Crystal Wright | July 2, 2025 | Family Law
When parents do not live together or go through a divorce, they must decide how to co-parent their children. There are many co-parenting schedules in Georgia that courts will approve. The primary emphasis in a co-parenting plan is on determining the best child custody schedule for the child.
This blog reviews co-parenting schedules and factors that influence the best parenting time schedule for your family.
Common Co-Parenting Schedules Georgia Courts Approve
A Lawrenceville family law attorney will review various co-parenting arrangements with you to determine which schedule works best for your children. Standard co-parenting schedules used for child custody in Lawrenceville, GA, include:
Alternating Weekends With Mid-Week Visit
A “standard” visitation plan for co-parenting involves choosing a parent as the custodial parent. The children live with the custodial parent. The children spend every other weekend with the non-custodial parent from Friday evening through Sunday evening. The non-custodial parent also has the children for one night during the off week to spend the night or for a few hours.
Week-On/Week-Off Schedule
Some parents find that alternating weeks work well for them and their children. The children spend an entire week with Parent A and then switch for a week with Parent B. Older children and teenagers may prefer staying in one home for a more extended period, rather than moving in and out of each home for a few days.
2-2-3 Schedule
The 2-2-3 parenting time plan allows the child to live with Parent A for two days, stay with Parent B for two days, and return to Parent A for three days, so that Parent A has the child for a total of five days that week. The roles are reversed the next week so that parent B has the child for a total of five days.
2-2-5-5 Schedule
This parenting time plan is like the 2-2-3 schedule except that the children spend a more extended period with each parent. The parents alternate weekends with the schedule.
3-4-4-3 Schedule
This schedule for parenting time allows the parents to alternate weekends. The child spends three days with Parent A, four days with Parent B, and then returns to spend four days with Parent A, followed by three days with Parent B.
A parenting plan also addresses holidays. Parents often rotate holidays each year. For example, parent A may have the children for Christmas this year and then have them for Thanksgiving next year. Holidays may be shared by the parents, allowing children to spend a portion of the holidays with each parent.
What Is a Bird’s Nest Custody Arrangement?
Some parents may decide to adopt a “bird’s nest custody” or “bird-nesting” arrangement instead of the traditional parenting time plans. With the bird’s nest plan, the children remain in the family home. The parents rotate in and out according to a predetermined custody schedule.
This type of co-parenting plan can be challenging to manage logistically and financially. However, it does provide continuity and security for the child, minimizing disruptions to their schedule.
Factors That Influence the Best Co-Parenting Schedule in Georgia for Your Child
Georgia custody guidelines are based on the best interests of the child. The court strives to obtain the best custody schedule for the child. Georgia Code §19-9-3 requires judges to consider all circumstances of the case when making custody decisions.
The judge must make a custody determination that is in the child’s best interest and will promote the child’s welfare and happiness.
Factors judges consider when deciding whether a co-parenting plan is in the best interests of the child include, but are not limited to:
- The child’s age and developmental needs (young children may require different routines versus older children)
- The school and extracurricular activities in the Gwinnett County School District
- The distance between the parents’ homes and how that impacts the schedule
- The effect of the proposed parenting plan on stability and consistency
- A parent’s willingness and ability to co-parent, including promoting effective communication
- The bond between the child and the parents and siblings
- The physical and mental health of the parents
- Each parent’s past performance of parenting responsibilities
- Any evidence of substance abuse, domestic violence, or child abuse/neglect
- The home environment for each parent
- The willingness and capacity of each parent to provide for the child’s needs, being an active participant in the child’s daily life, and meeting the requirements of the parenting schedule
A judge may also consider a child’s reasonable preferences for custody arrangements. Another consideration is that some parenting plans allow children to see each parent every week, rather than waiting for more extended periods to spend time with a parent.
Shared custody enables families to achieve as close to a 50/50 custody schedule as possible.
Customizing a Co-Parenting Plan in Lawrenceville, GA
Working with a family law attorney helps parents draft a parenting plan that complies with Georgia custody laws while providing for their children’s best interests. A Lawrenceville child custody lawyer can help you negotiate a fair custody settlement with your ex, including mediation when possible to avoid litigation.
If you have questions about a co-parenting agreement or child custody, call Crystal Wright Law, LLC to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your concerns with an attorney.
Contact the Lawrenceville Child Custody Lawyers at Crystal Wright Law For Help Today
At Crystal Wright Law, we understand that every family is unique and are committed to helping you find the best solution for your situation. Our experienced family law attorneys can provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions. Don’t face these challenges alone. Contact Crystal Wright Law’s experienced child custody lawyers at (404) 594-2143 to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve all through Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County and its surrounding areas.
Crystal Wright Law
440 S. Perry Street, Suite 105
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404) 594-2143
