  • Mid-week dinner keeps both parents present in children's weekly rhythm
  • Flexible — the dinner can be in-person or video depending on schedules

Cons

  • Still leaves 6-day gaps between overnights with one parent
  • Mid-week dinner requires coordination and can feel disruptive to the on-parent