The Texas Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO) dictates the schedule for parents sharing custody of a child, outlining when each parent has physical possession. It’s designed to maximize the child’s time with both parents, especially the non-custodial parent. A specific yearly calendar details the alternating weekends, holidays, and extended summer periods according to this schedule for a given year, like 2025. For example, one parent might have the child on the first, third, and fifth weekends of a month, while the other parent has possession during the second and fourth weekends. Holidays are often divided, alternating yearly, or split within the holiday itself.
This standardized approach offers several advantages. It provides predictability and stability for children, reducing potential conflict between parents regarding scheduling. The ESPO aims to ensure fairness and minimize disruption to the child’s routine. The framework evolved from prior custody arrangements that often provided less time for the non-custodial parent. The ESPO is frequently incorporated into court orders related to child custody and visitation, ensuring consistent application and enforcement throughout the state.
