What Is the Standard Possession Order in Texas?

The standard possession order (SPO) is a legal term used in Texas to refer to a specific custody and visitation schedule for children of separated or divorced parents. The SPO is designed to provide regular and predictable parenting time for both parents, while also taking into account the best interests of the child. Under the SPO, the non-custodial parent typically has visitation with the child on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday evening. The non-custodial parent may also have additional visitation time on certain holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. In addition to weekend visitation, the non-custodial parent is generally allowed to have one weekday visitation each week, usually on a Thursday evening. The SPO also provides for extended summer visitation, during which the non-custodial parent may have the child for a specified number of days or weeks, depending on the circumstances.

It is important to note that the SPO is rebuttably presumed to be the minimum amount of time a Joint Conservator should have with a child but granting SPO is not mandatory, and parents may choose to negotiate a different custody and visitation schedule that better meets their needs and the needs of their child. However, if the parents are unable to reach an agreement, the court may order the SPO as the default visitation schedule. I can help you understand the legal process, gather evidence, and present your case effectively in court.