CHILD CUSTODY SUMMER VISITATION INFORMATION 2024

Summer can be a time filled with joyful memories and family. However, for divorced or separated parents, summer can bring child custody challenges. We help our clients work through child custody difficulties and challenges all summer long.

Our team has been helping parents manage child custody schedules and agreements for years. In that time, we have found some consistent tips and answers to help you manage your child custody schedule in the best interest of the kids.

One of the most important things to remember when dealing with your child custody schedule is; parenting shouldn't be a competition or comparison. You don't have to count days or hours to assure that each parent gets equal time or a certain percentage. The only test should be what is in the best interest of the child.

How do you know how many days you have with your child during summer vacation?

First, review your custody agreement and if there is nothing specific about summer visitation, you must then follow the Standard Possession Order (SPO), which you should have received at the conclusion of your family law matter.

The SPO is a guide that establishes visitation. The language can be found in Texas Family Code Sections 153.312 and 153.313. For your convenience, here’s a 2024 SPO calendar, which we recommend printing out so you can refer to it easily.

What days should you include in your schedule for the summer visitation consideration?

Common holidays to include in your holiday schedule are:

• New Year's Day—Jan 1st
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day—3rd Monday in Jan
• Lincoln's Birthday—Feb 12th
• Presidents Day—3rd Monday in Feb
• Easter
• Spring Break
• Mother's Day—2nd Sunday in May
• Memorial Day—last Monday in May
• Father's Day—2nd Sunday in June
• Independence Day—July 4th
• Labor Day—1st Monday in Sept

how does child custody work in Texas?

For many, if not most parents, it is easier to use the standard schedule that comes from the Texas Family Code. It provides precise times and dates for possession of our child or children. If you have a standard possession order, for example, one parent will have the child from the end of school before December 24th- 8th and the other parent will have the child from the 28th until just before school starts. The following year, the parents will switch places. Depending on the calendar that year, each parent will have different times with the child, but it should even out over time.

Some parents, however, are able to work together to make changes that accommodate the needs of the parent or the best interest of the child. For example, one parent might be planning a holiday trip that is inconsistent with the standard schedule. In that case, cooperative parents can adjust their schedule. 

There are two ways that this can happen. If the parents are able to communicate and cooperate during the proceedings, then it is possible to put the non-standard schedule in your order. If you cannot agree, then the judge is likely to fall back on the standard order in the Code.

After the order is entered, you can still deviate from it with the agreement of both parents. Something might make sense this year, but not be a permanent situation. Your order probably says that you can have possession as you can agree. Be sure to document the agreement (emails are okay) so that you are not in violation of the court order. Also, make sure that you agree to the same thing. If you exchange emails and one person says that the possession will end on certain day and the other person says a different day, then there is no agreement.

Below we have laid out some child custody options for parents to consider.

WHat are Double Holidays?

Recently, doubling holidays has become a popular holiday parenting plan. The children get to celebrate the holidays twice – once with each parent. Both parents get to feel like they had the holiday experience with their children. One parent may choose to celebrate Christmas on the 25th every year. The other parent may choose to celebrate Christmas on the 29th every year.

What are Split Holidays?

Parents who live close by may wish to split the holidays. This allows each parent to spend a portion of each holiday with their children. This is especially popular with parents who have a healthy co-parenting relationship. One parent may get the children for Thanksgiving morning. The other parent may get the children for the second half of Thanksgiving day. This requires both parents to be more flexible and agreeable to work. 

Any schedule that is good for everybody concerned is acceptable.

REMEMBER: parenting shouldn't be a competition or comparison.

If you or someone you know is going through a divorce with children involved, our experienced attorneys are here to help you. Contact us for help with your child custody or divorce today.

If you have not found the information you are looking for try a "child custody" search in our Family law blog or call Bob Leonard law group and speak with a child custody lawyer.