2-2-5-5 Custody Schedule: Calendar, Pros and Cons
A 50/50 schedule where each parent keeps the same two weekdays every week and the weekends alternate, giving 2 days, 2 days, then 5 days with each parent.
Two-week calendar
How the 2-2-5-5 schedule works
Parent A always has Monday and Tuesday, Parent B always has Wednesday and Thursday, and the weekends alternate. Each parent ends up with a five-day stretch every other week, joining a weekend to their regular weekdays.
Because the weekdays never change, the children always know where they sleep on a school night, and each parent can commit to the same weekly activities.
Pros
- Fixed weekdays make school, sports and work schedules easy to plan.
- Equal time, with fewer handovers than 2-2-3.
- Handovers can happen at school, which keeps them low-conflict.
Cons
- Five days apart can feel long for very young children.
- Both homes need to be close enough to the school.
Who it suits
School-age children, parents with steady work schedules, and families who want 50/50 with predictable weeknights.
Run this schedule in MiddleWise
Choose the 2-2-5-5 schedule when you set up your family and MiddleWise fills in the calendar for both homes, with handover times and locations. Swap and holiday requests are a written yes or no, and approved changes update the calendar automatically. Handover reminders arrive the evening before, with anything still left on the packing list.
Common questions
Is 2-2-5-5 the same as 5-2-2-5?
Yes. It is the same rotation started on a different day, so the names are used interchangeably.
How many handovers does a 2-2-5-5 schedule have?
Four every two weeks, so two a week on average, and many of them can happen at school pick-up or drop-off.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your parenting plan or court order decides your actual schedule.