The Houston Texas Standard Possession Order (SO) is a legal arrangement regarding the visitation and custody rights of non-custodial parents in cases of divorce, separation, or parents who were never married. The SO is designed to establish a consistent and predictable schedule for both parents and children involved, ensuring regular contact and promoting stability in the child's life. Under the Houston Texas SO, there are two primary types of possession orders commonly used: the Standard Possession Order and the Expanded Standard Possession Order. 1. Standard Possession Order (SO): This is the default possession order used when parents cannot agree on a different arrangement. It grants the non-custodial parent specific periods of possession and access to the child. The SO typically includes: — Weekend Possession: The non-custodial parent usually has the right to visit their child on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month starting on Friday evening until Sunday evening or Monday morning. — Weekday VisitsThosePO often provides for one midweek visit, commonly called a "Thursday dinner visit," where the non-custodial parent can spend time with the child for a few hours on a designated weeknight. — Alternating HolidaysThosePO outlines how holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and other important occasions, will be divided between parents, alternating each year. — Summer Possession: The non-custodial parent is typically entitled to extended periods of possession during the summer months, usually lasting 30 days. 2. Expanded Standard Possession Order: This is an enhanced version of the Standard Possession Order which provides additional visitation time for the non-custodial parent. Instead of only having possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends, the expanded order may grant visitation every weekend or every other weekend throughout the year. This option is usually agreed upon by both parents or granted by the court when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child. It is important to note that a Houston Texas SO may be customized based on the unique circumstances of each case, provided both parents agree and the judge approves the modifications. Additionally, it is always recommended consulting with an experienced family law attorney to ensure compliance with the specific guidelines and requirements of the Houston Texas Standard Possession Order.