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:
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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.