Summer Custody in Texas: What Parents Need to Know
June 17, 2026
Summer should be about your kids — not confusion over custody schedules.
While the school year brings a predictable routine, summer often disrupts it. More free time sounds simple, but for co-parents navigating a shared custody arrangement, it can raise real questions about extended parenting time, travel plans, and who has the kids when.
The good news: Texas has a built-in framework to take the guesswork out of it.
The Standard Possession Order
If your custody arrangement doesn't already spell out a summer schedule, Texas courts default to the Standard Possession Order (SPO) — a state-mandated guideline found in the Texas Family Code. The SPO outlines how parents share time with their children after separation, including specific provisions for summer.
Under the SPO, the noncustodial parent is entitled to extended summer parenting time, with the length depending on how far apart the parents live. The noncustodial parent generally has the ability to choose when that time occurs, within the parameters the code sets out — but there are notification deadlines that must be met. Custodial parents also have rights to recoup parenting time during the noncustodial parent's extended summer period.
The full details — including specific time frames, notification deadlines, and default schedules — are outlined in Texas Family Code § 153.311.
Keep in mind that Father's Day possession can also factor into summer scheduling and may overlap with extended parenting time, so it's worth reviewing how those provisions interact.
Making a Plan That Works for Your Family
The SPO is a starting point, not a ceiling. Families can agree to modify the default schedule to accommodate summer camp, vacations, summer school, or anything else that comes up. If both parents are on the same page, those changes can be put in writing and, if needed, formalized as a court order for added protection.
When parents can't agree — or when one parent isn't following the existing order — the path forward typically involves filing a Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship. Courts will only approve modifications that serve the child's best interest, and having an attorney in your corner makes a significant difference in navigating that process.
We're Here to Help
Whether you're the custodial or noncustodial parent, Schneider Law Firm is here to make sure you know your rights and can make the most of your summer with your child. Our family law team handles custody modifications, order enforcement, and everything in between.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We have offices in Downtown Fort Worth, Alliance/Keller, and Mansfield/Arlington.