For Parents on an “Every Other Weekend Possession” Schedule in Texas: Download Here
When parents have a Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) or an Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO), one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Which weekends do I have my child?”
If your possession order provides for possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month understanding how those weekends fall on the calendar is critical for planning your parenting time.
Most possession orders provide that the weekend begins on the first, third or fifth Friday of each month. This means that we are looking at whether the Friday is the first, third or fifth Friday of the month. If the first falls on a Saturday, that is the last “weekend” of the month before, not the first weekend of the month if the weekend starts on a Friday in your possession order. Below is a clear, month-by-month list of the first, third, and fifth Fridays or weekends for 2026, written with Texas standard possession schedules in mind.
Important Reminders for Texas Parents
- Holiday schedules override weekend possession.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, Mother’s Day weekend and Father’s Day weekend usually replace a regular weekend that falls during that holiday time period. - Fifth weekends and first weekends create a back-to-back weekend situation which can be confusing – but, remember that in those few times a year when there is a fifth weekend the next weekend will be the first weekend of the next month, so there are back-to-back weekends when this happens.
- Modified possession orders may change start times, end times, pickup locations, or weekend rotation, so always read your possession order carefully.
When Weekend Confusion Becomes a Legal Problem
Missed exchanges, conflicting interpretations, or repeated disputes over weekends can quickly escalate into enforcement actions or modification cases.
At Zegen Law Firm, we help Dallas-area parents:
- Clarify possession schedules
- Enforce existing custody orders
- Modify custody arrangements when life circumstances change
Need Help With Your Custody Schedule?
If you are unsure which weekends apply to your situation — or if the other parent is not following the court order — speaking with an experienced Dallas divorce and custody attorney can save you time, stress, and legal trouble.
Contact Zegen Law Firm today to discuss your custody rights and options.
