When parents separate, one of the hardest questions is often also one of the most practical: what happens with the children?

It can feel overwhelming to think about where your child will live, how often they will spend time with each parent, and how to create a routine that feels safe, stable and fair. For many parents, this is where the search on topics such as “child custody schedules by age”, “shared custody” begin.

In Queensland, as in the rest of Australia, family law places paramount importance on the best interests of the child as the primary consideration in family law issues. The law also does not usually use the word “custody”. Instead, you may hear terms such as parenting arrangements, parenting plans, parenting orders, “live with” and “spend time with”.

But while the language may be different, the concern behind it is very real: you want to make decisions that protect your child’s wellbeing and help them feel secure through a difficult time.

 

Important Family Law Changes in Australia

In May 2024, significant amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 came into effect across Australia, including Queensland. These changes are important for every separating parent to understand.

Previously, the law included a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. This led many parents to believe that equal time was the default or expected outcome after separation. That presumption has now been removed.

There is no longer any legal starting point favouring equal time or equal shared responsibility. The sole focus is now, more clearly than ever, on the best interests of the child. What this means in practice is that no particular arrangement is assumed to be right simply because it divides time equally. Every family’s situation must be considered on its own merits.

If you have received advice or formed expectations based on how the law worked before May 2024, it is worth speaking with a family lawyer to understand how the current law applies to your situation.

 

What Is a Child Custody Schedule?

A child custody schedule may be more accurately referred to as, or form part of a parenting arrangement or parenting plan in Australia.

Essentially, these set out the practical details of how children will be cared for after separation.

This may include where the child lives during the school week, weekend time, school holidays, birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, changeovers, travel, and how parents will manage school, medical appointments and extracurricular activities.

For children, a clear routine can provide comfort at a time when much of life may feel uncertain. For parents, it can reduce confusion, minimise conflict and help everyone understand what is expected.

In Australia, written parenting arrangements generally fall into three categories:

  • A parenting plan is a written agreement made between parents. It can be flexible and practical, but it is not legally enforceable in the same way as a court order.
  • A consent order is an agreement reached by the parents and then approved by the Court. Once made, it becomes legally binding.
  • A parenting order is made by the Court when parents cannot reach agreement. The Court decides the arrangement based on the best interests of the child.

You can find lots of useful legal information, resources and FAQS in our parenting hub on our website.

 

Common Child Custody Arrangements Explained

Every family is different, and there is no automatic “best” schedule. The most suitable arrangement will depend on your child’s age, developmental needs, relationship with each parent, the distance between households, school commitments, and any safety concerns. Under the current law, no arrangement is preferred simply because it divides time equally – the question is always what genuinely serves your child’s best interests.

 

50/50 or Equal Time Custody Arrangements

50/50 custody arrangements mean a child spends roughly equal time with each parent. This might be organised as week-about, fortnight-about, or through a shorter rotating schedule.

Equal time can work well where both parents live close to each other, communicate respectfully, and can provide a consistent routine across both homes.

However, equal time is not automatic, and it is not always the right outcome. For some children, particularly very young children or children exposed to high conflict, long stretches between households may be difficult. The focus should always be on what supports the child’s stability, safety and wellbeing.

 

2-2-3 Custody Schedule

A 2-2-3 custody schedule is a shared-care arrangement where a child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other parent, then three days back with the first parent. The pattern then usually reverses the following week.

This can give children frequent time with both parents and avoid long periods away from either household. It may suit younger children who need regular connection, but it does require organisation, consistency and good communication between parents.

 

Week-About Arrangement

A week-about arrangement means the child spends one week with one parent, then the next week with the other parent.

This may work for older children who can manage longer periods away from each home and whose school, social and activity routines can continue smoothly. It can be harder for younger children who may need shorter, more frequent time with each parent.

 

Primary Care With Regular Time Arrangements

In some families, children live mainly with one parent and spend regular time with the other parent. This may include alternate weekends, a midweek visit or overnight stay, and shared school holiday time.

This arrangement may suit children who need a more settled home base, families where one parent has historically been the primary carer, or situations where parents live further apart.

 

Graduated or Step-Up Arrangements

A graduated arrangement starts with shorter periods of time and slowly increases as the child becomes more comfortable.

This can be helpful for babies and toddlers, children who have not spent much time with one parent, or families rebuilding a relationship after a period of limited contact. The aim is not to rush the process, but to help the child feel safe, connected and supported.

 

Some Guidelines For Creating Child Custody Schedules by Age in Australia

Children’s needs change as they grow. While every child is different, age and development can be helpful starting points when considering parenting arrangements.

 

Babies and Toddlers: 0–3 years

For babies and toddlers, routine, attachment and emotional security are especially important.

Very young children may benefit from short, frequent time with each parent rather than long periods away from their primary parent to ensure they develop a secure attachment, and in order to maintain a bond with both parents. Parenting arrangements at this stage may need to consider feeding, sleep, separation anxiety, health needs and the child’s ability to cope with change.

In some cases, a schedule may begin with shorter visits several times a week, gradually increasing to longer daytime visits or overnight time where appropriate.

 

Preschool Children: 3–5 years

Preschool-aged children still rely heavily on routine and reassurance. They may be able to manage longer periods with each parent, but sudden changes or unclear arrangements can feel unsettling.

Simple routines, visual calendars and calm changeovers can help children at this age understand what is happening. A 2-2-3 schedule may work for some families, particularly where both parents have been actively involved and can provide consistency across both homes.

 

Primary School Children: 6–12 years

Primary school-aged children often have stronger routines around school, friendships, sport, homework and activities.

At this age, parenting arrangements or child custody schedules should support the child’s everyday life, not disrupt it. Some children manage equal time or week-about arrangements well, especially where parents live close to school and can communicate effectively. Others may feel more secure with one primary home and regular time with the other parent.

 

Teenagers: 13+ years

Teenagers often have their own views, commitments and growing independence. School demands, part-time work, sport, friendships and social activities can all affect what type of parenting schedule is realistic.

At this stage, flexibility becomes increasingly important. These evolving commitments and activities are part of their natural development and can impact how custody schedules are structured to accommodate their changing routines and needs. Teenagers require more autonomy and independence. It is best to speak to them about custody arrangements and their preferences.

The aim is to maintain meaningful relationships while respecting the teenager’s changing needs.

 

Need Help With Child Custody Schedules by Age?

Working out the right parenting schedule can be emotionally difficult. You may be trying to protect your child, manage conflict, respond to legal concerns and make major decisions at a time when life already feels uncertain.

The 2024 changes to the Family Law Act are a reminder that parenting arrangements are not decided by formula. There is no assumed starting point, no default outcome, and no schedule that is right simply because it looks balanced on paper. What matters is what is right for your child.

At Pullos Lawyers, our highly skilled family lawyers in Southport can help parents navigate all child custody matters in Queensland. Whether you are considering a 50/50 arrangement, or a more tailored custody schedule or parenting plan, our experienced child custody lawyers can guide you through the process with clarity and care. You can also head to our parenting hub for more information.

We also offer services across a number of complex legal issues, including property settlements, divorce, spousal maintenance and can even offer mediation and other out-of-court resolutions. With offices on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, our family lawyers in Southport are dedicated to helping families across South East Queensland find the best solutions. Please call us on 5526 3646 (Gold Coast), 3144 1641 (Brisbane) or email us today.

For further reading, explore our articles, Recovering Child Support Arrears in Australia, Withholding a Child From Another Parent Without a Court Order, Navigating Conflict with Parallel Parenting and Understanding Emancipation Laws.