There are generally two times each year when animosity between parents reaches a boiling point. The first is the summer, which is followed closely by the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Each year, Frisco child custody attorney Gerald Tadlock is called upon to assist in holiday schedule disputes.
An examination of the Standard Possession Order’s holiday schedule may help you as these holidays approach. The first thing to note about the Standard Possession Order is that holiday possession dates are not affected by the distance between the parents. The second thing to note is that the holidays override the regular weekend periods of possession, as well as Thursday periods of possession.
THANKSGIVING
For Thanksgiving, the non-custodial parent has possession of the children in odd-numbered years beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the day school is dismissed for the holiday, and ending at 6:00 p.m. the following Sunday. In even-numbered years, the custodial parent is entitled to the same period of possession.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is the holiday where parents are most apt to engage in conflict. The holiday window is relatively short, and any dispute will be long over before the parties can get into court for a resolution. However, there really is no need for any disagreement because the Standard Possession Order is very clear:
•Even-numbered years: (a) the non-custodial parent shall have the child beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the day the child is dismissed from school for the Christmas vacation, and ending at noon on December 28th, and (b) the custodial parent shall have possession of the child from noon on December 28th until 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes after the Christmas vacation.
•Odd-numbered years: the custodial parent shall have the child beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the day the child is dismissed from school for the Christmas vacation, and ending at noon on December 28th, and (b) the non-custodial parent shall have possession of the child from noon on December 28th until 6:00 p.m. on the day before school resumes after the Christmas vacation.
Each order may be different. A judge is empowered to make modifications to the Standard Possession Order, and the parties might have reached an agreed order that suits the needs of the parties. Also, these dates are subject to adjustment if an Expanded Standard Possession Order is in effect. It is always best to make sure you fully understand your own possession schedule.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the holiday possession schedule in your order affects you and your children, please contact the Tadlock Law Office at 214-550-1122 to speak with a Frisco child custody attorney experienced in these matters.
