How are holidays handled in a parenting plan?

Alternate even/odd years, set exact exchange times, and note that holidays override the regular schedule before it resumes.

Parenting Plans and Schedules – NC Child Custody

Q: Can we do 50/50 if we live far apart?

Consider longer blocks (week-on/week-off) or primary custody with extended breaks; the child’s commute should stay reasonable.

Q: What is a tie-breaker clause in legal custody?

If parents disagree on a major decision, one parent has final say in that domain after good-faith discussion. Courts expect limited, specific tie-breakers.

Q: Do we need a Parenting Coordinator?

In high-conflict, post-order cases, a Parenting Coordinator can resolve day-to-day disputes quickly. The appointment order must define authority and review.

Quick answer: What is a parenting plan in North Carolina? A parenting plan is a written schedule and rule set that defines physical custody (time with each parent), legal custody (decision-making), exchanges, holidays, communication, travel, and conflict-resolution. Common NC schedules include 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3, and week-on/week-off, adjusted for school, distance, and the child’s age.

Build a plan the court will sign and your family can follow. We design age-appropriate schedules, clean exchange rules, holiday rotations, and school/medical decision-making that teachers, doctors, and law enforcement can implement.

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Your North Carolina Parenting Plan Lawyer

Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years designing parenting plans and custody schedules—age-based overnights, school-friendly exchanges, holiday rotations, travel rules, and orders that schools and healthcare providers will follow.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.

Start by situation

Choose a schedule template (2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3, week-on/week-off)

Adjust for age: infants, toddlers, school-age, teens

Build holidays, summers, and teacher workdays

Set safe exchanges and travel rules

Define legal custody & tie-breaker authority

Long-distance or uneven schedules

High-conflict? Add a Parenting Coordinator

Modify a plan that no longer fits

Fast answers

Best plan? The one that fits the child’s routine (school, sleep, activities) and minimizes conflict and handoffs.

50/50 vs. primary? Both are common. We match schedule type to distance, work hours, and the child’s needs.

Holiday rotation: Alternate even/odd years, split breaks, and name exact exchange times to avoid disputes.

Make it work: Use clear language—school address for exchanges, grace periods, travel notice, and first-right-of-refusal rules.

Common NC parenting schedules

2-2-3 (younger kids; frequent contact; more handoffs)
2-2-5-5 (steady school nights; predictable blocks)
3-4-4-3 (balanced weekends; stable weekdays)
Week-on/week-off (older kids; strong co-parenting; fewer transitions)
Primary + alternating weekends (when distance/work limits midweek)

Age-based adjustments

Infants/toddlers: shorter intervals, consistent routines, frequent daytime contact. School-age: protect homework and activities; stable school nights. Teens: keep structure but allow flexibility for sports, work, and social life.

Holidays, breaks, and summers

Alternate even/odd years; specify start/end times (e.g., 6:00 PM). For summers, pick weekly blocks or maintain the school-year pattern with added vacation weeks. Add teacher workdays and early releases to avoid scrambling.

Exchanges, travel, and communication

Exchange point: school address when in session; otherwise a neutral public location.
Grace period: 15 minutes before late rules apply; written notice for delays.
Travel notice: itineraries, lodging, and emergency contacts for out-of-state/overnight trips.
Virtual contact: reasonable calls/video; no recording the child.

Legal custody and tie-breakers

Define major decisions (health, education, activities, religion). Use joint decision-making with a tie-breaker in limited areas, or allocate domains. Orders should tell schools and doctors exactly whose consent is required.

Long-distance or uneven schedules

Use fewer, longer blocks; add travel cost splits, airport rules, and makeup time for weather or cancellations. Keep the child’s school routine primary.

High conflict? Parenting Coordinator (PC)

Post-order, a PC helps implement details (minor schedule issues, communications). The order must define scope, decision authority, and review/appeal mechanics.

When to modify a plan

If facts materially changed (move, work shift, school issues), seek modification. Bring attendance, grades, activities, and a proposed plan that fits the new reality.

What to bring and your first 72 hours

Documents checklist

Current order(s) and any temporary schedules
School calendars, bell times, and activities schedule
Work schedules and regular childcare arrangements
Distance/time between homes and school

Your first 72 hours with our team

1) Routine map
School, sleep, activities, and travel time.

2) Draft options
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, 3-4-4-3, or week-on/week-off with pros/cons.

3) Holidays
Even/odd rotation, summer blocks, and clear exchange times.

4) Decision rules
Legal custody, tie-breakers, and notice requirements.

5) Finalize & file
Consent order or hearing with clean, agency-ready language.

FAQs

What schedule works best for school?

2-2-5-5 or 3-4-4-3 reduce midweek swaps and keep homework consistent. We match the plan to bell times and activities.

Can we do 50/50 if we live far apart?

It’s harder. Consider longer blocks (week-on/week-off) or primary with extended breaks; the child’s commute should stay reasonable.

How are holidays handled?

Alternate even/odd years and set exact exchange times. Holidays override the regular schedule, then it resumes.

What is a tie-breaker clause?

When parents disagree on a major issue, one parent has final say in that domain after good-faith discussion. Courts expect limited, clear tie-breakers.