Why an 80/20 Custody Program Might Work for You
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Why an 80/20 Custody Program Might Work for You

Choosing and understanding all the different types of child custody and schedules is an overwhelming process. An 80/20 custody program has your child spend 80% of their time with one parent and 20% with the other.

This is a more traditional child custody program and is the basic child living with one parent and visiting the other parent every other weekend. This custody schedule is often referred to as the alternate weekend custody schedule.

Child custody is determined in two ways. First, both parents come to an agreement and submit it to the courts for approval. This is more common because it costs less and parents have a say in what happens to their child. Also, the court will usually approve the custody schedule if both parents agree.

Second, the parents cannot agree on custody and go to court. This is substantially more expensive and lengthy. Only about 10% of child custody cases make it to court. When you fight for custody, the court decides what it thinks is best for the child. Sometimes the result is not what either parent would like.

Here are some reasons why you or the court might consider or choose an 80/20 custody program:

  • The parents live too far apart to be able to have more frequent exchanges. However, they live close enough to make it easy to meet a few times a month.
  • One parent has a busy work or school schedule and can no longer have custody of the child.
  • It is determined that it is in the child’s best interest to have a stable home environment without multiple exchanges between the parents.
  • Past behavior or involvement of one parent with the child shows that it would be better to live with the other parent.
  • The child’s age. Younger children need a stable family environment and it is recommended that they have a primary residence until at least school age.
  • Child support payments. One parent may push for this type of child custody because he believes he will get more in child support payments. Another parent may push for more custody time so they don’t have to pay as much if they have more time for the child. I recommend that you speak with a legal professional to see how child support is determined in your state. Each state has different rules and calculations. I strongly believe that a child custody schedule should not be based on child support. It has to be determined by what is in the best interest of the child.

It can be difficult to understand and choose the correct child custody schedule. There are many things to consider and you want to make the right decision. The biggest recommendation I have when helping families choose a custody schedule is to remind them that their situation is unique.

Many people will tell you what to do or need to do. Listen to their advice, but if it doesn’t work for you, don’t worry. The most important thing to do is work toward a schedule that is best for you, the other parent, and especially your child. Your child’s needs should always come first.

Good luck!

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