We want to help prepare you for establishing your parenting time order
In Texas, the Child Support Division may assist parents in obtaining a child support order that establishes a parenting time schedule in certain situations.
If you already have a child support order, you may find your parenting time schedule under a heading titled "Possession and Access Order" or "Standard Possession Order" in your child support order.
Your parenting time schedule may follow a standard possession order (SPO). The guidelines for a standard possession order are found in the Chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code (TFC) and help courts determine the parenting time schedule for many families. (TFC § 153.251(a))
Here are some of the laws that govern the courts:
- It is presumed that the standard possession order provides reasonable minimum parenting times that are in the best interest of the child. (TFC § 153.252)
- A court may order a different parenting time schedule if the court finds that the standard possession order is not in the best interest of the child. (TFC §§ 153.002, 153.193)
- If the standard possession order is not workable or is inappropriate, the court can order a different parenting time schedule. (TFC § 153.253)
- A standard possession order is designed for children ages three and older. (TFC §§ 153.251(d), 153.254)
- The court may agree to a parenting time schedule you and the other parent have created and agreed upon. (TFC § 153.255)
- Concerns regarding family violence can impact the court’s parenting time decision. Visit Child Support and Family Violence | Office of the Attorney General (texasattorneygeneral.gov) for information about the resources, policies and procedures we have in place to help.
