Navigating child custody schedules can be challenging, especially as summer ends and children head back to school. In Texas, the Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the legal guideline for dividing time between custodial and non-custodial parents. This blog post will provide an overview of the SPO for August and offer tips to help parents better understand their rights and responsibilities.
The Basics of the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO)
The Texas Standard Possession Order outlines when each parent has the right to possession of their child. Typically, the custodial parent (often referred to as the “primary” parent) is the one with whom the child primarily resides, while the non-custodial parent has designated times for visitation.
For August, the schedule takes into account the transition back to school, meaning both parents need to be mindful of the calendar to ensure smooth custody exchanges.
Weekend Possession for August
August is a month where the non-custodial parent has several weekend visitation opportunities. Here’s how it breaks down:
First Friday: August 2nd
Third Friday: August 16th
Fifth Friday: August 30th
These weekends are the designated periods for the non-custodial parent, while the custodial parent will have the second and fourth weekends (August 9th and August 23rd).
Back-to-School Adjustments
One of the key factors for August is the start of the new school year. Since every school district has different start dates, it’s crucial to adjust the possession schedule accordingly. For example, in the Richardson Independent School District, school begins on August 13th. However, if your child’s first day of school is different, you’ll need to tweak the schedule to fit your specific situation.
Thursdays for the Non-Custodial Parent
Once school starts, the Texas Standard Possession Order incorporates midweek visitation. In August, non-custodial parents should be aware of the following Thursday visitations:
August 15th
August 22nd
August 29th
These Thursdays provide an additional opportunity for non-custodial parents to spend time with their children during the school year.
Summer Possession Wrap-Up
August also marks the end of the extended summer possession period for non-custodial parents. Typically, non-custodial parents have the right to 30 days of continuous possession during the summer. Once this period ends, the custodial parent resumes the primary role of care, with the standard weekend and Thursday visitations taking effect.
Labor Day Weekend
Though Labor Day falls in September, it’s essential to note how holidays affect the possession schedule. According to the SPO, if a federal holiday falls on a Monday following the non-custodial parent’s weekend, the visitation period extends through Monday until 6:00 p.m. This year, Labor Day provides an extra day of visitation, extending the non-custodial parent’s weekend through Monday, September 2nd.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Texas Standard Possession Order is essential for ensuring smooth transitions between custodial and non-custodial parents. August is a pivotal month, with the start of school and the conclusion of summer possession. Both parents should pay close attention to their specific school district calendars and adjust their schedules accordingly.
If you need more personalized guidance or have questions about your possession schedule, consult with a family law attorney or a professional experienced in Texas custody laws.
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Chris Schmiedeke
OWNER & ATTORNEY
I was born in Dallas and spent the majority of my life here. I moved to Denver in the middle of the first grade and moved back to Plano in the middle of the eleventh grade. I graduated from Plano Senior High in 1984 and then attended Richland College and the University of North Texas where a received a Bachelor of Business Administration. From there I attended the Texas Tech University School of Law and was licensed to practice law in May of 1993.
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