Creating Professional Custody Schedule Proposals: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

As a family law attorney, presenting custody schedule options to clients is one of the most important aspects of your practice. A well-crafted proposal helps clients understand the practical implications of different arrangements and makes negotiations more productive.

Why Visual Proposals Matter

Clients often struggle to understand what "50/50 custody" or "every other weekend" actually means for their daily lives. Abstract percentages become real when visualized on a calendar showing exactly which days their children will be with each parent.

Visual custody proposals:

• Reduce client confusion about schedule logistics
• Set realistic expectations for parenting time
• Strengthen negotiations with clear, professional documentation
• Demonstrate your expertise in custody matters
• Save time in consultations by showing rather than explaining

Common Custody Schedules to Consider

When creating proposals for clients, consider presenting multiple schedule options that fit their situation:

50/50 Schedules

These work best when both parents want equal time and live close enough for frequent transitions:

• 2-2-3: Alternating pattern with short stretches (5 transitions/week)
• 3-4-4-3: Fixed weekdays, alternating weekends (2 transitions/week)
• Week-on-week-off: Simplest to track but longest time away from each parent

Primary Custody Arrangements

When circumstances require one parent to have more time:

• Every other weekend (14/86): Traditional arrangement, ~52 overnights/year
• Every other weekend + midweek (28/72): Adds Wednesday overnight, ~100/year
• 4-3 fixed (57/43): One parent has weekdays, other has weekends

State Threshold Considerations

Always consider your state's shared custody threshold when proposing schedules. This affects child support calculations significantly:

What to Include in Proposals

A professional custody schedule proposal should include:

1. Visual calendar showing at least one full rotation cycle
2. Overnight count with annual totals
3. Percentage breakdown for each parent
4. Holiday schedule overlay or separate section
5. Exchange logistics (times, locations)
6. Shared custody qualification for your state

Technology That Helps

Modern custody calculator tools can generate professional proposals in minutes rather than hours. Look for features like:

• Multiple schedule pattern options
• Automatic overnight calculations
• PDF export for court filings
• Holiday scheduling integration
• State-specific threshold information

Best Practices for Client Presentations

When presenting custody proposals to clients:

1. Show Multiple Options

Present 2-3 schedule options that could work for their situation. This empowers clients to participate in the decision while demonstrating your expertise.

2. Explain the Math

Walk through the overnight calculations. Clients appreciate understanding exactly how percentages are derived from the schedule.

3. Discuss Flexibility

Real life rarely follows a perfect schedule. Discuss how exchanges work during holidays, school breaks, and when conflicts arise.

4. Consider the Children

Frame discussions around what works best for the children's routines, schooling, and activities rather than just parenting percentages.

5. Document Everything

Professional proposals serve as documentation for negotiations and court filings. Ensure your proposals are clear enough to stand on their own.

Conclusion

Creating professional custody schedule proposals is both an art and a science. By combining clear visual presentations with accurate calculations and state-specific knowledge, you provide tremendous value to your clients while strengthening your practice.

The right tools can transform custody consultations from confusing discussions about percentages into productive sessions with clear, actionable options for families.