3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule Explained
In a 3-4-4-3 schedule the kids spend three nights with one parent and four with the other, then the next week the numbers flip. Each parent ends up with seven nights out of fourteen and never more than four in a row.
What two weeks look like
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Week 1
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
Week 2
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
Parent A's homeParent B's home
50/50
split of nights
7 + 7
nights each, every two weeks
4
handoffs every two weeks
4
nights in a row, at most
How it works
- Week one: Parent A has three nights (for example Monday to Wednesday) and Parent B the next four (Thursday to Sunday).
- Week two: Parent A has four nights (Monday to Thursday) and Parent B three (Friday to Sunday).
- There are two handoffs a week, always on the same two weekdays within each week.
Who it tends to suit
- Families who want 50/50 with fewer handoffs than 2-2-3 but shorter gaps than a full week.
- Kids who cope well with a few days in each home.
What to plan for
- One parent has more weekend days in a given week, which alternates.
- The handoff day moves between weeks, so a shared calendar helps.
Tips from families who use it
- Decide whether the handoff happens at school or at a home, and keep it the same.
- If one parent works weekends, choose which week carries the longer weekend stretch for them.
Set up the 3-4-4-3 schedule in Fairweek
Pick the 3-4-4-3 schedule, check the next two weeks against real dates, and invite your co-parent with a code. You both see the same calendar, holidays alternate by year on their own, and swaps take effect only when the other home says yes. Free for both of you.
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Other schedules
- 2-2-3 Custody Schedule
- 2-2-5-5 Custody Schedule
- Week On, Week Off Custody Schedule (Alternating Weeks)
- Every Other Weekend Custody Schedule
- 5-2 Custody Schedule
How holidays are split · Parenting time calculator
This guide explains a common arrangement; it is not legal advice. Your parenting plan or court order decides your schedule — talk to a family lawyer or mediator about your situation.