Understanding the Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar in Child Custody Cases

The Texas SPO Calendar helps parents understand possession schedules in Texas child custody cases.

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues to address is how parenting time with the children will be shared. In Texas, the Standard Possession Order (“SPO”) is the schedule commonly used by courts to determine possession and access when parents do not live together.

The Texas Standard Possession Order is designed to provide children with frequent and continuing contact with both parents while creating a predictable schedule families can follow throughout the year.

What Is a Texas Standard Possession Order?

Under the Texas Family Code, the Standard Possession Order outlines when the non-custodial parent has possession of the child. While every case is different, the SPO often serves as the starting point in Texas child custody cases.

For parents who live within 50 miles of each other, the schedule may include expanded possession periods. For example, different provisions may apply when parents live more than 50 or 100 miles apart.

Typical Texas SPO Schedule

A typical Texas Standard Possession Order may include:

• 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month
• Thursday possession periods during the school year
• Alternating holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Alternating Spring Break possession
• Extended summer possession for the non-custodial parent

Many parents refer to this schedule as the “Texas custody calendar” or “Texas SPO calendar.”

Download the 2026 Texas SPO Calendar

To help parents better understand the schedule, The Quander Law Firm has prepared a 2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar outlining common possession periods and important possession-related deadlines.

The Texas SPO Calendar provides parents with a helpful overview of common Texas possession schedules throughout the year.

This calendar is intended as a general reference tool and may not reflect the exact terms of your court order.

Important Things Parents Should Know About the Texas SPO Calendar

However, not every Texas SPO Calendar or Standard Possession Order is identical. Possession schedules can vary depending on:

• The child’s age
• Distance between the parents’ homes
• School schedules
• Prior court orders
• Agreements between the parents
• Expanded Standard Possession elections

Additionally, holiday schedules and summer possession periods may differ depending on whether parents timely designate their preferred dates.

Can Parents Agree to a Different Texas SPO Possession Schedule?

Yes. Furthermore, parents are often able to agree to customized possession schedules that better fit their family’s needs and routines. Courts generally encourage parents to work together to create schedules that are in the best interest of their children.

However, it is important that any agreed schedule be clearly written and properly incorporated into a court order.

How a Texas Family Law Attorney Can Help

A Texas SPO Calendar can help parents better understand recurring possession schedules, holidays, and summer visitation periods.

Child custody and possession schedules can become complicated, especially when parents disagree about visitation, holiday schedules, summer possession, or modifications to an existing order.

An experienced Texas family law attorney can help parents:

• Understand the Texas Standard Possession Order
• Negotiate customized possession schedules
• Enforce existing custody orders
• Request modifications when circumstances change
• Address disputes regarding possession and access

Reviewing a Texas SPO Calendar can help parents better understand weekends, holidays, and summer possession periods.

Contact The Quander Law Firm

If you have questions about a Texas Standard Possession Order, child custody schedule, or modification case, The Quander Law Firm assists clients throughout Houston and the surrounding counties in family law matters.

To schedule a consultation, contact The Quander Law Firm at (832) 930-7139.