Introduction

If you are a divorced parent living in Texas who shares custody of your child, you might be familiar with the Extended Standard Possession Order (ESPO) schedule. This schedule determines the visitation time of the non-custodial parent and outlines the weekends, holidays, and summer breaks that they can spend with their child. In this article, we will provide you with the Texas Extended Standard Possession Order Calendar for the year 2024 and answer some common questions about the schedule.

What Is the Texas Extended Standard Possession Order?

The Texas Extended Standard Possession Order is a court-ordered schedule that sets out the visitation rights of the non-custodial parent. The schedule allows the non-custodial parent to have possession of the child on specified weekends, holidays, and a 30-day period during the summer. The schedule is designed to maximize the amount of time that the non-custodial parent can spend with their child while still considering the best interests of the child.

What Is the Difference Between the Standard Possession Order and the Extended Standard Possession Order?

The Standard Possession Order is the default visitation schedule that is used in Texas when the parents do not agree on a schedule. The Standard Possession Order allows the non-custodial parent to have possession of the child on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, as well as certain holidays. The Extended Standard Possession Order is an expansion of the Standard Possession Order and allows the non-custodial parent to have additional visitation time during the summer.

Extended Standard Possession Order Calendar 2024

Here is the Extended Standard Possession Order Calendar for the year 2024:

Summer Break: The non-custodial parent has possession of the child for 30 days, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the day after the child’s school is dismissed for the summer break and ending at 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes.

Spring Break: In even-numbered years, the non-custodial parent has possession of the child from 6:00 p.m. on the day the child is dismissed from school for spring break until 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes. In odd-numbered years, the custodial parent has possession of the child during spring break.

Thanksgiving: The non-custodial parent has possession of the child for the first half of Thanksgiving break, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the day school is dismissed and ending at 6:00 p.m. on the following Sunday. The custodial parent has possession of the child for the second half of Thanksgiving break.

Christmas Break: The non-custodial parent has possession of the child for the second half of Christmas break, beginning at noon on December 28th and ending at 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes. The custodial parent has possession of the child for the first half of Christmas break.

FAQs

What If I Want to Change the Extended Standard Possession Order?

If you want to change the Extended Standard Possession Order, you will need to file a modification suit with the court. A modification suit can be filed if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued, such as a change in the child’s needs or a change in the parents’ living situation.

Can I Deviate from the Extended Standard Possession Order?

The Extended Standard Possession Order is a court-ordered schedule, which means that both parents must follow it unless they agree to a different schedule or obtain a court order allowing for a deviation. If you want to deviate from the schedule, you should discuss it with the other parent and try to come to an agreement. If you cannot reach an agreement, you will need to file a motion with the court.

What If One Parent Violates the Extended Standard Possession Order?

If one parent violates the Extended Standard Possession Order, the other parent can file an enforcement suit with the court. If the court finds that there has been a violation, it can order the violating parent to make up the missed visitation time or take other actions to remedy the situation.

Conclusion

The Extended Standard Possession Order is an important schedule for divorced parents in Texas who share custody of their child. The schedule provides a framework for visitation time for the non-custodial parent and ensures that the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents. If you have any questions about the Extended Standard Possession Order, you should consult with a family law attorney.