The week-on/week-off custody schedule, also called alternating weeks or 7-7, is the simplest equal-time arrangement there is. The kids spend one full week with one parent, then one full week with the other. No complicated rotation, no chart needed to figure out whose Tuesday it is.

Simple doesn't mean it's right for everyone, though. Here's how alternating weeks works in practice, how to choose a handoff day, and what to weigh before you commit.

How alternating weeks works

Each parent has the children for seven consecutive days, then the children move to the other home for the next seven. Over two weeks, each parent has 7 overnights, a true 50/50 split.

A simple two-week view with a Friday handoff:

Days	Where the kids are
Friday (Week 1) → Thursday	Parent A
Friday (Week 2) → Thursday	Parent B

Then the cycle repeats. Each parent gets every other weekend, attached to their full week.

Choosing the handoff day

The handoff day shapes how the whole schedule feels. Common choices:

Friday after school. One parent drops off in the morning, the other picks up. The new week starts with a weekend, which gives kids time to settle.
Sunday evening. Kids start the school week in the home they'll be in all week. Some families find Sunday nights emotionally heavy, though.
Monday at school. Exchanges happen through school with no face-to-face handoff, which can help when communication is tense.

There's no universally "best" day. Think about your work schedules, your kids' activities, and which exchange is least likely to create friction.

Pros of week-on/week-off

Fewer transitions

One exchange a week is about as few as an equal-time schedule gets. Less packing, fewer forgotten items, fewer moments of friction between parents.

Easy to understand

Kids and adults alike can keep track: "This is Mom's week." Teachers, coaches and grandparents can follow it too.

Room for real routines

A full week gives each household time to settle into homework habits, meals and bedtime without constant interruption.

Works for parents with alternating work schedules

Some parents can take on more in their "on" weeks and catch up on work, travel or appointments during their "off" weeks.

Cons of week-on/week-off

Seven days is a long time for young kids

Infants, toddlers and some younger children may struggle with a full week apart from a parent. Schedules like 2-2-3 or 2-2-5-5 keep separations shorter.

The "off" week can feel very quiet

Parents often mention that a week without the kids is hard, especially at first. Planning a regular phone or video call can help both sides.

Homes need to be reasonably close

Kids go to school from both homes, so both need a manageable commute to school.

Popular variations

Alternating weeks is easy to tweak without losing its simplicity:

Midweek dinner visit. The "off" parent gets a few hours on a set evening (say, Wednesday dinner). No overnight, but no full week apart either.
Midweek overnight. The off parent has one overnight in the middle of the other parent's week. This turns the schedule into something closer to a 5-2-2-5 or similar, so it changes the overnight count; make sure the math still matches what you've agreed.
Two-week blocks in summer. Many families keep week-on/week-off during the school year and switch to two-week blocks over summer break. See our summer custody schedule ideas.

Is alternating weeks right for your family?

Every state's courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, and no single schedule is presumed right for all kids. Week-on/week-off tends to work well when:

Children are school-age or older and comfortable with a week between homes
Both parents want equal time and fewer exchanges
Homes are close enough to the same school
Parents can share information (homework, health, activities) at the handoff

Teens in particular often appreciate the simplicity, though they may also want flexibility around jobs, sports and friends. Keeping the conversation open as they grow is part of making it work.

How holidays fit in

Your regular weekly rotation is only half the picture. Most parenting plans add a holiday schedule that overrides the regular weeks: Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, birthdays and so on. Often the major holidays alternate by even and odd years. Our guide on how to split holidays goes through common approaches.

Tips to make week-on/week-off go smoothly

Send a short handoff note. A two-line update (medication, upcoming tests, anything the other parent needs to know) prevents a lot of confusion.
Keep essentials in both homes. Duplicate the everyday items so the weekly move is just a backpack.
Stay connected during the off week. A regular call time gives kids something to count on.
Plan swaps early. If a business trip lands on your week, propose a swap well in advance and get it confirmed in writing.
Share one calendar. Even simple schedules get complicated once holidays, school breaks and swaps are layered in.

This article is for informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Custody rules vary by state—talk to a family law attorney or mediator.

Keep alternating weeks simple, all year

Alternly was built for exactly this: pick week-on/week-off, choose your handoff day and start date, and your calendar is ready years out. Add your school district's breaks and your holiday rule, and the app layers them on top of the regular weeks, alternating by even and odd years. Both parents see the same calendar. Create your free custody calendar in a couple of minutes.

Week-On/Week-Off Custody Schedule: A Practical Guide