Standard Possession Order Texas: Your Ultimate Guide

Find out what the Standard Possession Order (SPO) in Texas entails and how it impacts child visitation schedules.

Here You Will Learn:

Standard Possession Order Schedule

Picture this: it’s Friday evening, and it’s time for the kids to switch homes. In a typical Standard Possession Order (SPO), here’s how the schedule usually plays out.

Weekends are pretty straightforward. The non-custodial parent gets the kiddos on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays of each month. Pick-up happens when school lets out, or at 6:00 PM if there’s no school. They’re returned Sunday evening to recharge for the school week ahead.

For summer, it’s like winning the kid-lottery for non-custodial parents. They get an epic 30 days with the children. They can break it into two 15-day blocks if they want. This extended time can look like a vacation paradise or a Lego-strewn obstacle course, depending on perspective.

Holidays—think Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break—these have their own special rules which we’ll dive into later. Just know they’re designed to keep everyone’s tinsel from getting in a tangle.

Remember, this is Texas. So kids are swapped more often than cowhands at a rodeo! And somehow, it all works out. Yeehaw!

Weekends – 1st, 3rd, and 5th Friday Each Month

These weekends are reserved for the non-custodial parent. It starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Picture it like a mini-vacation, minus the sand and piña coladas. Kids get to enjoy quality time with both parents.

Why 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays? Because even the calendar gods need a sense of order. The schedule helps everyone plan ahead. Plus, some years have more 5th Fridays than others, which means bonus weekends!

During these weekends, your child ventures off to a different domicile, giving each parent more time to paint the town—or at least avoid stepping on Legos.

Lastly, be aware these weekends are fixed. If you miss it, it’s like missing a limited-time offer at your favorite store. You snooze, you lose!

Trust the Texas family law folks to keep things fair while adding a dash of predictability to the mix.

Summer Vacation

Parents, rejoice! Summer vacation under the Standard Possession Order (SPO) in Texas is designed to let you plan those action-packed months strategically. Here’s the scoop:

– Extended Summer Visits: The non-custodial parent gets extended time with their child, usually 30 days. They can elect to split this into two blocks if they wish, but at least one must be a solid 14-day period. Think of all the epic adventures waiting!

– Notice Requirements: If you want to choose specific dates, provide written notice by April 1st. Otherwise, the default period kicks in from July 1st to July 31st. Don’t be that parent who lets the deadline swoosh by unnoticed.

– Custodial Parent’s Option: The custodial parent can designate one weekend during the non-custodial parents’ extended period to spend time with the child, provided they give notice. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work.

– Geography Matters: For families living 100 miles apart or more, the extended summer possession can be up to 42 days. Plan those epic cross-country road trips or long beach stays accordingly!

Enjoy making unforgettable memories this summer with your little ones. You’ve got this!

Holidays in a Standard Possession Order

Who gets to carve the turkey with the kids this year? In a Standard Possession Order, holidays are split between parents to give both quality time during special celebrations. Here’s the scoop:

Thanksgiving – Parents alternate yearly. One parent gets the kids in odd-numbered years; the other gets them in even-numbered years. Gobble, gobble.

Christmas Break – It’s divided into two parts: the first part from the end of school until noon on December 28th and the second part from noon on December 28th until school starts again. Parents alternate each part every year.

Spring Break – Like a game of kiddo ping-pong, Spring Break alternates yearly between parents.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – Easy peasy. Mom gets Mother’s Day weekend, and Dad gets Father’s Day weekend. No arguing over breakfast in bed!

These provisions make sure everyone gets a turn at joy and tradition. So, who’s ready for some eggnog?

Less Than 100 Miles

For parents living less than 100 miles apart, the Standard Possession Order provides a manageable schedule to keep the kiddos happy and balanced between both homes.

• During the school year:
• Noncustodial parents have visitation on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month. That’s right, the magical 5th weekend pops up occasionally like a delightful bonus!
• Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This mid-week visit is often a great time for pizza nights or helping with school projects.

• When summer rolls around:
• The noncustodial parent gets 30 days of continuous possession. It can be broken down into two separate periods if they prefer, ensuring the kids get a sunny adventure without feeling too far from either parent.

• Holidays are split:
• Alternating major holidays between parents each year, keeping the yuletide joyous and the Easter bunny fair in his egg-hiding duties.

This schedule is designed with the child’s best interest in mind, promoting consistency and stability, while keeping both parents actively involved in their child’s life.

More Than 100 Miles

When parents live more than 100 miles apart, the Standard Possession Order adjusts to accommodate the distance. It’s like giving a long-distance relationship a boost from a rocket pack. Here’s the breakdown:

First, weekend visits are less frequent to reduce travel stress. Instead of every 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekend, the non-custodial parent typically has the child one weekend a month. Quality over quantity, right?

Second, there’s extended visitation during summer. The non-custodial parent gets 42 days, split how they like, unless the court says otherwise. It’s like a summer camp but with more dad jokes or mom magic.

Additionally, holidays remain shared, but the school break period for Thanksgiving often stretches to allow for meaningful time together. And let’s not forget spring break. One week of fun-filled bonding.

And last but not least, the custodial parent must provide written notice about any summer vacation plans by April 1st. Considering a last-minute trip? Better start planning now; spontaneity loves notice!

Child’s Birthday

In Texas, under a standard possession order, your child’s birthday becomes a special event that warrants a deviation from the regular schedule. Here’s the lowdown:

– If the birthday falls on a school day, the parent who doesn’t have possession typically gets the child from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Imagine it: a mini birthday bash with the non-custodial parent.

– If the birthday falls on a weekend, the parent who doesn’t normally have the child will get an entire day to celebrate. Full day of fun!

– Coordination and communication are key. No parent wants to miss out on birthday joy. So plan ahead and give your co-parent a heads-up.

This setup ensures both parents share in the birthday excitement, making it memorable for your little one.