A complete California parenting plan addresses not just the regular weekly schedule but also a holiday custody schedule, summer custody schedule, and school break rotation. These provisions override the regular schedule and must be detailed enough to prevent disputes.
Standard Holiday Custody Schedule in California
A holiday custody schedule in California typically alternates major holidays between parents on an even/odd year basis. Common holiday rotation: Parent A has Thanksgiving in odd years, Parent B in even years; Parent A has Christmas Eve in even years and Christmas Day in odd years (or vice versa); spring break alternates annually; Mother's Day is always with Mom, Father's Day always with Dad; and each parent's birthday with that parent. The holiday custody schedule overrides the regular weekly schedule — if Christmas falls during Parent A's regular week but it is Parent B's Christmas year, Parent B gets the child for Christmas regardless.
Summer Custody Schedule California
A summer custody schedule california typically gives each parent extended blocks of uninterrupted time during the summer months. Common arrangements: each parent gets four to six consecutive weeks in the summer; or the parents alternate weeks during the summer with the regular schedule suspended; or the non-primary parent gets the majority of summer with the primary parent maintaining their regular schedule. The summer custody schedule should specify start and end dates, transition logistics, and notice requirements for vacation travel.
Every Other Weekend Custody
Every other weekend custody is the traditional minimum visitation schedule for non-primary parents — typically Friday afternoon to Sunday evening on alternating weekends, plus one weekday evening per week. While still ordered in some cases, California courts have moved toward more balanced time-sharing arrangements because research supports the benefit of substantial time with both parents. A parenting plan limited to every other weekend may be appropriate when distance, safety concerns, or the child's needs make more frequent transitions impractical. Furubotten Law, APC drafts comprehensive parenting plans throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.