Not all California custody arrangements divide parenting time equally. The 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 custody schedules reflect arrangements where one parent has significantly more time with the child. Understanding how each structure works, when courts order unequal timeshare, and how the timeshare percentage affects child support under California's guideline formula helps parents evaluate whether an unequal split makes sense.
60/40 Custody Schedule in California
A 60/40 custody schedule gives one parent 60% of parenting time and the other 40%. 60/40 custody schedule alternating weekends is one common structure — the 60 40 custody schedule alternating weekends structure — the primary parent has the child Monday through Friday, and both parents alternate weekends. Other 60/40 custody schedule examples include a four-day/three-day weekly rotation. 60 40 custody schedules are sometimes chosen when one parent has an irregular work schedule or lives farther from the child's school.
60/40 vs 50/50 custody is a meaningful financial distinction in California. The DissoMaster guideline child support formula uses timeshare percentage as a key variable. Moving from 50/50 to 60/40 can meaningfully increase the child support obligation of the parent with 40% time.
70/30 Custody Schedule
A 70 30 custody schedule every other weekend gives the primary parent approximately 70% of the child's time. The 70/30 custody schedule every other weekend structure limits the secondary parent to about 104 overnight stays per year — every other weekend plus one weekday. This arrangement is common when one parent was the primary caregiver during the marriage or when the parents live far enough apart that frequent transitions are impractical for school-age children.
80/20 Custody Schedule
An 80 20 custody schedule gives the secondary parent approximately two days per week or every other weekend. The 80 20 parenting plan is sometimes used when a parent has work or health limitations, when the child is very young, or as a step-up plan that gradually increases the secondary parent's time. At 80/20 timeshare, child support under California's guideline is substantially higher for the secondary parent than at 60/40 or 50/50.
55/45 Custody Schedule
A 55 45 custody schedule splits time nearly equally but gives one parent a modest advantage. 55/45 custody schedule examples include one parent having eight days per two-week period and the other having six. 55 45 custody schedule examples are used when parents want near-equal time but one parent's schedule requires slight adjustment from perfect 50/50.
90/10 Custody Schedule
90 10 custody schedule examples include one weekend per month or one week per month for the secondary parent. Courts order 90/10 arrangements when significant safety concerns exist, when the secondary parent lives very far away, or when the parents agree that limited structured contact best serves the child.
Furubotten Law, APC helps families design parenting schedules throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.