For parents navigating child custody and visitation schedules in Texas, the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) provides a structured approach to maintaining meaningful relationships between non-custodial parents and their children. Whether you are going through a divorce in Rockwall, Texas , or revisiting your child custody agreement in Terrell, Texas, understanding the SPO is crucial to ensuring fair and consistent parenting time.
Key Takeaways:
The Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the default custody schedule in Texas, generally allowing for a 60/40 split between the custodial and non-custodial parent while accounting for holidays and special occasions.
The 2025 Texas SPO includes provisions for parenting time based on the distance between parents, specific holiday schedules, and summer visitation arrangements.
If the standard schedule doesn’t work for your family, you can negotiate a custom visitation schedule or seek modifications through the court.
What is the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO)?
The Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the legally recognized child custody schedule in Texas. It is designed to ensure that children maintain strong relationships with both parents after a divorce or separation. The SPO is presumed to be in the best interests of children aged three and older and is frequently used when parents cannot agree on a custom arrangement.
If you and your co-parent agree that the standard schedule does not fit your family's needs, you may create a modified custody agreement that better supports your circumstances. However, the SPO remains reliable for many families, providing predictability and fairness.
How Does the Texas SPO Work?
The Texas SPO typically follows this schedule:
The custodial parent (who has primary custody) has the children for about 60% of the time.
The non-custodial parent (who has visitation rights) has the children for about 40% of the time, including alternating weekends and one weekday evening visit per week.
The schedule adjusts based on the distance between the parents' residences, with variations for those living within 50 miles, between 51-100 miles, or over 100 miles apart.
2025 Texas Standard Possession Order: Key Features
Regular Parenting Schedule (Based on Distance)
Parents Living 0-50 Miles Apart
Thursday Visits: Non-custodial parent (NCP) has possession from school release until school drop-off the next morning.
Weekend Visits: First, third, and fifth weekends of each month, from Friday after school to Monday morning drop-off.
Parents Living 51-100 Miles Apart
Thursday Visits: NCP has possession from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (only while school is in session).
Weekend Visits: First, third, and fifth weekends of the month, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Parents Living Over 100 Miles Apart
Weekend Visits: First, third, and fifth weekends of the month, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Some orders allow the NCP to select one weekend per month, with 14 days' advance notice, if their work or travel schedule makes the standard order difficult.
Holiday and Special Occasion Visitation in 2025
Holidays and certain special occasions override the regular SPO schedule. For 2025 (an odd-numbered year), these are the key holiday custody arrangements:
Thanksgiving: NCP has possession in odd years (2025), while the custodial parent has it in even years.
Christmas: NCP has possession from school dismissal until December 28th, and the custodial parent has the child from December 28th until school resumes.
Spring Break: If parents live 100 miles or less apart, the custodial parent has possession in odd years (2025). If they live more than 100 miles apart, the NCP gets Spring Break every year.
Mother’s Day/Father’s Day: The parent who is being celebrated has custody for the weekend, even if it is not their regularly scheduled weekend.
Child’s Birthday: The parent not scheduled for possession may pick up the child from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate.
Texas SPO and Summer Visitation in 2025
Summer possession in the Texas Standard Possession Order is designed to allow the non-custodial parent more extended visitation time with their child.
If Parents Live 0-100 Miles Apart:
NCP Summer Possession: 30 days of visitation, either in one full period or split into two periods of at least seven consecutive days.
Deadline for Notice: The NCP must notify the custodial parent by April 1st about their chosen dates; otherwise, the default period is July 1st-31st.
Custodial Parent’s Summer Weekend: The custodial parent can reclaim one weekend during the NCP’s summer visitation with written notice by April 15th.
If Parents Live Over 100 Miles Apart:
NCP Summer Possession: 42 days of summer visitation in one or two periods of at least seven days.
Deadline for Notice: The NCP must inform the custodial parent by April 1st; otherwise, the default period is June 15th - July 27th.
Custodial Parent’s Summer Weekends: The custodial parent can choose two non-consecutive weekends to have the child during this extended visit.
Need to Modify Your Custody Schedule? Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm Can Help!
While the Texas Standard Possession Order works for many families, it may not be the best fit for yours. If your work schedule, child needs, or other circumstances require a different arrangement, we can help you modify your custody agreement.
At Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm, we specialize in family law, divorce, and child custody cases in Rockwall and Terrell, Texas. Our experienced legal team will work with you to create a custody schedule that prioritizes your child’s best interests while protecting your rights as a parent.
Call us today for a free consultation at 972.325.5938 and let us help you find the best legal solution for your family!
Serving Rockwall, Terrell, and surrounding areas in Texas.
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