Custody

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
³ Tex. Fam. Code § 153.254
⁴ Tex. Fam. Code § 153.256