When it comes to determining parenting time in Texas, it can be confusing to understand the various possession schedules that are available. In this blog post, we’ll break down the Standard Possession Order, the Extended Standard Possession Order, and the Possession Order for Children Under Three.

Standard Possession Order

Under the Standard Possession Order, Texas law allows parents to share parenting time with a child whenever they both agree. If they fail to agree, the order gives the noncustodial parent the right to have access to the child as follows:

  • For parents who live less than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent has the right to visit the child on the first, third, and fifth weekend of each month, every other holiday, Thursday nights during the school year, and at least 30 days during summer vacations.
  • For parents who live more than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent still has the right to visit the child on weekends (which may be reduced to one weekend per month), holidays, and during longer periods of summer and spring breaks (up to 42 days).

Extended Standard Possession Order

The Extended Standard Possession Order allows the noncustodial parent to have the following visitation schedule:

  • Visitation on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, starting on Thursday at either the time school lets out or 6:00 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. or at the time school resumes on Monday morning.
  • Thursday overnight visits on weeks without weekend visitation.

Possession Order for Children Under Three

For children under the age of three, the Standard Possession Order may not be the best option.

Parents can either agree to use the Standard Possession Order or a different schedule, or the judge will make a decision based on all relevant factors.

Make sure that the order says what is supposed to happen once the child turns three.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the various possession schedules available in Texas to determine the best option for your family.

If you need representation to get a proper visitation order in place, contact the team at The Blacknall Firm.