Texas 2026 Standard Possession Order

The Texas Standard Possession Order, often referred to as the SPO, is one of the most common schedules used in custody and visitation cases. For many parents, understanding how the schedule works is essential for planning, stability, and reducing conflict. The schedule changes depending on the distance between the parents’ homes, so knowing the difference between the less-than-100-mile version and the less-than-50-mile version is critical.

This blog breaks down both schedules in a simple and practical way. At the end, we include a downloadable calendar to help parents plan their year confidently.

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Standard Possession Order When Parents Live More Than 50 Miles Apart But Less Than 100 Miles Apart

When parents live more than 50 miles apart but less than 100 miles from each other, the SPO provides a predictable structure that gives both households meaningful time with the child. Key parts of this schedule include school-year weekends, alternating holidays, birthday time, and extended summer possession.

Weekend possession

The noncustodial parent receives the first, third, and fifth weekends of every month. Possession begins on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 6:00 p.m., unless the parents agree otherwise. These weekends rotate evenly throughout the year and give both parents steady, consistent time.

Thursday periods of possession

During the school year, the noncustodial parent also has time every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This midweek visit keeps the child connected to both homes during school months.

Holiday possession

Holidays override the regular schedule. Each parent alternates major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break. Texas law ensures that holiday time remains fair, balanced, and memorable for both households.

Summer possession

When parents live less than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent receives 30 days of summer possession. The noncustodial parent must notify the other parent of their chosen summer dates by April 1. The custodial parent may designate one weekend during the 30-day period when the child must return home, but this designation must be made by April 15. These days can be taken in one block or divided, depending on notice requirements. The custodial parent may designate one weekend during the 30-day period when the child must return home.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Regardless of who has possession that weekend, the child spends Mother’s Day with the mother and Father’s Day with the father.

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Standard Possession Order When Parents Live Less Than 50 Miles Apart

For parents who live 50 miles or less from one another, the Standard Possession Order includes additional time that supports more frequent contact, especially during the school year.

Thursday possession becomes overnight

Parents living within 50 miles receive expanded Thursday periods of possession. Instead of ending at 8:00 p.m., the child remains overnight and returns to school Friday morning. This creates a smoother routine and more meaningful weekly contact.

Weekend possession may extend to Monday morning

Instead of returning the child on Sunday evening, the noncustodial parent may choose the Monday-return schedule. Under this option, possession starts Friday when school releases and ends Monday when school resumes. This provides longer, uninterrupted weekend time and reduces Sunday evening transitions.

Summer possession

The noncustodial parent still receives 30 days of summer possession, with the same right for the custodial parent to designate one weekend back. The noncustodial parent must notify the other parent of their chosen summer dates by April 1. The custodial parent may designate one weekend during the 30-day period when the child must return home, but this designation must be made by April 15.

Holiday and special days

Holiday possession mirrors the same alternating schedule as in the 100-mile version. Birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day remain the same.

Why the distance matters

Texas recognizes that the closer parents live to each other, the easier it is for a child to move between households without disrupting school, activities, or rest. Families living 50 miles or less benefit from more flexible overnight and weekend options, while the 100-mile SPO focuses on predictability and stability.

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Parents Who Live Over 100 Miles Apart

When parents live more than 100 miles apart, the SPO adjusts to reduce travel strain while preserving meaningful parenting time.

Weekend options

The noncustodial parent may choose either the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, or one weekend per month of their choice with proper notice.

This flexibility accommodates longer travel distances and varying work schedules.

Midweek periods/Thursdays

Midweek visits typically do not occur due to distance, but parents may agree otherwise.

Extended summer possession

The noncustodial parent receives 42 days of summer possession rather than 30. These days can be taken in one continuous block or divided into two periods.

Summer designation deadlines

The noncustodial parent must provide written notice of preferred summer dates by April 1.If no notice is given, the default summer period begins on June 15 and ends on July 27.The custodial parent may designate one weekend during the noncustodial parent’s summer period, and this selection must be made by April 15.

Holiday and special occasions

The alternating holiday schedule remains the same regardless of distance. Parents continue to alternate Spring Break, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other major holidays. Mother’s Day is always awarded to the mother and Father’s Day to the father, no matter who has possession that weekend.

Download the Standard Possession Calendar

To help parents plan their year with clarity, we have created a detailed SPO calendar carefully aligned with the Texas Family Code. You can download it below for personal use. This tool is ideal for mapping out visitation schedules, holidays, school breaks, and major events.

You can download it here:

2026 SPO.pdf

Download PDF • 332KB

A Word of Caution: Review Your Court Orders

Before relying on this calendar, please carefully review your current court orders. While the SPO is common, not every possession order follows the same format. Your order may have modifications that override the standard schedule.

If you have any questions or need help interpreting your possession schedule, my office is here to help. We provide consultations to review your current orders and ensure you’re clear on your rights and responsibilities. Give our office a call at 832-328-0791.