Most parents that have been involved in a divorce or paternity proceeding are familiar with their routine possession schedule. However, questions frequently arise during the holiday season. Does the first, third, and fifth weekend schedule apply? Is there a visitation period for midweek? The holiday season can result in confusion for parents trying to comply with a court order for possession.
Which parent are you?
The schedule for a parent will depend upon whether the parent is the primary conservator or a possessory conservator. The primary conservator is generally the parent having the exclusive right to establish the primary residence of the child. The other parent is sometimes referred to as the possessory conservator and is generally the parent that has visitation with the child.
Weekend and midweek visitation
The most common area of misunderstanding concerns the weekend and midweek visitation. These periods of possession generally do not apply during the holiday season. Instead, the holiday possession schedule is typically in effect.
Christmas – a typical schedule
Odd Years (this schedule would apply to Christmas, 2015)
- Primary conservator 6:00 pm on the day of holiday school dismissal until noon on December 28.
- Possessory conservator Noon on December 28 until 6:00 school dismissal until noon on December 28 until 6:00 pm on the day before school resumes
Even Years (for next year)
- Possessory conservator 6:00 pm on the day of holiday school dismissal until noon on December 28
- Primary conservator Noon on December 28 until 6:00 pm on the day before school resumes
Thanksgiving – a typical schedule
Odd Years (this schedule would apply to Thanksgiving, 2015)
- Possessory conservator 6:00 pm on the day of holiday school dismissal until school resumes
Even Years (for next year)
- Primary conservator 6:00 pm on the day of holiday school dismissal until school resumes
If you have questions concerning your possession schedule, or you are seeking to modify the possession schedule for the holidays, you may want to contact an attorney. Realize that the court schedule becomes quite busy during the holiday season. Our attorneys at the law offices of David Kohm can help you make the right adjustments to your visitation rights when it comes to your child custody in Denton, TX. If you feel that your child support service in Arlington is not providing you with a fair opportunity to see your children let us know we can help with your case.
Faun Rowland is an attorney that has been practicing in the area of family law for more than fifteen years. In addition, she has been an adjunct professor of law at Tarrant County College for approximately seven years. Faun is a member of the State Bar of Texas, State Bar of California (inactive), Tarrant County Bar Association, and the Tarrant County Family Law Bar.
