How it works
Each parent has the kids for a full calendar week — typically Monday through Sunday, or whatever day your handoff falls on — then the other parent takes over. There's one exchange per week: 52 handoffs a year, fewer than any other common 50/50 pattern.
Pros
- Fewest handoffs. One exchange a week means less logistics, less coordination, and less friction for high-conflict co-parents in particular.
- Simple to plan around. Easier to schedule activities, work travel, and your own life around a predictable weekly rhythm.
- Works well over distance. If the two homes are a drive apart, fewer exchanges means less time and cost spent on transitions.
Cons
- A full week is a long time apart from the other parent, which can be hard on younger children especially.
- Both homes need to independently manage a full week of school pickup, activities, and routines — there's less built-in overlap to split those duties.
Is it right for your kids' ages?
Week-on/week-off is most commonly used with school-age children and older, who can hold a mental model of "whose week it is" and manage a week of separation without much distress. For toddlers and preschoolers, many family therapists suggest a shorter rotation — 2-2-3 or 2-2-5-5 — until kids are a bit older, since a week can feel like a very long time at that age. This is a general guideline, not a hard rule; talk it through with a co-parenting counselor if you're unsure.
FAQ
How many handoffs does week-on/week-off have?
One every seven days — the fewest of any common 50/50 custody schedule. Each parent gets one uninterrupted week.
Is week-on/week-off good for young children?
Many family therapists suggest a full week apart from a parent can be a long stretch for children under about 5, and recommend a shorter rotation like 2-2-3 or 2-2-5-5 until kids are a bit older. It's a general guideline, not a rule — every child is different.
Can we add a mid-week visit to a week-on/week-off schedule?
Yes — some families add a non-overnight mid-week dinner or activity with the off-duty parent to shorten the gap, without changing who has overnight custody.