Texas Standard Possession Order — Complete Guide for 2026

What is the Texas Standard Possession Order?

The Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the default parenting time schedule established under the Texas Family Code (Chapter 153). It is the framework courts use when parents cannot agree on their own custody arrangement — and the schedule most Texas judges will enforce if a dispute arises.

The SPO is presumed to be in the best interest of children aged three and older. It is designed to give both parents meaningful and predictable time with their children while reducing the day-to-day conflict that undefined schedules create.

Understanding the SPO is one of the most important things any Texas parent going through a divorce or custody case can do. It defines your rights, sets the baseline for negotiations, and becomes the standard by which enforcement actions are measured.

Who the SPO Applies To

The SPO applies to cases involving a managing conservator (the primary residential parent) and a possessory conservator (the non-primary parent). It governs when the possessory conservator has the right to possession of the child.

The SPO applies to children aged three and older. Children under three are typically subject to a modified schedule that gradually increases possession time as the child grows.

The SPO provides two different schedules based on how far apart the parents live from each other:

• Within 100 miles — more frequent but shorter visits, including weekly Thursday visits during the school year
• Over 100 miles — fewer but longer visits, with extended time during school breaks to compensate for distance

Schedule: Parents Living Within 100 Miles

This is the most common SPO schedule in Central Texas, where most families live within close range of each other.

Regular Weekend Possession

The possessory conservator has possession on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month during the school year:

• Begins: Friday at 6:00 p.m. (or when school is dismissed, for orders after Sept. 1, 2021)
• Ends: Sunday at 6:00 p.m. (or when school resumes Monday morning, for newer orders)
• If a Friday is a school holiday or in-service day, possession begins at 6:00 p.m. Thursday
• If a Monday is a school holiday, possession extends to 6:00 p.m. Monday

Thursday Possession (School Year)

During the school year, the possessory conservator also has possession every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For orders issued after September 1, 2021, this has been expanded to an overnight Thursday visit, beginning at school dismissal and ending when school resumes Friday morning.

Schedule: Parents Living Over 100 Miles Apart

When parents live more than 100 miles apart, the SPO adjusts to reduce the burden of frequent travel while still giving the possessory conservator meaningful time.

Holiday Possession Schedule

Holiday possession overrides regular weekend and Thursday possession. Holidays alternate between parents on an even/odd year basis. 2026 is an even-numbered year.

Summer Possession

Summer possession gives the possessory conservator extended time with the child. There are two critical deadlines each year that both parents must know:

If the possessory conservator does not give written notice by April 1, their summer possession defaults to July. Missing this deadline is a common and costly mistake in high-conflict cases.

Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO)

The Expanded Standard Possession Order gives the possessory conservator more time than the basic SPO. Key differences:

• Weekend possession begins at school dismissal Friday (not 6 p.m.) and ends at school resumption Monday morning (not 6 p.m. Sunday)
• Thursday possession is an overnight, beginning at school dismissal and ending at school resumption Friday
• This can result in the possessory conservator having the child more than 40% of the time

The ESPO was significantly expanded by Senate Bill 1936 in 2021. Parents with orders issued after September 1, 2021 who live within 50 miles of each other automatically receive many of the expanded provisions.

Modifying the Standard Possession Order

The SPO can be modified by court order when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common grounds for modification include:

• One parent relocates more than 100 miles away
• A significant change in the child’s needs (medical, educational, emotional)
• A parent’s work schedule changes substantially
• Evidence of abuse, neglect, or endangerment
• The child is at least 12 years old and expresses a preference to the court
• Chronic violation of the existing order by one parent

Texas courts always apply a “best interest of the child” standard. Wanting more time alone is not sufficient grounds — there must be a demonstrable change in circumstances that affects the child’s welfare.

Enforcement When a Parent Violates the Order

When a parent refuses to follow the SPO — whether by withholding the child, refusing to exchange, or interfering with possession — you have legal options:

Using the SPO in a High-Conflict Situation

The SPO was designed for cooperative co-parents. When you are dealing with a narcissistic, manipulative, or chronically non-compliant co-parent, the standard schedule becomes both your protection and your battleground.

Key strategies for high-conflict SPO situations:

• Follow the order exactly. Never deviate from the written terms, even informally. Informal agreements are used against you later.
• All communication in writing. Use a co-parenting app. Never discuss custody by phone or in person without documentation.
• Give all required notices in writing, on time. Summer deadlines, holiday elections — document everything.
• Do not withhold possession as retaliation. Even if the other parent is violating the order, self-help remedies will hurt you in court.
• Build your enforcement case before you need it. Keep logs from day one, not just when things get bad.

2026 SPO Calendar

The calendar below shows possession weekends, Thursdays, and holidays month by month. Download and print it to keep on hand.

This calendar is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Your specific court order controls. Exchange times may differ based on your order’s language. Consult a Texas family law attorney for guidance specific to your situation.