In my work as a family law attorney, I’ve helped many families navigate the complexities of co-parenting after separation or divorce. Each family comes to the table with unique needs, concerns, and hopes for their children. One of my roles is to help these families find a plan that supports all of that. For families looking for equal parenting time with frequent contact, the 2-2-3 custody schedule can be a strong option.
It provides balanced involvement for both parents while also offering the flexibility needed to handle evolving situations. This type of arrangement can accommodate nontraditional work schedules, substance use recovery journeys, or co-parents who are learning to communicate after a difficult breakup.
When paired with accountability tools like BACtrack View, even parents who are facing personal challenges can build a parenting plan that reflects safety, structure, and commitment. Let’s explore how this schedule works – and why it might work for you.
2-2-3 Custody Schedule Template & Sample Clause
What is the 2-2-3 parenting schedule?
The 2-2-3 plan is a form of 50/50 shared custody schedule in which the child (or children) alternates between both parents frequently. Each parent will have the child for two days, then the next three days, then alternating.
Here’s what it typically looks like:
- Parent A: Monday & Tuesday
- Parent B: Wednesday & Thursday
- Parent A: Friday through Sunday
- The following week, the schedule flips.
Over a two-week cycle, each parent would have the child for seven days, with alternating weekends and rotating weekdays. The frequent exchanges allow both parents to stay actively involved in the child’s school life, activities, and daily routines.
This schedule is especially helpful for younger children who benefit from regular contact with both parents. It is also beneficial for co-parents who are committed to equal participation in their child’s life. s.
Why it works – and who it works for
The 2-2-3 schedule can be a great fit for:
- Parents who live close together (ideally in the same school district)
- Children who do well with frequent transitions and consistent routines
- Co-parents who want to share parenting time equally, but aren’t yet ready for longer stretches apart from their children
- Families working through recent transitions, such as a move, a job change, or recovery from substance use
Recently, I worked with a family that had a child in kindergarten. Both parents worked out of their homes. The parents were adamant that they were not willing to wait a full week between visits with their young child. They both wanted to stay plugged into school pickups, homework, and bedtime routines. The 2-2-3 plan gave them that closeness – and their child thrived.
In another case, I worked with a father who was completing a residential treatment program for alcohol use. He wasn’t quite ready for overnights, but he wanted to rebuild trust and show up consistently. We used a modified 2-2-3 structure, along with alcohol monitoring, and gradually added overnight visits. This modification allowed my client to maintain clean test results, while rebuilding his life and showing up for his child. Ultimately, it allowed for accountability and progress – without overwhelming anyone involved.
This plan can be especially powerful when both parents want equal time, but need a clear, structured way to rebuild trust and stability.
How BACtrack View can support the 2-2-3 custody schedule
In high-stress parenting situations (particularly those involving recovery from alcohol or substance use) transparency is critical. BACtrack view provides just that.
This remote alcohol monitoring tool allows scheduled, smartphone-based breathalyzer tests with real-time results. Those results are automatically shared with the co-parent, attorneys, or even the court. The tests are timestamped, geolocated, and documented appropriately. This tool can help parents feel confident in the safety of their children, and over time, co-parents can transition from fear to trust.
BACtrack View doesn’t just protect – it empowers. It gives recovering parents the chance to prove themselves, and it gives children the chance to maintain a safe, loving relationship with both of their parents.
The bottom line on the 2-2-3 custody schedule
If you’re navigating this kind of transition – whether it’s fresh out of treatment, working through a court battle, or just trying to make the best of a tough situation – take heart. It is common for families to feel overwhelmed and uncertain at first. Over time, many families begin to see things improve dramatically once a consistent parenting plan is put in place.
The 2-2-3 custody schedule can offer a sense of rhythm in the middle of what often feels like chaos. It can help your child know what to expect and give both parents a meaningful role in daily life.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the next step toward structure, safety, and showing up.
2-2-3 Custody Schedule Template & Sample Clause
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