Holiday Makeup Time in Texas Custody Cases: What Parents Need to Know
Holiday possession is one of the most sensitive areas of any Texas custody order. Even when parents make every effort to follow the schedule, real life can interfere. Illness, severe weather, delayed flights, or unexpected emergencies sometimes prevent holiday visitation from occurring exactly as ordered.
When that happens, parents often ask whether makeup time is allowed and how courts view these situations. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help prevent small issues from turning into major disputes.
What Is Holiday Makeup Time?
Holiday makeup time refers to additional parenting time given to compensate for missed visitation when a holiday did not occur as scheduled. Not all Texas custody orders automatically allow makeup time. Whether it applies depends on the specific language in your court order.
Some orders include express provisions allowing makeup time if possession is missed for reasons beyond a parent’s control. Other orders are silent on the issue, which means parents must rely on cooperation or court intervention.
Common Reasons Holiday Time Is Missed
Holiday possession issues often arise due to circumstances neither parent planned. A child may become ill and be unable to travel. Weather events such as ice storms or flooding can make transportation unsafe. Airline delays or cancellations are also common during peak travel periods.
Courts understand that these situations happen. What matters most is how parents respond when plans fall apart.
Reviewing Your Court Order Matters
Before assuming makeup time applies, parents should carefully review their custody order. Some orders specify how and when makeup time must be offered. Others limit makeup time to certain situations or require mutual agreement.
If your order does not address makeup time, one parent cannot unilaterally demand it. In those cases, cooperation becomes especially important.
Voluntary Cooperation Can Make a Difference
Texas courts consistently favor parents who act reasonably and place their child’s interests first. Voluntarily offering makeup time, even when it is not strictly required, demonstrates cooperation and good faith.
If a dispute later arises, judges often look at past behavior. A parent who consistently tries to accommodate missed time is generally viewed more favorably than one who rigidly refuses flexibility.
Written communication confirming makeup arrangements can also help avoid misunderstandings and create a clear record if issues escalate.
When Holiday Issues Become Ongoing Problems
Occasional disruptions are normal. However, repeated missed holidays or refusal to cooperate may signal a deeper issue. In those situations, a modification of the custody order may be appropriate to clarify expectations and reduce future conflict.
Courts may adjust possession schedules, travel responsibilities, or holiday arrangements to better reflect a family’s realities.
How the Barrows Firm Can Help
At the Barrows Firm in Southlake, we help parents navigate custody issues with clarity and confidence. Whether you need help interpreting your order, addressing a missed holiday, or pursuing a modification, our team focuses on practical solutions that protect children and reduce conflict.
Contact the Barrows Firm to schedule a consultation and ensure your custody order works when life does not go according to plan.
