Spring Break and Child Visitation in Texas: Avoiding Family Conflicts

Spring Break is an exciting time for families—but for parents with court-ordered visitation schedules, it can also create confusion. Understanding how Spring Break possession works under a Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) can help prevent last-minute conflicts and ensure a smooth holiday for everyone involved.

The Texas Standard Possession Order, commonly used in custody cases, sets out when each parent has the right to spend time with their child if the parents cannot agree on their own schedule. These rules include specific provisions for Spring Break.

When Parents Live Within 100 Miles of Each Other

If parents live within 100 miles, Spring Break possession alternates each year between the parents. Typically:

• In even-numbered years, the noncustodial parent has possession of the child during Spring Break.

• In odd-numbered years, the custodial parent has Spring Break.

The possession period generally begins at 6:00 p.m. on the day school dismisses for Spring Break and ends at 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes. (See: Texas Family Code § 153.312)

When Parents Live More Than 100 Miles Apart

When parents live more than 100 miles from each other, the schedule changes slightly to accommodate travel time.

Under the Standard Possession Order:

• The noncustodial parent has possession of the child every Spring Break, not just alternating years.

• The visit typically begins at 6:00 p.m. when school dismisses for Spring Break and ends at 6:00 p.m. the day before school resumes.

Because long-distance parenting plans often involve fewer regular visits, Texas law provides this guaranteed Spring Break period along with extended summer visitation to help maintain meaningful parent-child relationships. (See: Texas Family Code § 153.313)

Tips to Avoid Spring Break Visitation Conflicts

A few simple steps can help parents avoid common scheduling problems:

• Check your court order carefully. While many orders follow the Standard Possession Order, your specific order is the controlling document.

• Confirm school calendars early. Spring Break dates vary by school district.

• Communicate in advance. If travel or special plans are involved, early communication can help avoid misunderstandings.

• Document agreements. If both parents agree to adjust the schedule, it’s wise to confirm the arrangement in writing.

Remember: Your Court Order Comes First

The Standard Possession Order is a default schedule used by Texas courts, but some families have customized arrangements. If your order contains different terms, those provisions will control your Spring Break visitation.

If you are unsure about what your order requires, reviewing it with a legal professional may help clarify your rights and responsibilities.

Further Reading

TexasLawHelp.org

• Child Visitation and Possession Orders

• How to Enforce a Visitation Order

• Child Visitation by Nonparents

• Asking the Court to Clarify Visitation Orders

Texas Attorney General

• 50 Miles Apart or Less

• Access and Visitation

• Standard Possession and Order and Parenting Times

• Access and Visitation Hotline: This toll-free hotline, operated by the Texas Attorney General, can connect non-custodial parents with information and resources to help answer their questions about custody and support issues. The attorneys on this hotline cannot provide legal representation but can provide referrals and brief information. To speak with a parenting time specialist on this hotline, please call (866) 292-4636 Monday thru Friday from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm CST. Calls will be answered in English and Spanish.

The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library provides access to legal information and self-help resources but cannot provide legal advice. If you need help locating information about custody or visitation, library staff are happy to assist.