Be Creative With Parenting Time and "Non-Major" Holidays -- Like Halloween

If you’re a divorced or divorcing parent you know that the Standard Possession Order addresses the “major” holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and both Mother’s and Father’s Day. However, the Standard Possession Order is blueprint from which parents and their attorneys may build a custom plan for the family. Remember, long after the ink is dried on the divorce orders, you, your child, and ex spouse have to live with the order – so take the time to ask for the things important to you. 

If you have young children and you enjoy watching them dress up for Halloween and participate in carnivals or school activities, ask your attorney to include this in your parenting plan. Parents can either share responsibilities for Halloween, or trade-off Halloween just as divorced parents do with Thanksgiving (i.e., primary conservator to has child for Halloween in even numbered years, while possessory conservator has child in odd numbered years). 

Over the years, many parents have asked me to add special provisions to the Standard Possession Order, such as Halloween, Easter, and special holidays for other religious groups. 

Texas Legislative Update: Exchange Date for Christmas Holidays

The Texas Legislature updated provisions to the Standard Possession Order making the parents' "exchange date" during the Christmas holidays December 28th rather than December 26th.  See Texas Family Code Section 153.314.  Commentators suggest the date change involves Texas school districts' trend in dismissing school later in December than in previous years.