A written calendar settles more conflicts than any formula: the page on custody and child support explains why. This tool draws the most common rhythms; holidays, public holidays and exceptions are then settled by hand, and the printed result can serve as the basis of the parents’ agreement or of the “parenting plan” presented to the judge or the mediator.
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Which rhythm for which age?
Child professionals’ recommendations converge on one point: the younger the child, the shorter the separations from each parent should be. Before three, 2-2-3 rhythms or frequent handovers without long nights are often preferred to a whole week; from primary school, the alternate week becomes workable; in adolescence it is often the child who asks for a longer rhythm, or a primary residence near their activities. The 2-2-5-5 keeps the same weekdays with each parent, which simplifies activities; every other weekend corresponds to a primary residence with one parent and classic contact. No rhythm is better in itself: the one both parents keep to without conflict is the right one.
Frequently asked questions
How to handle holidays?
The most common rule splits each holiday period in two, alternating the first half from one year to the next; Christmas and New Year are often split crosswise. Write it into the agreement, with handover times.
Is the calendar “official”?
No: it is a preparation tool. What is binding is the approved agreement or the judgment; the calendar helps you set its content and visualise it.
What is the .ics export for?
To load the custody periods into Google Calendar, Outlook, the iPhone calendar or any other diary, and to share them with the other parent — both then see the same schedule.
Page checked in September 2026. The data cited can change.
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