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Every Third Day Custody Schedule

The every third day schedule runs on a short 3-day cycle — 2 days with the primary parent, 1 day with the other. This keeps both parents closely involved but requires frequent transitions.

April 2026Every Third Day
SMTWTFS
1
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Overnights
Mom: 20 · Dad: 10
MTWTFSS
Wk 1
Wk 2
Parent A
Parent B
243/122overnights per year
2exchanges per 3-day cycle
About this schedule

How It Works

The primary parent has the children for 2 days, then the secondary parent has them for 1 day. This 3-day cycle repeats continuously. Because it does not align with the weekly calendar, transition days shift each week.

Pros

  • ✓Secondary parent sees the children every 3 days
  • ✓Maintains strong bond with both parents
  • ✓Short separations reduce anxiety in young children
  • ✓Frequent contact even with an unequal split

Cons

  • ✗Very frequent transitions (every 1–2 days)
  • ✗Non-standard cycle makes weekly planning difficult
  • ✗Requires parents to live very close to each other
  • ✗Can be exhausting for parents and children

Best For

  • •Very young children (under 5) who need frequent contact with both parents
  • •Parents who live very close together (same neighborhood)
  • •Temporary arrangements while transitioning to a longer-block schedule
  • •Cooperative co-parents with very flexible schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

Other 70/30 schedules
Every WeekendEvery Third Week
Looking for a different split?
50/5060/4080/20
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