San Angelo's District Courts Clarify When "Spring Break" Ends for Family Law Orders

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Coronavirus COVID-19 situation has placed into a question when divorced dad must return the kids to mom under shared custody and visitation orders from court, and vis versa. The primary issue is when does “spring break” end.

The four district courts headquartered in Tom Green County issued a statement signed by all four district judges clarifying how the family courts will interpret when spring break ends. School districts are “delaying” the return from spring break as a measure to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

A “delay” or “extended” spring break will not mean that spring break is extended as far as how long one parent has custody of a child as interpreted by the courts here.

“For purposes of all orders issued out of the above-noted Court the Spring Break Vacation period ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020,” the courts stated in a press release. “Any decision of any school or school district to delay resumption of classes (whether characterized as a ‘closure,’ and ‘extended delay,’ and ‘extended Spring Break,’ or an extended ‘vacation) is considered to be a closure for public health purposes, not an extension of a vacation period.”

If mom or dad has a desire to change or alter the period of possession, they can do so, but the judges recommend both parties set forth the terms of their agreement in writing and sign it.

The 51st, 119th, 340th, and 391st courts have jurisdiction in Coke, Concho, Irion, Schleicher, Sterling, and Tom Green counties in Texas.

Download the full statement here.