10/13/2026
When parents in New York share custody of their children, they need more than a general agreement to split time — they need a detailed parenting plan that addresses schedules, exchanges, holidays, school breaks, medical appointments, and procedures for making changes. This is what's known as reasonable time-sharing, and getting it right from the start can prevent significant conflict down the road.
It's important to understand that equal parenting time is not automatic in New York. Courts determine custody arrangements based on the best interests of the child — not a fixed 50-50 formula. Factors like each parent's caregiving history, work schedule, housing situation, and willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent all play a role in what a judge considers appropriate.
Even cooperative parents who agree on a flexible arrangement benefit from having a formal court-filed agreement in place. Informal understandings can create confusion over time, and a written order provides a clear, enforceable framework if disagreements arise later. If circumstances change — a relocation, a new work schedule, or evolving needs of the child — a formal modification process ensures any updated terms are legally recognized.
At Levitsky Law Firm, our family law attorneys help parents throughout Brooklyn and New York City craft parenting plans that protect their rights and, most importantly, serve the best interests of their children.
Read the full article to learn more, then contact us to see how we can help your case: https://ow.ly/HAeG50ZQOz2
