2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar

What Is the Texas Standard Possession Order?

The Texas Standard Possession Order is a default parenting-time framework used in many
Suites Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR), divorce, and custody cases.
The SPO typically sets:

• 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekend possession
• Thursday time during the school term (format depends on the order)
• Alternating holiday periods (Thanksgiving & Christmas are the big ones)
• Spring Break rotation by even/odd year
• Extended summer possession (often with notice deadlines)
• Optional Expanded SPO (ESPO) pickup/drop-off times

Tip: If your order mentions “default” vs “election,” or school “dismissal/resumption” times,
your exchange times may differ from the classic “6 p.m. to 6 p.m.” version.

Why Use an SPO Calendar?

A clear calendar reduces miscommunication and helps both households plan school, travel, childcare, and activities.
This planner is especially useful for:

• Co-parents who want fewer last-minute disputes
• Parents new to Texas custody schedules
• Attorneys/mediators explaining SPO vs Expanded SPO
• Teachers/counselors supporting families with predictable routines

How the Texas SPO Schedule Works

1st, 3rd, and 5th Weekends

In many SPO orders, the non-primary parent has possession on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month.
“Weekend” can be defined as:

• Classic times: Friday at 6:00 p.m. to Sunday at 6:00 p.m., or
• School-based times: pickup at school dismissal Friday and return at school resumption Monday (common in Expanded or “default” versions).

How to spot the right version: Look for language like “6 p.m.” (classic) vs “when school is dismissed / resumes” (school-based).

Thursday Time During the School Term

Many SPO orders include a Thursday period during the school year. Depending on the order, this might be:

• Short visit: Thursday evening (example: 6–8 p.m.), or
• Overnight (Expanded): pickup Thursday after school and return Friday at school.

Holiday Possession (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day)

Holiday periods typically override regular weekend/Thursday time.
The exact start/end times depend on your order (often tied to school dismissal/resumption).

• Thanksgiving: alternates by year (commonly an even/odd-year rotation).
• Christmas break: usually split into two parts (first half vs second half), alternating by year.
• Mother’s Day/Father’s Day: special periods that can override a regular weekend.

Spring Break

Spring Break is commonly assigned as an entire block to one parent each year based on an even/odd-year rotation. (Always confirm your school district’s official calendar and your order’s exact language.)

Summer Possession

Summer possession often includes an extended block for the non-primary parent, plus a limited weekend for the other parent during that block.
Many orders require written notice by specific deadlines when choosing custom summer dates.

• Common deadline: April 1 (to pick custom summer dates)
• Common deadline: April 15 (for the other parent to designate a weekend during that summer period)

Expanded Standard Possession Order (Expanded SPO / ESPO)

“Expanded SPO” usually means the non-primary parent’s time begins and ends around school release/resumption (instead of fixed “6 p.m.” times). 

A common Expanded pattern is:

• Weekends: pickup at school dismissal Friday → return at school start Monday
• Thursdays: pickup at school dismissal Thursday → return at school start Friday

Why it matters: Expanded SPO can add meaningful hours and reduce awkward evening exchanges—especially for working parents.

Download: 2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar (Printable PDF)

Use the PDF below to print, save, or share with the other parent. If your order differs from the standard schedule, use this as a planning tool and mark your custom modifications.

Download 2026 SPO Calendar (PDF)

Need Help Interpreting Your Texas Possession Order?

If your schedule involves deviations (custom holidays, long-distance parenting, supervised visitation,
child under 3, or enforcement issues), talk to a Texas family law attorney. Use the contact form to send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this follow the Texas Standard Possession Order?

Yes—this is designed around the standard SPO framework and common Expanded SPO timing concepts.
Always verify the exact language in your signed order.

What does “1st, 3rd, and 5th weekend” mean?

It means the weekends tied to the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Friday of the month. Months with only four Fridays do not have a “5th weekend.”

What if a holiday extends the weekend?

Many orders extend weekend possession when a school holiday/in-service day falls on Friday or Monday.
The exact start/end time depends on your order (and sometimes “default vs election” language).

Does distance change the schedule?

Often, yes. Some Texas SPO schedules change based on how far apart parents live (for example, midweek periods may differ, and weekend options may change). Always confirm your order’s distance provisions.

Does it include Expanded SPO?

Yes—Expanded SPO concepts and examples are included (school-based pickup/drop-off timing).

Is this legal advice?

No. This is general information. For legal advice about your specific custody order, consult a Texas family law attorney.