Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has no standard parenting time schedule in the statutes we read; the order sets it. For child support, 40% or more of annual overnights, 146 of 365, creates a rebuttable presumption of a reduction.
Does Pennsylvania have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. The court may award shared, primary, partial, sole or supervised physical custody, and it must specify the terms of the award in enough detail for a party to enforce it through law enforcement (23 Pa.C.S. 5323(a), (f)). The schedule is set in your order or agreement.
What is the 40% line in Pennsylvania?
If a child spends 40% or more of the annual overnights with the obligor, a rebuttable presumption arises that the obligor is entitled to a reduction in the basic support obligation, and the obligor’s percentage share is reduced by the percentage of time minus 30% (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-4(c)).
| Pattern (other parent) | Overnights a year | Fewer-overnights parent | 40% or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 nights | 52 | 14.2% | No: 94 short |
| 3 of 14 nights | 78 | 21.4% | No: 68 short |
| 4 of 14 nights | 104 | 28.5% | No: 42 short |
| 5 of 14 nights | 130 | 35.6% | No: 16 short |
| 6 of 14 nights | 156 | 42.7% | Yes: 12.74 points |
| 7 of 14 nights | 183 | 49.9% | Yes: 19.86 points |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday nights; 40% of 365 is 146 overnights.
What happens at equal time in Pennsylvania?
The rule also provides for equally shared custody, and the Pennsylvania child support calculator applies the rule’s treatment of equal time, including where the lower earner pays no basic support.
Does the presumption always apply in Pennsylvania?
No. It is a rebuttable presumption, and the court can adjust the result further in the circumstances the rule describes.
Which calculator should I use after counting overnights in Pennsylvania?
Take the overnights to the Pennsylvania child support calculator and keep the Pennsylvania parenting time calculator count consistent with your order.
Can the court order supervised custody in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Supervised physical custody is one of the types of award (5323(a)(5)), and safety conditions are required where there is a history of abuse (5323(e)).
What if a parent does not follow the schedule in Pennsylvania?
A party who willfully fails to comply with a custody order may be held in contempt, punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, probation, license consequences and counsel fees (5323(g)).
Does the order have to be specific in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The court must specify the terms and conditions of the award in sufficient detail to enable a party to enforce it through law enforcement authorities (5323(f)).
Are interim orders available in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The court may issue an interim award of custody to a party with standing, in the manner prescribed by the rules for special relief in custody matters (5323(b)).
Does a custody order mention relocation in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Any custody order shall include notice of a party’s obligations under the relocation section (5323(c)).
What should a written schedule cover in Pennsylvania?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The overnight count, so child support uses the right percentage.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing, and notice of relocation.
What if the parents cannot agree in Pennsylvania?
The court decides on the child’s best interest and states its reasons on the record. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Pennsylvania post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Pennsylvania?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; the order or agreement sets it.
How many overnights is the Pennsylvania support line?
40% of annual overnights, 146 of 365.
Does a 5-in-14 schedule reach the Pennsylvania 40% line?
No. It is about 130 overnights, 16 short.
Does a 7-in-14 schedule reach the Pennsylvania 40% line?
Yes. It is about 183 overnights, 50.1%.
Who sets the schedule if Pennsylvania parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interest.
Official sources
- 23 Pa.C.S. 5323: award of custody
- 23 Pa.C.S. 5328: factors to consider when awarding custody
- 23 Pa.C.S. 5337: relocation
- 23 Pa.C.S. 5322: definitions
- Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-4: support formula; substantial or equally shared custody
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Pennsylvania statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.