2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar: Whose Weekend Is It Anyway?
If you share child visitation with your ex in Texas, get ready to mark your calendars. We created this 2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar to make it easier for you to keep track of your visitation rights as outlined in the Texas Family Code.
This calendar specifies the custodial and noncustodial parents’ visitation schedules, including weekends, holidays, spring break, summer vacation, and other important events in your child’s life. Bookmark this article and calendar as your go-to resource for planning out precious time with your kids.
2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar
We have released a customizable possession calendar that accounts for standard possession schedules based on how far apart parents live:
- Parents who live within 50 miles of each other;
- Parents who live between 50-100 miles of each other; and
- Parents who live more than 100 miles away from each other.
This customizable calendar also allows you to account for your child’s school schedule and birthday.
Why StandardPossession.com Texas Custody Calendar Tool Stands Out
Here’s what makes standardpossession.com stand out:
Distance-Based Customization From the Start
The first thing you’ll do is select how far apart you and your co-parent live: under 50 miles, 50-100 miles, or over 100 miles. This matters because the Texas Standard Possession Order has different rules for each scenario—from weekend pickup times to how much summer possession you receive. StandardPossession.com automatically applies the correct rules based on your selection, so you’re never working off the wrong calendar.
Personalize It for Your Family
Once you’ve set your distance, you can further customize the calendar by adding your child’s school schedule and birthday. This ensures the calendar reflects your actual possession dates—not just generic estimates.
Multiple Views and Easy Navigation
Toggle between month view for a big-picture look or date view for day-by-day details. Important notice deadlines—like the April 1st summer possession notice—are highlighted so you never miss a critical date.
Export, Print, and Embed
Download the calendar as a PDF, print it out for your fridge, or export it directly to iCal so it syncs with your phone or any calendar app you use. Webmasters can even embed the calendar on their own sites—making it a versatile tool for family law attorneys and co-parenting resources alike.
There’s simply no better free tool for tracking Texas Standard Possession Order dates. Visit standardpossession.com to create your customized calendar today.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Texas Standard Possession Order provides noncustodial parents with possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends each month, along with alternating holidays and extended summer possession.
- Schedules may allow customization for parents living within 50 miles of each other, as well as distinct guidelines for parents residing more than 100 miles apart to accommodate distance-related challenges.
- Failure to comply with a court-ordered possession schedule can lead to legal action, such as filing a motion for enforcement, which may result in consequences including fines or even jail time.
Understanding the 2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, the Standard Possession Order (SPO) provides a detailed framework for when each parent can spend time with their children after divorce or separation. This comprehensive schedule creates what the law calls a “rebuttable presumption” that these possession times serve the best interest of the child.
The 2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar serves as the standard child visitation schedule, which courts typically uphold in the absence of any other agreement. This calendar helps parents understand when they have possession of their child so they can effectively manage co-parenting responsibilities. The goal is to keep the child’s best interest at heart while ensuring both parents get fair and ample time with their child.
Under Texas law, the standard possession order specifies that noncustodial parents have possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, in addition to alternating holidays. Additionally, they are granted extended possession during the summer. This arrangement offers a structured approach to custody, providing consistency and predictability for both the parents and the child.
Standard Possession Order 50 Miles Apart or Less
When parents reside within 50 miles of each other in Texas, the noncustodial parent has the option to choose the “default” Standard Possession Order or an “election” option that offers different possession times.
For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, the default option includes expanded possession times: weekends begin when school lets out Friday and end when school resumes Monday, and Thursday overnight possession from school dismissal until school resumes Friday. The election option provides more limited times with 6 p.m. pickups and returns.
This can be a great choice if you’re looking to maximize your quality time together. Remember, each family’s situation is unique, so consider what works best for you and your child when making this decision.
Click here for specific details about the SPO for 50 Miles Apart or Less.
| Visitation Type | Texas Standard Possession Order – Default (Orders on or after 9/1/2021) | Election Option |
| Weekends | First, third, and fifth weekends beginning when school lets out Friday and until school resumes on Monday. | First, third, and fifth weekends from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Sunday |
| Thursday Nights | Pickup at the time school is dismissed and drop-off at the time school resumes on Friday. | Pickup at 6 p.m. on Thursday and drop-off at 8 p.m. |
| Spring Break | Alternates yearly between parents, from the time when school lets out for Spring Break until 6 p.m. the night before school resumes. | Alternates yearly between parents, from 6 p.m. on day school lets out until 6 p.m. the night before school resumes. |
| Thanksgiving Break | Alternates yearly between parents. Pickup is when school lets out for Thanksgiving break and drop-off at 6 p.m. on Sunday. | Alternates yearly between parents. Pickup time is 6 p.m. on the day school lets out and drop off is 6 p.m. on Sunday. |
| Christmas Break (Even Numbered Years) | Noncustodial parent has first half. Pickup is when school lets out for Christmas break and drop-off at noon on December 28. | Noncustodial parent has first half. Pickup time is 6 p.m. on the day school is dismissed and drop-off at noon on December 28. |
| Christmas Break (Odd Number Years) | Noncustodial parent has second half. Pickup at noon on December 28 and drop off at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes. | Noncustodial parent has second half. Pickup at noon on December 28 and drop off at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes. |
| Mother’s Day | Mom picks up child when school lets out Friday and returns child when school resumes Monday after Mother’s Day. | Mom picks up child at 6 p.m. Friday and returns child 6 p.m. on Mother’s Day. |
| Father’s Day | Pickup at 6 p.m. on the Friday before Father’s Day and drop-off is 8 a.m. on the Monday after Father’s Day. | Father picks up child at 6 p.m. on Friday and returns child at 6 p.m. on Father’s Day. |
| Weekend Visitation Followed by Monday Student Holiday or Teacher In-Service Day | Drop-off at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. | Drop-off at 6 p.m. Monday. |
Standard Possession Order 51 to 100 Miles Apart
When parents live 51 to 100 miles apart in Texas, the noncustodial parent is provided with options when completing the standard possession order: “default” or “election.”
For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, the default arrangement specifies pickup at 6 p.m. on Friday and drop-off at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The noncustodial parent may also have the child on Thursday evening during the school year from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If the election option is in place, it specifies that pickup is at the time school is dismissed for the weekend and drop-off is at the time school resumes after the weekend during the school session. On Thursdays, pickup is at the school when dismissed and drop-off is when school resumes on Friday.
Click here for specific details about the SPO for 51 to 100 miles apart.
Standard Possession Order Over 100 Miles Apart
The guidelines for visitation arrangements vary slightly for parents residing more than 100 miles apart, accommodating the parents for increased distance and travel considerations. On weekends, noncustodial parents must choose between the 1st, 3rd and 5th weekends of each month or one weekend a month of the noncustodial parent’s choice.
The noncustodial parent also has the opportunity to select a “default” or “election” option when the terms of the order are being settled. The default option specifies pickup on Friday at 6 p.m. and drop off Sunday at 6 p.m. The election option specifies pickup at the time school is dismissed for the weekend and drop-off at the time school resumes after the weekend during the school term. When school is not in session, pickup is on Friday at 6 p.m. and drop off is Sunday at 6 p.m.
Parents living more than 100 miles apart also receive 42 days of summer possession (compared to 30 days for parents within 100 miles) and get spring break every year rather than alternating years.
Click here for specific details about the SPO for over 100 miles apart.
Weekend Possession Extended by a Holiday
There are times throughout the year when a weekend period of possession begins on a school holiday or a teacher in-service day falls on a Friday during the regular school term. In these instances, the weekend period of possession begins at 6 p.m. on the immediately preceding Thursday.
By the same token, there are times when the weekend period of possession ends on or is immediately followed by a student holiday or a teacher in-service day that falls on a Monday during the regular school term. For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, for parents within 50 miles, that weekend period of possession ends at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. For other standard possession orders, the weekend ends at 6 p.m. on that Monday.
During the summer, if a weekend period of possession ends on or is immediately followed by a federal, state, or local holiday that falls on a Monday during the summer months when school is not in session, that weekend period of possession ends at 6 p.m. on that Monday.
2026 Texas Standard Possession: Spring, Summer & Winter Holiday Breaks
The 2026 Standard Possession Calendar also lays out specific dates for the following breaks:
- Spring Break
- Summer Break
- Thanksgiving Break
- Christmas Break
Below we explain the 2026 possession schedule for each of these breaks during the year.
Spring Break Possession in 2026
Under the Standard Possession Order, parents who live within 100 miles of each other alternate years for spring break visitation. The noncustodial parent has possession in even-numbered years, and the custodial parent has possession in odd-numbered years.
Since 2026 is an even-numbered year, the noncustodial parent is entitled to possession of the child during Spring Break. For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, for parents within 50 miles, pickup is when the child is released from school for spring vacation and drop-off is at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes. For other standard possession orders, pickup is at 6 p.m. on the day school is dismissed and drop-off is at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes.
- For example, the Fort Worth Independent School District’s Spring Break in 2026 typically falls in mid-March. Check your district’s calendar for exact dates. [Contact our Fort Worth Divorce Lawyer]
- Similarly, for Carroll ISD (Southlake), Spring Break dates vary by year. Check the district calendar for 2026 dates. [Contact our Southlake Divorce Lawyer]
(Note: These dates could be different depending on your school district’s schedule.)
If parents live more than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent gets the children every year for spring break. This is because he or she doesn’t get the same parenting time during the year as parents who live closer.
Note that the holiday possession period during Spring Break 2026 takes precedence over the regular custody schedule. Yet, co-parents can mutually agree to a schedule that deviates from the standard order for Spring Break possession in 2026, if both parties agree.
2026 Summer Break Possession
Summer provides an opportunity for parents to spend extended time with their child. The standard summer possession schedule varies based on distance between parents.
For parents living 100 miles or less apart, the noncustodial parent receives 30 days of summer possession, which can be selected in no more than two separate periods of at least seven consecutive days each. It is the responsibility of the noncustodial parent to provide notice to the other parent by April 1st of the year for the days of summer possession they choose. If the noncustodial parent does not provide notice by April 1st, the noncustodial parent’s summer visitation automatically defaults to July 1st at 6 p.m. to July 31st at 6 p.m.
For parents living more than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent receives 42 days of extended summer possession. If no notice is provided by April 1st, the default period is June 15th at 6 p.m. to July 27th at 6 p.m.
The custodial parent may designate one weekend during the noncustodial parent’s extended summer possession time if they send notice by April 15th of the elected weekend, provided that the designated weekend does not interfere with Father’s Day weekend. For parents living more than 100 miles apart, if the noncustodial parent’s summer possession exceeds 30 days, the custodial parent may designate a second weekend.
Additionally, for parents living more than 100 miles apart, the custodial parent can designate 21 days of extended parenting time during which the noncustodial parent cannot have weekend possession. Notice must be provided by April 15th.
Thanksgiving Break Possession in 2026
The Texas Family Code designates that children spend alternate years with each parent during major holidays, including Christmas and Thanksgiving. The custodial parent has possession during even-numbered years, and the noncustodial parent has possession during odd-numbered years.
Since 2026 is an even-numbered year, the custodial parent has the children for Thanksgiving. Pickup is at 6 p.m. on the day the child’s school is released for the Thanksgiving break and possession ends at 6 p.m. on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, for parents within 50 miles, pickup is when the child is released from school for the holiday.
The next year (2027), it swaps, so the noncustodial parent will have the children over Thanksgiving.
Christmas Break Possession in 2026
Like Thanksgiving, Christmas possession alternates between custodial and noncustodial parents. During the child’s winter break, the Christmas break is divided into two halves, alternating each year.
In 2026, because it is an even-numbered year:
Christmas A (First Half): The noncustodial parent has possession beginning when school is dismissed for Christmas break and ending at noon on December 28th. For orders issued on or after September 1, 2021, for parents within 50 miles, pickup is when the child is released from school. For other standard possession orders, pickup is at 6 p.m. on the day school is dismissed.
Christmas B (Second Half): The custodial parent has possession beginning at noon on December 28th and ending at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes.
This arrangement guarantees that both parents can enjoy the Christmas season with their child(ren) over the years. In 2027, these schedules will flip.
Visitation on Your Child’s Birthday
As you know, birthdays fall on different days each year, meaning it may be on a Sunday one year, a Monday the next, and a Tuesday the year after that. Under the Texas Family Code, the parent who doesn’t have possession of the child on the day that falls on their birthday is entitled to have possession of the child from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as long as the parent picks them up and returns the child to the same location.
Customizing Your Child Visitation Schedule
Although the Texas Standard Possession Calendar provides standardized guidelines, it’s not right for every family. Unique family dynamics may necessitate adjustments to the standard possession order, such as long-distance parenting or families with special needs children.
Parents are allowed to create a custom holiday possession schedule if they can agree on an arrangement that works better for their needs. By working together to develop a tailored possession and access schedule, parents can ensure that their children’s best interests are prioritized while maintaining strong and healthy relationships with both parents. If you and the co-parent agree on a schedule different from the court order, it’s important to get it in writing until you can modify the original order.
Factors to Consider
There are several key factors that parents should consider when customizing their child custody schedule:
- The age of a child can have an impact on the customization of a custody schedule. School-age children may have specific routines and activities that must be taken into account, requiring parents to adjust pickup times or make provisions for extracurricular activities.
- The work schedules of parents can influence the customization of a custody schedule, necessitating coordination and adjustment of the schedule to suit their work hours.
- The proximity of parents’ residences can have a substantial influence on the practicality of a personalized custody schedule.
- Specific considerations, like a child’s extracurricular activities or medical needs, can also necessitate the need for a customized custody schedule, requiring effective parent communication and flexibility.
What Happens When Parents Don’t Comply with the Court-Ordered Possession Schedule?
Failure to comply with a court-ordered visitation schedule can lead to legal consequences. If a parent fails to adhere to the court-ordered possession order in Texas, the other parent can initiate legal action by filing a Motion for Enforcement with the local family court. This motion specifically asks the court to enforce the previously set terms of the custody arrangement. A hearing will be set and the court can then take various actions to ensure compliance.
It is important to gather evidence of non-compliance by being present at the specified location, date, and time when required and, if possible, have a witness accompany you to observe the non-compliance. When filing a Motion for Enforcement of Possession and Access, it is essential to include evidence of the violation, such as documents, witness testimonies, or any other pertinent evidence. The potential legal consequences for failing to adhere to a court-ordered possession schedule in Texas may include fines and even jail time.
Visitation Issues? We Can Help.
Understanding child visitation schedules can be complicated, but with clear communication, flexibility, and a focus on the child’s best interest, parents can create a successful possession schedule. The 2026 Texas Standard Possession Calendar provides a good foundation for parents to build upon. However, parents also have the flexibility to customize their schedules to better suit their unique circumstances.
If you need help with custody or visitation issues, contact Varghese Summersett Family Law Group today at 817-203-2220 to schedule a consultation. We will explain the Texas Standard Possession Order and work to find a parenting schedule that is right for you. We will facilitate the best possible custody arrangement for you and your child.
Texas Standard Possession Calendar Archive:
2025 Standard Possession Calendar
2024 Standard Possession Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the children for Thanksgiving in 2026?
In 2026, the custodial parent has possession of the children for Thanksgiving. Under the Texas Standard Possession Order, the custodial parent has Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, and the noncustodial parent has Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years.
Who has the children for Christmas in 2026?
In 2026 (an even-numbered year), the noncustodial parent has the first half of Christmas break (from school dismissal until noon on December 28), and the custodial parent has the second half (from noon on December 28 until 6 p.m. the day before school resumes).
Who has Spring Break in 2026?
For parents living within 100 miles of each other, the noncustodial parent has Spring Break in 2026 because it is an even-numbered year. For parents living more than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent has Spring Break every year.
How much summer possession does the noncustodial parent get?
For parents living 100 miles or less apart, the noncustodial parent receives 30 days of summer possession. For parents living more than 100 miles apart, the noncustodial parent receives 42 days. Notice of the specific dates must be provided by April 1st, or the default dates apply.
What if my possession order was issued before September 1, 2021?
Orders issued before September 1, 2021 may have different pickup and drop-off times than current orders. Check your specific order for details, or consult with an attorney to understand your rights.
