Navigating child visitation during divorce can feel overwhelming. Texas law provides several standard and customizable schedules designed to balance a child’s stability with parents’ rights. Understanding your options empowers you to make the best decision for your family.
🧭 Child Visitation in Texas
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Common Texas visitation schedules
✅ Pros and cons of each arrangement
✅ Helpful tips to make transitions easier
✅ FAQs to clear up common questions
⚖️ Standard Possession Order (SPO)
Description:
The Standard Possession Order is the most commonly used schedule in Texas divorces. It applies to children over 3 and assumes parents live within 100 miles of each other.
Schedule Overview:
- Noncustodial Parent: 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends each month
- Thursday evenings during the school year (6–8 PM or overnight if agreed)
- 30 days in summer
- Alternating holidays
Pros:
✅ Predictable and consistent
✅ Fosters strong ongoing contact
✅ Easy to enforce
Cons:
❌ Limited weekday time for the noncustodial parent
❌ Less flexibility for parents with unusual work schedules
🕒 Expanded Standard Possession Order
Description:
The Expanded SPO gives the noncustodial parent more weekday and weekend time.
Schedule Overview:
- Same weekends as SPO
- Thursday begins when school lets out and continues overnight until Friday morning
- Weekends start when school lets out Friday and end when school resumes Monday
Pros:
✅ More meaningful time together
✅ Smoother transitions
✅ Supports strong bonds
Cons:
❌ More logistical planning for school transportation
❌ Can feel disruptive to the child’s weekly rhythm if parents don’t communicate well
🏠 50/50 Possession Schedule (Equal Time)
Description:
Parents share equal time, alternating weeks or splitting the week.
Popular Formats:
- Week-On/Week-Off: Each parent has the child for a full week
- 2-2-3 Rotation: 2 days with Parent A, 2 with Parent B, 3 days with Parent A, and alternate
Pros:
✅ Maximum involvement from both parents
✅ Children maintain close relationships with both households
✅ Perceived fairness
Cons:
❌ Requires excellent co-parenting communication
❌ More transitions for the child
❌ Can be harder with school and extracurricular activities
🛫 Long-Distance Visitation Schedule
Description:
Used when parents live more than 100 miles apart.
Schedule Overview:
- One weekend per month
- All spring break
- Extended summer visitation (up to 42 days)
- Alternating holidays
Pros:
✅ Allows significant blocks of time with the noncustodial parent
✅ Fewer transitions
Cons:
❌ Less frequent contact during school year
❌ Cost of travel can be high
🌱 Tips for Successful Visitation Schedules
✅ Be consistent: Children thrive on routine.
✅ Use shared calendars: Avoid confusion and last-minute changes.
✅ Prioritize communication: Keep each other informed about school, activities, and health.
✅ Stay child-focused: Put the child’s emotional well-being above convenience.
✅ Have backup plans: Be ready for unexpected events.
💬 FAQs About Texas Child Visitation Schedules
What is the most common visitation schedule in Texas?
The Standard Possession Order is most common for parents living within 100 miles.
Can we create a custom schedule?
Yes, parents can agree on any schedule as long as the court finds it in the child’s best interest.
Is 50/50 visitation hard on kids?
It depends. Some children thrive, while others struggle with frequent transitions. Consistency and communication are key.
What if the noncustodial parent doesn’t use their time?
They are not legally forced to exercise visitation but must comply with court orders if they do.
How do holidays work?
Holidays alternate every year (e.g., Thanksgiving with Mom one year, Dad the next).
🎯 Final Thoughts
Child visitation isn’t one-size-fits-all. With clear communication and a willingness to put your child first, any schedule can be successful. If you need help creating or modifying a plan, consider consulting a professional familiar with Texas family law.
📝 Ready to Create a Parenting Plan That Works?
At Ready Divorce Service, we help Texas parents design visitation schedules that fit their unique family dynamics. Whether you want to modify an existing order or create a custom agreement, our experienced team is here to guide you step by step.
✨ Take the next step today!
✅ Call us now: 📞 (800) 432-0018
✅ Or get started online: Get Your Custom Parenting Plan
