Hi everyone, Chris Schmiedeke here with your November breakdown of the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO). November is usually a smoother month, but because we do have the Thanksgiving holiday, there are a few details that can shift depending on when your child’s school releases for the break. Let’s walk through what this month typically looks like.
Thursday Possession in November
Since we are still in the school term, Thursday visitation is in effect for the non-custodial parent.
For November 2025, the non-custodial parent will have Thursday possession on:
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November 6
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November 13
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November 20
You’ll notice that November 27 (the fourth Thursday) is not listed. That is because Thanksgiving holiday possession overrides the standard weekday schedule. Anytime there is a designated holiday in the SPO, the holiday schedule replaces both the regular weekday and weekend possession rules.
Weekend Possession in November
Under the Texas Standard Possession Order, the non-custodial parent receives the first, third, and fifth Fridays of the month.
Here’s how that plays out for November 2025:
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The non-custodial parent already had October 31, which was a fifth Friday from the previous month.
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That means the non-custodial parent also receives the first Friday of November, which is November 7.
However, when we move to the third Friday, things become dependent on the school calendar.
If school dismisses for Thanksgiving break on November 21
This is the most common scenario.
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The school dismissal on Friday, November 21 triggers the Thanksgiving holiday possession, which overrides standard weekend rotation.
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The non-custodial parent gets possession from school dismissal on November 21 through the end of the holiday, returning the child:
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When school resumes or
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On the designated return day in the order, depending on your specific decree wording.
(This is usually November 30 at 6 p.m., but check your order.)
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If your school does not begin Thanksgiving break until the week of Thanksgiving (e.g., Nov. 25)
Some school districts start break later.
In this case:
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The third Friday weekend (Nov. 21–23) is a regular weekend for the non-custodial parent.
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Then, when school dismisses for Thanksgiving break (for example, on November 25), the holiday possession begins.
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The non-custodial parent keeps the children through the end of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving Holiday Rule — The Bottom Line
No matter how your school calendar is structured:
✅ The non-custodial parent receives Thanksgiving break.
The only difference is when the holiday begins, which depends on when the school releases for the break.
Key Takeaways for November 2025
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Thursday possession for the non-custodial parent: November 6, 13, and 20.
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The non-custodial parent receives the first Friday: November 7.
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Thanksgiving holiday always overrides normal weekend schedules.
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The start date of Thanksgiving possession depends on when your school releases.
If your school dismisses:
| School Dismissal Date | Who Gets the Weekend of Nov. 21–23? | When Thanksgiving Possession Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 21 | Weekend is overridden | Begins at school dismissal on the 21st |
| Nov. 25 (or later) | Non-custodial gets Nov. 21–23 as regular 3rd weekend | Begins when school dismisses later that week |
Final Thoughts
November is mainly about understanding how the holiday schedule interacts with the regular rotation. The most important step is to check your school’s Thanksgiving break schedule. Once you know when school releases, everything else falls into place.
I’ll see you next month to review December, which is the most detailed holiday month of the year.