DuohemEvery Third Weekend Custody Schedule
The every-third-weekend schedule gives one home time with the child on one weekend out of every three. It creates a steady primary-home routine while keeping regular weekend time in the other home.
The first four weeks
Home 1Home 2
How it works
The rotation repeats every 21 days. Starting on a Monday, the child spends four days in home 1 from Monday through Thursday, then three days in home 2 from Friday through Sunday.
The child returns to home 1 on Monday and stays there for the next 14 days. Each cycle has two handovers, with 18 nights in home 1 and 3 nights in home 2—an 86/14 split—before the pattern starts again.
Your calendar
Change the start date to match your family. Days in each home are coloured.
Home 1Home 2
What parents like
- Provides a predictable, easy-to-follow routine.
- Offers regular weekend time with home 2.
- Limits the number of handovers to two per cycle.
- Can support school-week stability in home 1.
What to think about
- Home 2 has less frequent overnight time.
- Three weeks between weekends may feel long for some children or parents.
- Coordinating activities, travel, and special occasions may require extra planning.
Works best for
This schedule may suit families who want a consistent primary-home routine while maintaining regular weekend contact with the other home. It can work well when parents live close enough for reliable handovers and communicate clearly about plans.
Tips
- Write the full 21-day rotation on a shared calendar.
- Confirm handover times, locations, and who provides transport.
- Plan calls or messages during the longer gap between visits if they feel helpful.
- Add a separate plan for holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and special events.
Questions and answers
How does every third weekend custody work?
The rotation lasts 21 days. Home 2 has the child for one three-day weekend, then home 1 has the child for the remaining 14 days before the pattern repeats.
Which days does the every-third-weekend schedule use?
In a cycle that starts on Monday, the child is in home 1 from Monday through Thursday, home 2 from Friday through Sunday, and home 1 again for the following 14 days.
How many handovers are there in this schedule?
There are two handovers per 21-day cycle: one when the child moves to home 2 for the weekend and one when the child returns to home 1.
How should holidays fit into an every-third-weekend schedule?
Parents can decide separately how holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and travel will fit around the regular rotation. A shared calendar can help show any temporary changes clearly.
General information, not legal advice. What is best depends on your children and your situation.