In Texas, the standard possession order (SPO) is a set of guidelines that determine how parents will share time with their children following a divorce or legal separation. Recently, the Texas legislature has expanded the standard possession order to include more specific provisions that aim to provide greater clarity and consistency in how parents will exercise possession of their children.
The expanded standard possession order, which went into effect on September 1, 2019, includes a number of changes that are designed to better reflect the needs of children and families. One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of a “transition period” for children who are adjusting to the new schedule. This transition period allows parents to gradually adjust to the new schedule by starting with shorter periods of possession and gradually increasing the time over the course of several weeks.
Another important change in the expanded SPO is the inclusion of specific provisions for children who are in school. The new order includes specific guidelines for how parents should exercise possession of their children during the school year, including provisions for holidays, weekends, and school breaks. This is intended to minimize disruptions to the child’s education and ensure that they are able to attend school consistently.
The expanded standard possession order also includes specific provisions for children who have special needs. This includes provisions for children who have medical conditions or disabilities, as well as children who are receiving counseling or therapy. These provisions are intended to ensure that children with special needs are able to receive the care and support they need during periods of possession with both parents.
In addition to these changes, the expanded standard possession order also includes a number of other provisions that aim to provide greater consistency and clarity in how parents will exercise possession of their children. For example, the order includes specific guidelines for how parents should communicate with each other about the child’s schedule, as well as provisions for how parents should handle disagreements or disputes that may arise.
Overall, the expanded standard possession order in Texas is a significant step forward in providing greater clarity and consistency in how parents will share time with their children following a divorce or legal separation. The new provisions are designed to better reflect the needs of children and families, and to ensure that children are able to receive the care and support they need during periods of possession with both parents. As always, parents should consult with a family law attorney to understand how the new standard possession order may apply to their specific case.
