Custody Schedule Tracking: Best Practices for Documentation

Custody schedule adherence is one of the most common areas of dispute in high-conflict custody cases. When one parent doesn't follow the court-ordered schedule, proper documentation provides the evidence needed to address the issue through appropriate legal channels.

This guide covers best practices for tracking custody schedules, documenting deviations, and building records that courts find credible and useful.

Why Custody Schedule Tracking Matters

Courts establish custody schedules to provide stability and predictability for children. When schedules aren't followed, it can:

• Disrupt children's routines and sense of security
• Create conflict between co-parents
• Interfere with planned activities and commitments
• Demonstrate patterns relevant to custody modifications

Documented schedule tracking transforms "they're never on time" into specific, dated evidence that courts can evaluate objectively.

What to Track for Every Exchange

For each custody exchange, document:

1. Scheduled time: The exact time specified in your custody order
2. Actual time: When the exchange actually occurred
3. Location: Where the exchange took place
4. Who was present: Both parents, other family members, etc.
5. Children's condition: Any notable observations
6. Communication: Any texts, calls, or messages about the exchange

Tracking Schedule Deviations

Types of Deviations to Document

• Late arrivals: Pickup or dropoff after scheduled time
• Early arrivals: Demanding exchange before scheduled time
• Missed exchanges: Failure to show for scheduled custody time
• Early returns: Returning children before custody time ends
• Extended time: Not returning children at scheduled time
• Unilateral changes: Changing locations or times without agreement

How to Document Each Deviation

For every deviation from the schedule:

1. Record the scheduled arrangement (time, location, who)
2. Document what actually happened with specific times
3. Note any advance communication or lack thereof
4. Preserve evidence (screenshots of texts, emails)
5. Record the impact on children or your plans

Holiday and Special Occasion Tracking

Holiday schedules are often separate from regular custody rotations and deserve their own tracking:

• Document which parent has which holidays per your order
• Track whether holiday schedules are followed
• Note pickup and dropoff times for holiday periods
• Record any disputes or deviations

Building Pattern Evidence

Individual deviations may seem minor, but patterns tell a different story. When tracking schedules:

• Maintain consistent documentation over time
• Calculate averages (average delay time, frequency of deviations)
• Create summary reports showing patterns
• Note any correlation with specific events or times

Using Schedule Tracking in Court

Well-documented schedule tracking can support:

• Contempt motions: When court orders aren't followed
• Modification requests: To adjust impractical schedules
• Custody evaluations: Demonstrating cooperation or lack thereof
• Mediation: Providing facts for productive discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I track custody schedule violations?

Track custody schedule violations by documenting each exchange with the court-ordered time versus actual time. Include specific details: date, scheduled time, actual arrival/departure time, any communication about the deviation, and impact on the children. Attach evidence like text messages when available.

What should I do when my co-parent is consistently late for exchanges?

Document each late exchange with specific times and any communication. Build a record showing the pattern over time. After establishing documentation, you can address the issue through proper legal channels. Avoid confrontation at exchanges and focus on maintaining records.

How do I document custody exchange times?

Document custody exchanges by recording: the court-ordered exchange time, actual time of exchange, location, who was present, and any notable circumstances. Screenshot any text communications about the exchange. Note the time when children are physically transferred.