What Is the Most Common Child Custody Arrangement in Texas?

If you’re going through a divorce or separation and kids are involved, one of your biggest concerns is probably custody. You’re not alone—figuring out who gets the kids when, and how to keep things fair and peaceful, is one of the most emotional parts of the process. Luckily, in Texas, co-parents have the option to adopt the Standard Possession Order, also known as the SPO.

Although an SPO is pretty fair and would fit the situations of most co-parents, it isn’t strictly the only solution. At Breakup-Better, we can help you build on an SPO to fit your specific situation. Here’s what you need to know.

Texas’ Most Common Child Custody Plan: The SPO

In Texas, the most common child custody arrangement is called a Standard Possession Order, or SPO. The SPO outlines when the child will spend time with each parent and serves as the starting point for most custody arrangements in family court.

Whether you're negotiating terms on your own or a judge is deciding for you, the SPO is where most custody discussions begin.

Click here to learn more from Texas AG about what an SPO looks like for co-parents: (https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/families-and-parenting/parenting-time-overview/parenting-time-schedule)

The SPO Is Just a Starting Point—Not a Limit

Here’s what many people don’t realize: You don’t have to follow the SPO exactly.

Texas courts encourage parents to work together on a plan that fits their child’s specific needs—even if it looks different from the SPO.

Many co-parents build on the SPO with small (or big) changes like:

• Adjusting pick-up and drop-off times

• Adding midweek dinners or virtual calls

• Sharing holidays differently

• Extending or splitting summer time differently

• Using a 50/50 schedule instead (if agreed to and appropriate)

💡 The SPO provides structure—but you and your co-parent can shape it to fit your lives.

Why the SPO Is a Helpful Tool for Co-Parents

Creating a parenting plan from scratch can feel overwhelming. That’s why the SPO is such a valuable resource—it offers a clear, court-approved framework that you can customize as needed.

Even if you’re on good terms with your co-parent, starting from the SPO can: 

✅ Prevent misunderstandings 

✅ Keep things consistent for the kids 

✅ Provide a fallback in case future disputes come up 

✅ Help you file a clear and enforceable agreement with the court

And if things aren’t amicable? The SPO gives both sides something concrete to rely on.

Breakup-Better Can Help You Create a Custom Parenting Plan

At Breakup-Better, we help families move through these changes with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re sticking to the SPO or building your own plan, we can help you draft a legally sound, customized parenting agreement that fits your family’s unique dynamic.

✅ Uncontested divorce packages with parenting plan options

✅ Modification help when things change

✅ Name changes and legal documents for the next stage of life

Custody doesn’t have to be a battleground. It can be a thoughtful, stable foundation for your child’s future.

Let us help you build a plan that works—not just for now, but for the long run. Reach out to Breakup-Better today to get started.