Verification in progress. Statute references on this page are being confirmed against current law by a licensed attorney. Use the official sources listed below for the authoritative text.
Key takeaways
- Standard SPO (parents within 100 miles): 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends, Thursday evenings during the school year, alternating holidays, and 30 days in summer.
- The Expanded SPO election starts weekends when school lets out Friday and ends when school resumes Monday, and adds Thursday overnights.
- Over 100 miles apart: one weekend per month option, every spring break, and 42 summer days.
- Children under 3 get a court-designed schedule based on §153.254 factors—propose one.
Legal / educational information
The Standard Possession Order
Chapter 153, Subchapter F (§§153.311–153.317) sets the SPO. It is presumed to be in the best interest of a child age three or older and to be the minimum possession for a parent named possessory or joint managing conservator without the primary-residence right. Holiday rules alternate Thanksgiving and split Christmas break at noon on December 28; Father's Day weekend belongs to the father. VERIFY: confirm the current Texas Family Code text and section numbers with a licensed Texas attorney before relying on this—the Legislature amends Title 5 in most sessions.
Legal / educational information
Electing the Expanded SPO
The non-primary parent may elect the alternative beginning and ending times under §153.317 before or at the time the order is rendered. Do it in writing in your pleadings. The expanded schedule increases annual possession meaningfully at no additional litigation cost.
Legal / educational information
Building a custom parenting plan
A Texas parenting plan can go beyond the SPO with equal rotations, a right of first refusal, exchange logistics, communication rules, and dispute-resolution steps. TexasLawHelp publishes a possession-order form set; adapt it and attach it to your petition.
Frequently asked questions
An election that starts weekend and Thursday possession when school is dismissed and ends it when school resumes, adding overnights and eliminating mid-evening exchanges.
Sources
A Father's Fight provides general educational information and personal experiences. It is not a law firm and this page is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your state. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.