Texas Parenting Time Calculator

Texas calculates parenting time by counting overnight stays allocated to each parent under the Standard Possession Order defined in Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The basic SPO grants the noncustodial parent approximately 43% of annual overnights, including first, third, and fifth weekends, Thursday evenings, alternating holidays, and 30+ summer days. Parents within 50 miles may elect expanded possession times that increase this to approximately 47% of overnights.

Texas does not use a specific percentage threshold to define shared custody for child support purposes. Unlike states with fixed overnight thresholds, Texas courts evaluate each custody arrangement individually under Texas Family Code Section 154.123. Even with a 50/50 possession schedule, Texas courts typically still order child support if there is a significant income disparity between parents, as the primary consideration is the child's best interest rather than a mathematical time split.

A 2-2-3 custody schedule rotates children between parents every few days: Parent A has Monday-Tuesday, Parent B has Wednesday-Thursday, and weekends alternate. This creates a true 50/50 split with each parent receiving approximately 182.5 overnights annually. While not the default under Texas's Standard Possession Order, Texas courts may approve this schedule if both parents agree and it serves the child's best interest under Texas Family Code Chapter 153.

In Texas, parenting time percentage does not automatically reduce child support obligations. Under Texas Family Code Section 154.125, child support is calculated as a percentage of net monthly income—20% for one child, 25% for two children, up to 40% for five or more. Even with equal 50/50 parenting time, the higher-earning parent typically pays support to ensure the child maintains a consistent standard of living in both homes.

Yes, Texas allows parenting plan modifications under Texas Family Code Section 156.101 if circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the original order. Examples include relocation, remarriage affecting the child, or a child over 12 expressing preference to the court. You must generally wait one year after the prior order unless the child's current environment endangers their physical health or emotional development.

For children under three years old, Texas Family Code Section 153.254 requires courts to order age-appropriate "step-up" possession schedules rather than the full Standard Possession Order. Courts typically order shorter, more frequent visits—such as two-hour visits twice weekly plus daytime weekend periods—that gradually increase as the child develops. By age three, most children transition to the full SPO with overnight stays.

Texas Standard Possession Orders alternate major holidays by odd and even years. The noncustodial parent receives Thanksgiving in odd-numbered years, while Christmas is split into two periods that alternate annually. Mother's Day and Father's Day go to the respective parent regardless of the regular schedule, and the parent not in possession on the child's birthday receives two hours that evening from 6-8 p.m.

First right of refusal requires a parent to offer childcare time to the other parent before using babysitters or other caregivers. Texas Family Code does not automatically include this provision—it must be negotiated and explicitly written into the custody agreement. Common thresholds specify that the right applies when the custodial parent will be away for more than four hours or overnight.