alternating custody
Alternating custody is a child custody arrangement where divorced or separated parents are awarded sole custody of a child at different times, based on an agreed upon and regular schedule. Under this arrangement, alternating custody is also known as divided custody. Though rarely granted, divided custody occurs usually when the parents live very far apart from each other.
Alternating custody may also be used to describe when a child might live with alternating parents on a weekly basis, with approximately equal time spent between parents. Under this arrangement, divided custody is an example of joint physical custody.
[Last reviewed in August of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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