Texas · Starter template
Texas Parenting Plan — Starter Template (SPO-aligned)
Governing law: Tex. Fam. Code § 153
This starter plan tracks the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.252 and § 153.317 and the joint managing conservatorship presumption under § 153.131. Edit any section that deviates from the SPO; deviations must be justified by the best-interest factors in § 153.002.
1. Conservatorship
Designate Joint Managing Conservators (JMC) or Sole Managing Conservator (SMC). Identify the conservator with the exclusive right to designate the primary residence and any geographic restriction.
2. Rights and Duties
Allocate each right under § 153.073–§ 153.076 (consent to medical treatment, consent to marriage, education decisions, etc.) as independent, joint, or exclusive.
3. Possession Schedule (SPO)
Default Standard Possession: 1st, 3rd, 5th weekends; Thursday evenings during the school year; alternating spring breaks; 30 days in summer. Elect Expanded SPO (pickup at school dismissal Thursday/Friday until Monday return to school) by checking below.
- • ☐ Standard Possession Order
- • ☐ Expanded Standard Possession Order (§ 153.317)
- • ☐ Modified schedule (attach exhibit)
4. Holiday Possession
Thanksgiving, Christmas (split at noon Dec 28 in even years for non-custodial), child's birthday, Mother's/Father's Day, per § 153.314. List any holiday handled differently from the SPO default.
5. Electronic Communication (§ 153.015)
The parties shall conduct all non-emergency communication concerning the child(ren) through CoParent Circle, including the § 153.073 information exchange (school, medical, extracurricular). Reasonable phone/video contact with the child during the other conservator's possession is preserved.
6. Transportation and Surrender
Surrender and return locations and times. Identify the conservator responsible for transportation if the parties reside more than 100 miles apart (§ 153.317(a)(2)).
7. Child Support and Medical Support
Guideline support under § 154.125 (or low-income guidelines under § 154.125(b)). Specify medical and dental support obligor under § 154.181 and the insurance carrier.
8. Uninsured Health Expenses and Extracurricular Costs
Percentage split, reimbursement window, and documentation method. The parties shall submit and approve these expenses through CoParent Circle.
9. Notice of Intent to Relocate
Notice within 60 days under § 153.376 if no geographic restriction; if restricted, written consent or a modification petition is required.
10. Dispute Resolution
Mediation with a credentialed Texas family mediator is required before filing any modification or enforcement action, except where family violence is alleged.
11. Records and Admissibility
Records generated by CoParent Circle shall be admissible subject to Tex. R. Evid. 902(10) and 902(13)–(14). Neither party shall delete, alter, or suppress communications within the application.
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