Welcome to May! The Law Office of Chris Schmiedeke is back with another monthly breakdown of the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) for parents living under 100 miles apart. May is a particularly busy and complex month—filled with weekend shifts, holiday adjustments, and the start of summer possession—so buckle up for all the key details.
Whether you’re a custodial or non-custodial parent, understanding your rights and responsibilities is critical to maintaining a smooth co-parenting relationship. Let’s walk through what May 2025 looks like under the SPO, including Thursday visits, weekend schedules, and the impact of Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.
Important Note About School Calendars
Before we dive in, this analysis assumes a last day of school on Friday, May 23, 2025, based on Richardson ISD’s academic calendar. If your child’s school ends on a different date, adjustments to your specific schedule will be necessary.
Thursday Possession in May
Under the Texas SPO, non-custodial parents have possession on Thursdays during the school term. In May 2025, that includes:
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May 1
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May 8
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May 15
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May 22
However, there is no Thursday possession on May 29, because school is assumed to be out after May 23. This is an important rule: Thursday visits only apply while school is in session.
Weekend Possession in May
Here’s where things get a bit more interesting. Unlike Thursdays, weekend possession continues even during the summer break.
Standard Weekend Rotation:
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Non-Custodial Parent (1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays):
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May 2 (1st Friday)
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May 16 (3rd Friday)
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May 30 (5th Friday — Yes, this one counts!)
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Custodial Parent (2nd and 4th Fridays):
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May 9 (2nd Friday)
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May 23 (4th Friday)
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The 5th Friday rule often confuses people, but yes—if there are five Fridays in a month, the non-custodial parent gets that extra weekend. And remember, weekend visitation is not limited to the school year.
Mother’s Day Possession
Mother’s Day always throws a wrench into the regular weekend rotation.
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In 2025, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 11.
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If Mom is the custodial parent, this is already her weekend—no changes needed.
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However, if Mom is the non-custodial parent, she is entitled to the entire Mother’s Day weekend, regardless of the regular rotation.
This can significantly alter the monthly schedule, especially if non-custodial Mom already had possession on May 2 (1st Friday), May 16 (3rd Friday), and May 30 (5th Friday). With Mother’s Day included, Mom could end up with four weekends this month—a rare occurrence.
Memorial Day – May 27, 2025
Unlike other holidays, Memorial Day does not trigger a possession shift under the SPO. The holiday falls on Monday, May 27, and remains with the custodial parent as part of their regular weekend rotation.
Final Thoughts
May can be a complicated month under the Texas Standard Possession Order—school calendars are ending, summer possession planning is kicking in, and holidays like Mother’s Day add special exceptions.
Here’s a quick recap:
✅ Thursday visits end with the school year
✅ Weekend visits continue through the summer
✅ Mother’s Day gives special rights to moms—even non-custodial moms
✅ Memorial Day is part of the regular weekend possession
If you’re unsure how your child’s school calendar affects your May possession schedule or you need help navigating your summer possession options, don’t hesitate to consult an attorney.
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📅 See you in June!