New Year! January 2025 Texas Standard Possession Order

Understanding the January 2025 Texas Standard Possession Order

Welcome to 2025! As we embark on a new year, let’s take a closer look at the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) for January. Whether you’re a custodial parent or non-custodial parent, understanding how the SPO outlines possession periods can help you plan your month effectively.

Key Highlights for January 2025

The Texas Standard Possession Order is designed to ensure a balanced schedule for both parents. For January, there are a few unique points to note:

1. Post-Holiday Adjustments
   • Custodial Parent: The custodial parent enjoys possession during the back half of Christmas, rolling through New Year’s.
   • Non-Custodial Parent: As a result, the non-custodial parent does not get the first Friday of the month. Holiday periods replace the usual Thursday and weekend possession periods.
2. First Possession for Non-Custodial Parent
   The first day of possession for the non-custodial parent in January is Thursday, January 9th, with additional Thursdays on the 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
3. Fridays in January
   • Custodial Parent: Possesses the second Friday (January 10th) and the fourth Friday (January 24th).
   • Non-Custodial Parent: Possesses the third Friday (January 17th), which includes the extended Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
   The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 20th, extends the non-custodial parent’s weekend. This extension is outlined in the SPO’s holiday possession paragraph, ensuring that the weekend lasts until the end of the holiday Monday.
5. Fifth Friday
   January 2025 features a fifth Friday (January 31st). The non-custodial parent is entitled to this possession period, extending through Sunday, February 2nd. This is a notable addition as the first Friday of February immediately follows, allowing for a consecutive possession period.

Planning Ahead

The January schedule highlights the importance of being aware of holiday impacts and special provisions in the Standard Possession Order. Key takeaways for parents include:

• Non-custodial parents lose the first Friday of the month due to the holiday period but gain the fifth Friday, ensuring a balanced schedule.
• Extended weekends, like the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, provide additional time for the non-custodial parent, emphasizing the value of holiday-specific provisions in the SPO.

Looking Ahead to February

With the fifth Friday of January rolling directly into February’s first Friday, the non-custodial parent can expect a strong start to February. Stay tuned for next month’s discussion to delve into the February 2025 schedule and its nuances.

Wishing all families a smooth and harmonious January under the Texas Standard Possession Order! See you next month for more updates.