When navigating child custody and visitation in Texas, especially for infants and toddlers, it’s important to approach parenting time with care and cooperation. A Step-Up Possession Schedule offers a child-focused, age-based framework to help parents gradually increase visitation in a way that supports the child’s emotional and developmental needs.
Below are examples of typical age-based parenting time schedules, along with an explanation of why Texas courts often favor this gradual, progressive approach, particularly for children under three.
What Is a Step-Up Possession Schedule?
Step-Up Schedules are designed to:
- Encourage bonding with both parents
- Support the child’s growth and need for routine
- Avoid overwhelming infants and toddlers with abrupt schedule changes
- Promote cooperation and communication between co-parents
Above all, your child is not the battleground. The real goal is to work together to support your child’s right to love and be loved by both parents without conflict.
Age-Based Possession Schedule Breakdown
Birth to 6 Months
Focus: Short, frequent visits to foster familiarity
Typical Schedule:
- Tues/Thurs (non-primary parent has weekends): 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Mon/Wed/Fri (primary does not have weekends): 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends: 2–4 hours each day
Exchange times may be adjusted to suit your baby’s feeding or sleep routines.
6 to 12 Months
Focus: Transition to longer visits, no overnights
Typical Schedule:
- Tues/Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Wed/Fri (non-weekend parent): 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 1st, 3rd, 5th weekends: 4–6 hours per day
- Exchange times may be adjusted to suit your baby’s feeding or sleep routines.
12 to 18 Months
Focus: Maintain frequency, increase duration
Typical Schedule:
- Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Wed/Fri (non-weekend parent): 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Weekends: 6–8 hours per day (1st, 3rd, and 5th)
18 to 24 Months
Focus: Introduce one overnight stay per weekend
Typical Schedule:
- Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Wed/Fri: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Sat–Sun (1st, 3rd, 5th weekends): Sat 3:00 p.m. – Sun 3:00 p.m.
24 to 30 Months
Focus: Increase to two overnights
Typical Schedule:
- Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Fri 6:00 p.m. – Sun 6:00 p.m.
30 to 36 Months
Focus: Consistent weekend routine with Sunday overnight
Typical Schedule:
- Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Fri 6:00 p.m. – Mon 8:00 a.m. (drop off at daycare or school)
Standard Possession Schedule for Children Age 3 and Older
Once your child turns three, most courts approve a Standard Possession Order (SPO). A common schedule includes:
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends
- Thursday pickup after school/daycare, return Friday morning
- Friday pickup after school/daycare, return Monday morning
This routine encourages consistency, co-parenting cooperation, and emotional security, while reinforcing school and childcare routines.
Why Texas Courts Prefer Step-Up Possession for Infants and Toddlers
Texas courts consider several factors when determining a custody arrangement for children under three, including:
- The child’s emotional and developmental needs
- Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding routines
- The primary caregiver’s role to date
- The importance of healthy attachment
- The ability of parents to cooperate
- The effect of long separations from either parent
A Step-Up Possession Schedule gradually increases time with the non-primary parent, minimizing disruption and supporting healthy development while preserving the parent-child relationship.
Need to Modify a Possession Schedule?
As your child grows—or if your co-parenting circumstances change, you may need to modify your custody agreement or visitation schedule. Common reasons include:
- A parent relocating
- Shifts in a child’s school or daycare routine
- Safety concerns
- Changes in a child’s developmental or medical needs
At Denis Law Group, we help parents across Texas understand their rights and responsibilities under Texas family law. Whether you’re seeking to establish, enforce, or modify a custody or possession order, we provide the guidance and support you need.
Contact Denis Law Group for a Family Law Consultation
Every family is different, and so is every parenting plan. Whether you’re developing a new schedule, requesting a modification, or facing a custody dispute, our team is here to help you protect what matters most—your child’s well-being.
Schedule your consultation today to discuss your rights and options with an experienced Texas family law attorney. We offer remote consultations and serve clients throughout Texas.