Introduction
When it comes to child custody in Texas, parents often have many questions about the Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO). This order allows non-custodial parents to have additional visitation time with their children. In this article, we will discuss ESPO and provide a calendar for the year 2024.
What is ESPO?
ESPO is a court-ordered visitation schedule that allows non-custodial parents to spend additional time with their children. This order expands the standard visitation schedule set forth in the Texas Family Code. ESPO is usually granted when both parents live within 100 miles of each other and the child’s primary residence is in Texas.
How does ESPO work?
ESPO allows non-custodial parents to have possession of their child on certain weekends, holidays, and during the summer months. The schedule is based on a calendar year and is typically split into even and odd years. In even years, the non-custodial parent has possession on all even-numbered weekends and in odd years, possession is on all odd-numbered weekends.
ESPO Calendar 2024
Below is the ESPO calendar for the year 2024:
January 2024
- December 31, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (New Year’s)
- January 15-16
- January 29-30
February 2024
- February 12-13
- February 26-27
March 2024
- March 11-12
- March 25-26
April 2024
- April 8-9
- April 22-23
May 2024
- May 6-7
- May 20-21
- May 29-30 (Memorial Day)
June/July 2024
- June 14 – July 3
July 2024
- July 4 (Independence Day)
- July 15-16
- July 29-30
August 2024
- August 12-13
- August 26-27
September 2024
- September 2-3 (Labor Day)
- September 9-10
- September 23-24
October 2024
- October 7-8
- October 21-22
November 2024
- November 4-5
- November 18-19
- November 23-24 (Thanksgiving)
December 2024
- December 9-10
- December 23-24
- December 25-26 (Christmas)
Conclusion
ESPO provides non-custodial parents with additional visitation time with their children. It is important for both parents to understand the schedule and adhere to it. The above calendar provides the visitation schedule for the year 2024. If you have any questions or concerns about ESPO, it is best to consult with a family law attorney.
Question and Answer
Q: Can parents modify the ESPO schedule?
A: Yes, parents can modify the ESPO schedule if they both agree to the changes and the court approves them.
Q: What happens if one parent violates the ESPO schedule?
A: If one parent violates the ESPO schedule, the other parent can file a motion for enforcement with the court. This can result in fines or even jail time for the violating parent.
Q: What if the non-custodial parent lives more than 100 miles away from the child’s primary residence?
A: If the non-custodial parent lives more than 100 miles away from the child’s primary residence, they may be entitled to a modified possession order.