Serving Families in Bexar, Comal, Kendall, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Medina, Travis, and Hays Counties
When parents divorce or separate in Texas, one of the most important questions is how parenting time will be shared. The Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) is a guideline set by state law that lays out a default visitation schedule for noncustodial parents. Whether you live in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne, Pleasanton, Seguin, Hondo, Austin, or San Marcos, understanding how SPOs work can help you prepare for court and make decisions that are best for your children.
What Is a Standard Possession Order in Texas?
A standard possession order (SPO) defines the minimum visitation rights and schedule for a noncustodial parent (the parent who does not have primary custody). Texas law assumes the SPO is in the child’s best interest for children age 3 and older, unless evidence shows otherwise.
The Typical Standard Possession Schedule
For parents living within 50 miles of each other, the SPO generally provides:
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month – Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Thursday evenings during the school year (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Alternating holidays – Such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break
- Extended summer visitation – Typically 30 days for the noncustodial parent
If parents live more than 50 miles apart, the schedule changes to allow for longer visitation periods during holidays and summers to reduce travel burdens.
Expanded Standard Possession Order
In many Texas counties, including Bexar, Comal, Kendall, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Medina, Travis, and Hays, courts often approve an Expanded Standard Possession Order when requested. This allows the noncustodial parent to have more time with the child, such as:
- Picking up the child after school on Friday and returning them on Monday morning
- Longer Thursday visits during the school year
- Increased overnights
This arrangement can work well when parents have good communication and live close enough to make transitions smooth.
Can the Standard Possession Order Be Modified?
Yes. Courts can modify an SPO if it’s not in the child’s best interest or if circumstances change significantly, such as:
- A parent relocates
- The child’s needs change (medical, educational, emotional)
- Concerns about safety or well-being arise
Parenting Courses and Why They Matter
Many Texas counties require divorcing or separating parents to take a parenting course. These classes:
- Help parents understand the impact of divorce on children
- Provide tools for conflict resolution
- Encourage cooperative co-parenting
- Reduce stress for children during the transition
Courts often require proof of completion before finalizing custody and possession orders.
How Denis Law Group Can Help
At Denis Law Group, we help parents across Bexar, Comal, Kendall, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Medina, Travis, and Hays Counties navigate child custody and possession issues. We can:
- Explain your rights under the Standard Possession Order
- Request Expanded SPOs for more parenting time
- Help modify existing orders when circumstances change
- Guide you through the parenting course requirements
- Advocate for your child’s best interests in and out of court
Final Thoughts
The Texas Standard Possession Order provides a legal framework for parenting time, but every family is unique. With the right legal guidance, you can create a parenting schedule that works for your situation while keeping your child’s best interests front and center.