What Are Some Alternatives to Standard Possession in Texas?

Every family is different. Each has different needs. Ultimately, the goal of any possession schedule is the “best interests of the child.” But, what do you do if one parent has a job that consistently keeps him or her away from home.

For instance, many Texas family law attorneys have clients who work in the oil fields. Oil field workers have some of the most chaotic and difficult work schedules that keep them away from home for weeks at a time. If one parent lives in Tyler or East Texas, but works in the oil fields of West Texas, this can cause that parent to miss significant time with the child due to his or her work schedule.

Custom Possession Schedule

It is typically a desire of courts to have both parents equally involved in the child’s life. Sometimes, due to work schedules or other factors, it is not always possible to have equal time. So, the parties are encouraged to come up with their own custom possession schedule that maximizes each parent’s opportunities to be with the child.

Extended Standard Possession

If you hear someone talk about “extended standard possession,” this simply means that the Standard Possession schedule is being used, except that possession begins on Thursday at 6:00 PM, instead of Friday.

Week On-Week Off Possession

Just as the name implies, the Week On-Week Off possession schedules means that the child spends one week with one parent and the next week with the other parent.

2/2/5 Possession Schedule

Under a 2/2/5 possession schedule, one parent has possession of the child on Monday and Tuesday. The other parent has possession of the child on Wednesday and Thursday. Then, the parents will alternate weekends.