Duohem2-2-3 Custody Schedule: How It Works
The 2-2-3 custody schedule is a repeating 14-day plan that gives both homes equal time. Each home has 7 nights per cycle, with regular short periods and six handovers.
The first four weeks
Home 1Home 2
How it works
Starting on a Monday, the child spends Monday and Tuesday in home 1, Wednesday and Thursday in home 2, and Friday through Sunday in home 1. The next week begins with Monday and Tuesday in home 2, followed by Wednesday and Thursday in home 1, and Friday through Sunday in home 2.
After the second Sunday, the pattern starts again on Monday in home 1. The six handovers occur as the schedule moves between the six blocks: 2 days, 2 days, 3 days, 2 days, 2 days, and 3 days. Over the full cycle, each home has 7 nights.
Your calendar
Change the start date to match your family. Days in each home are coloured.
Home 1Home 2
What parents like
- Both parents have frequent, ongoing time with the child.
- The schedule creates an equal 50/50 split over each 14-day cycle.
- No parent goes a long time without seeing the child.
- The repeating pattern can make planning easier once it becomes familiar.
What to think about
- Six handovers per cycle can feel busy for some families.
- The schedule may require careful coordination around school, activities, and belongings.
- Short stays can be tiring if transitions are difficult for the child or parents.
Works best for
The 2-2-3 schedule may suit families who value frequent contact with both parents and can manage regular handovers calmly. It can work best when homes are reasonably close and routines are consistent.
Tips
- Use one shared calendar to record handovers, school events, activities, and holidays.
- Agree in advance where and when each handover will happen.
- Keep everyday essentials in both homes when possible to reduce packing.
- Review the schedule together after a few cycles and note what is working well.
Questions and answers
How does the 2-2-3 custody schedule work?
The child spends 2 days in one home, 2 days in the other, and 3 days back in the first home. The following week reverses the order, creating a repeating 14-day pattern.
Is the 2-2-3 schedule 50/50?
Yes. Over each 14-day cycle, home 1 has 7 nights and home 2 has 7 nights.
How many handovers are there in a 2-2-3 schedule?
There are 6 handovers in each 14-day cycle, including the transition when the cycle starts again.
What are the main challenges of a 2-2-3 schedule?
The frequent handovers and short stays can require extra planning. A shared calendar, clear routines, and agreed handover arrangements can help.
General information, not legal advice. What is best depends on your children and your situation.