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Every Third Week Custody Schedule

The every third week schedule runs on a 3-week cycle — children spend 2 consecutive weeks with one parent, then 1 full week with the other. Best for families where distance makes frequent transitions impractical.

April 2026Every Third Week
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Overnights
Mom: 23 · Dad: 7
MTWTFSS
Wk 1
Wk 2
Parent A
Parent B
243/122overnights per year
2exchanges per 21-day cycle
About this schedule

How It Works

The primary parent has the children for 14 consecutive days. Then the other parent has them for 7 consecutive days. This 21-day cycle repeats throughout the year. Transitions happen once every 1–2 weeks, which is ideal for families who live in different cities.

Pros

  • ✓Minimal transitions — only 2 per 3-week cycle
  • ✓Works for parents who live far apart
  • ✓Full-week blocks allow the secondary parent real quality time
  • ✓Long stretches provide stability at each home

Cons

  • ✗Children go 2 full weeks without seeing one parent
  • ✗Can be emotionally difficult for younger children
  • ✗Travel logistics can be expensive and time-consuming
  • ✗School enrollment typically must be with the primary parent

Best For

  • •Long-distance co-parenting situations
  • •Military families or parents who travel for work
  • •Older children (10+) who can handle longer separations
  • •Families using school breaks to supplement the secondary parent’s time

Frequently Asked Questions

Other 70/30 schedules
Every WeekendEvery Third Day
Looking for a different split?
50/5060/4080/20
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Kidtime supports any custody arrangement — create your own pattern, set custom rotations, and track time automatically.