The Week-On Week-Off Custody Schedule

50/50 split2-week rotationYour time: 50%
A week-on week-off custody schedule (also called alternating weeks or 7-7) is a 50/50 plan where the child spends one full week with one parent, then the next full week with the other. It has just one exchange per week, usually on the same weekday, making it the simplest equal-time schedule to run.

What this schedule looks like

Week 1
MonYou
TueYou
WedYou
ThuYou
FriYou
SatYou
SunYou
Week 2
MonCo-parent
TueCo-parent
WedCo-parent
ThuCo-parent
FriCo-parent
SatCo-parent
SunCo-parent
Your parenting timeCo-parent's time

Example layout starting on a Monday. Your time is shown in terracotta. Which parent is “you” and the exact start day depend on your own agreement or court order.

How the rotation works

You have the child for seven straight days, then your co-parent has them for the next seven. The exchange happens on a fixed day each week (Friday after school and Sunday evening are both common). Many families add a short midweek dinner or video call with the off-duty parent so the child does not go a full seven days without contact.

Who it works best for

  • School-age children and teens who handle longer stretches well
  • Co-parents who live farther apart
  • Families who want the fewest possible exchanges

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Only one exchange per week
  • Long, settled stretches in each home
  • Very easy to remember and plan around

Trade-offs

  • A full week away from each parent
  • Harder on younger children
  • A forgotten item can be gone for a week

Track a Week-On Week-Off automatically

Custody Hero fills your calendar from this pattern, then logs every late pickup, missed day, and makeup day owed, so you always have a clear record. Start a 3-day free trial.

Get Custody Hero

Frequently asked questions

Is week-on week-off the same as 50/50?

Yes. Each parent has the child for one full week out of every two, an even 50/50 division of time.

How do you handle a week-on week-off exchange?

Pick one fixed exchange day and time each week and keep it consistent. Friday after school or Sunday evening are the most common. A standing midweek dinner with the other parent is a popular add-on.

Is a week too long for kids to be away from a parent?

It depends on the child's age and temperament. Teens often prefer it; younger children may do better on a 2-2-3 or 2-2-5-5 schedule that breaks up the time.

Other custody schedules

2-2-3 Custody Schedule
50/50 · 2-week rotation
2-2-5-5 Custody Schedule
50/50 · 2-week rotation
3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule
50/50 · 2-week rotation
Every-Other-Weekend Custody Schedule
about 79/21 · 2-week rotation
Every Other Weekend Plus a Weeknight
about 64/36 · 2-week rotation

This guide is general information about parenting-time schedules, not legal advice. Custody Hero is not a law firm. Your schedule, terminology, and rights depend on your own agreement and court order and on the laws of your state — consult a licensed family-law attorney about your situation.