Arizona Parenting Time Calculator

Arizona calculates parenting time by counting the total days per year a child spends with each parent. A child counts as being with a parent for one full guideline day when they are together for 12 or more hours. Time the child spends in school or childcare does not count toward either parent's total. The annual day count is then matched to the Parenting Time Table in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines to determine the percentage adjustment for support calculations.

In Arizona, equal parenting time begins at 164 days per year under the 2022 Child Support Guidelines. When a parent has 164 or more days annually, the child support calculation applies a 50% adjustment—the maximum reduction. At this threshold, research showed minimal difference in parental spending between 164 and 182 days, prompting Arizona to set 164 days as the equal parenting time benchmark.

A 2-2-3 schedule in Arizona means the child spends 2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, then 3 days with Parent A, rotating each week so parents alternate the 3-day weekend. This schedule results in each parent having approximately 50% parenting time (182-183 days annually). Arizona courts often recommend this schedule for school-age children because it provides frequent contact with both parents without extended separations.

Under Arizona's Income Shares Model, more parenting time reduces child support obligations. The Child Support Guidelines include a Parenting Time Table where day ranges correspond to adjustment percentages: 70 days equals approximately 10% adjustment, 100-114 days equals 17.5%, and 164+ days equals 50%. The noncustodial parent's support share is multiplied by this percentage, and the result is subtracted from their obligation.

Yes, Arizona allows parenting plan modifications under A.R.S. § 25-411 when there has been a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's best interests. Either parent may file a petition to modify with the Superior Court in the county where the child resides. The filing fee is $164 as of March 2026. Courts evaluate whether the proposed change serves the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

Arizona courts recommend Plan 1 or Plan 3 from the suggested parenting time schedules for children ages 0-5. For toddlers, shorter but more frequent contact periods work better than extended overnights because young children cannot remember experiences over time. Plan 3 provides three weekly visits—two periods of 3-5 hours and one 8-hour period. Arizona experts advise transitioning to longer stays as the child matures.

Arizona parenting plans must include specific holiday and school vacation schedules under A.R.S. § 25-403.02. Most Arizona parents alternate major holidays yearly—one parent gets Thanksgiving in even years while the other gets Christmas, then they switch in odd years. Plans should specify exact exchange times (e.g., 3 p.m. the day before to 3 p.m. the day after). Some parents split individual holidays, such as Christmas morning with one parent and Christmas evening with the other.

First right of refusal in Arizona requires a parent to offer the other parent childcare before using a babysitter or relative during their scheduled parenting time. Arizona parents can customize this clause—common triggers include unavailability for 4+ hours or overnight periods. Violating this provision may result in lost parenting time if discovered by the court. Many Arizona family law attorneys recommend including reasonable limitations to prevent excessive exchanges that could destabilize the child.