Parents involved in Texas custody cases often rely on the Standard Possession Order (SPO) to determine visitation and parenting time. To help parents better understand how the schedule works throughout the year, our office has prepared a 2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar that visually outlines possession periods month by month.

This article explains how the Texas Standard Possession Order works in 2026, including weekends, holidays, summer possession, and important details parents should know when relying on a possession calendar.on. Download the 2026 SPO calendar.

What Is the Texas Standard Possession Order?

The Texas Standard Possession Order is a visitation schedule set out in the Texas Family Code and commonly used in custody cases when parents live within 100 miles of each other. It applies when one parent is designated as the primary conservator, and the other parent is the non-primary conservator.

The SPO establishes predictable possession periods so children can maintain meaningful relationships with both parents while providing stability during the school year and holidays.

How to Read the 2026 Standard Possession Calendar

The 2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar highlights overnight possession periods for the non-primary conservator using color shading. Each month reflects:

• Regular weekends
• Thursday possession during the school term
• Holiday possession
• Extended summer visitation

This calendar is designed as a reference tool and should always be read alongside the language of your court order.

You can download the full calendar here:
2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar

Weekend Possession in 2026

Under the Standard Possession Order:

• The non-primary conservator typically has possession on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month
• Weekend possession generally begins:
  • Friday when school is dismissed during the school year (for parents within 50 miles)
  • Or 6:00 p.m. Friday when school is not in session
• Possession ends:
  • Monday when school resumes (for parents within 50 miles)
  • Or 6:00 p.m. Sunday if school is not in session

The 2026 calendar visually shows these weekend periods for each month of the year.

Thursday Possession During the School Term

During the school year, the non-primary conservator is also entitled to a Thursday visit each week.

• For parents living within 50 miles:
  • Thursday possession typically begins when school is dismissed
  • Ends Friday morning at school drop-off
• For parents living more than 50 miles apart:
  • Thursday possession usually runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The calendar reflects Thursday overnight possession where applicable.

Holiday Possession in 2026

Holiday possession under the Texas Standard Possession Order often overrides regular weekend schedules. Common holidays include:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas break
• Spring Break
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Holidays typically alternate each year between parents, unless the parents live more than 100 miles apart, in which case the non-primary conservator may receive holidays every year.

The December 2026 portion of the calendar reflects Christmas possession, including the split holiday period that often runs through December 28, depending on the terms of the court order.

Summer Possession in 2026

One of the most significant aspects of the Standard Possession Order is summer visitation.

For parents living within 100 miles:

• The non-primary conservator is entitled to 30 days of summer possession
• These days are typically exercised in July, unless otherwise designated
• If no written designation is made, default summer possession dates apply

The July 2026 section of the calendar reflects the 30-day summer possession period for the non-primary conservator, separate from the Expanded Standard Possession schedule.

Standard vs. Expanded Standard Possession

Some parents agree to or are ordered to follow an Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO), which provides additional time during the school year.

Important note:

• Expanded Standard Possession does not apply during summer months
• Summer possession is governed by the separate summer provisions of the order

The 2026 calendar visually distinguishes standard possession and expanded possession so parents can clearly see how time is allocated throughout the year.

Important Disclaimer About Possession Calendars

While calendars are helpful, they are not a substitute for your court order.

• School district calendars may affect start and end times
• Custom court orders may modify standard schedules
• Holiday possession can vary based on distance between parents
• Judges may order different terms in individual cases

If there is a conflict between a calendar and your court order, the court order controls.

When to Speak With a Family Law Attorney

You should consider speaking with a Texas family law attorney if:

• You are unsure how your possession schedule applies
• Your child’s school calendar creates confusion
• The other parent is not following the possession order
• You are seeking a modification of custody or visitation
• You are preparing for mediation or court

Understanding your possession rights can help prevent disputes and enforcement issues.

Contact the Law Offices of Jesus R. Lopez

If you have questions about the Texas Standard Possession Order, custody schedules, or enforcement issues, our office can help.