WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Texas

Custody

View all
Laws current as of July 28, 2023

What is a standard possession order?

A standard possession order is basically a visitation schedule that lays out a parent’s rights of possession of and access to his/her child.1 In a standard possession order, the parents can either agree on a schedule or the judge will order a schedule s/he thinks is appropriate.2 The schedule contains exact dates and times that a child will stay with each parent, as explained in the following questions.

The standard possession order is generally designed for a child over three years old. Therefore, if the child is under three years of age, there may be a different order in effect until the child turns three.3 See What factors will a judge consider for a child who is less than 3 years old? for more information.

The judge can change the standard possession order to accommodate the parties. If the judge decides to do this, s/he will consider several factors including the age, developmental status, circumstances, needs, the best interest of the child and the circumstances of the managing conservator and of the parent named as a possessory conservator.4

1 Tex. Fam. Code § 101.029
2 Tex. Fam. Code § 153.311
Tex. Fam. Code § 153.254
4 Tex. Fam. Code § 153.256