Skip to content 
Parents adjusting to a new possession schedule often worry about how to manage the changes in their lives and their child’s routine. In this article, we’ll explore essential aspects of possession schedule, visitation, and time management to help you navigate this transition smoothly for both you and your child.
If this article doesn’t cover your unique situation, don’t worry. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, offers free consultations six days a week. After reading this post, you’re welcome to contact us for a consultation and to discover more about our services.
The Effect of School on Possession in Texas
In Texas, understanding the school calendar’s impact on a Standard Possession Order (SPO) is key. An SPO often includes extended weekends around school holidays or teacher in-service days. This alignment is based on the academic schedule.
Your custody plan closely follows the school calendar. It covers both the academic year and weekly schedules. Yet, most orders don’t name a specific school or district. So, which school calendar applies to your child? In Texas, it’s either the calendar of your child’s school or, for pre-schoolers, the district where they live.
This is especially pertinent for parents of preschool-aged children. In these cases, the school district of the child’s main residence takes precedence. If you’re a non-residential parent with weekend visitation rights, it’s the school district where the custodial parent lives that matters.
Remember, you and your child’s other parent have the flexibility to negotiate terms outside the official custody order. If certain aspects of the order become impractical, you both can agree on arrangements that better suit your family’s needs. This approach can prevent disputes and misunderstandings, especially regarding which school calendar to follow for your child.
Primary Custody: What Will a Judge Look at When Making This Decision for My Child?
When undergoing a child custody or divorce case, one of the most common concerns is the prospect of being the “primary” parent. This role is often sought after for the desire to maximize time with the child.
In family law, joint conservators under a Standard Possession Order (SPO) usually share almost equal time with the child. The crucial difference lies in deciding which parent has the right to determine the child’s primary residence. Despite the relatively balanced time split under an SPO, securing the position to designate the child’s primary residence is seen as a significant advantage.
Courts primarily focus on several factors when appointing a primary conservator:
- Child’s Welfare: Any evidence of abuse, neglect, or misconduct can disqualify a parent from being the primary conservator. Even joint conservatorship might be in jeopardy if past actions didn’t align with the child’s best interests.
- Parental Schedules: The court compares the parents’ schedules to determine who can provide more immediate attention to the child. The parent better positioned in this regard usually has an advantage.
- Co-Parenting Ability: The capacity to co-parent effectively and promote a positive relationship between the child and the other parent is highly valued.
- Parental Involvement History: The court considers each parent’s historical involvement in raising the child. A parent who has been more actively involved in the child’s life, attending school events and medical appointments, generally has a better chance of being named the primary conservator.
Navigating these considerations is crucial in custody cases, as they play a pivotal role in the court’s decision regarding primary custody.
Questions about Visitation, Possession, or any other subject in family law? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
In conclusion, understanding and adapting to a possession schedule is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between both parents and their child. By carefully planning visitation and managing time effectively, you can ensure that the transition to a new custody arrangement is as smooth as possible. With clear communication and a focus on the child’s best interests, parents can successfully navigate the complexities of a possession schedule and foster a positive environment for their child.
If you consider whether or not to file for a divorce or child custody case, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, today. A licensed family law attorney is available to meet with you six days a week in a free-of-charge consultation. We will be happy to answer your questions and discuss the services that our office can provide you with as our client.
eBooks
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book:
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Coming up With Possession Schedules That Work for Your Family in Texas
- End of Summer Possession and Transitioning to School Year Possession Schedules
- Unique Goals for Your Child’s Possession Schedule? Read This Blog to Learn How to Achieve Those Goals
- Texas Child Visitation Enforcement
- Summer Visitation Basics for a Divorced Parent in Texas
- How Does Summertime Visitation Work for Divorced Parents in Texas?
- How does summer visitation work?
- 10 Quick Tips About Parental Visitation
- When Your Child’s Extended Family Wants Visitation in Texas
- Supervised Visitation in a Texas Divorce: Can it happen to me?
- In Texas, are Child Support and Visitation Connected?
- Texas Child Visitation Modification
- Geographic Restrictions in Child Visitation Orders in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
A 2-2-3 possession schedule is a co-parenting arrangement where one parent has the child for two days, then the other parent has the child for two days, and finally, the first parent has the child for three days. This pattern then repeats, creating a predictable schedule for both parents and the child.
A 2-2-5 possession schedule is another co-parenting arrangement where one parent has the child for two days, then the other parent has the child for two days, and finally, the first parent has the child for five days. This pattern then repeats, providing more extended periods of time with each parent.
The possession calendar in Texas for the year 2023 includes the dates and schedules for holiday visitation, school breaks, and special occasions. It outlines when each parent will have possession of the child during these specific periods, ensuring clarity and consistency in the co-parenting plan.
To get a possession order in Texas, you need to file a request with the court as part of your divorce or child custody case. The court will consider the best interests of the child and various factors before issuing the possession order that outlines each parent’s visitation rights and schedule.
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding Divorce, it’s essential to speak with one of our Houston, TX Child Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
