Texas Protective Orders Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
In Texas, as in other states, protective orders are intended to protect individuals from abusive partners or others who may try to cause harm. Texas protective orders laws allow for both temporary (20 days maximum) and general (up to two years) protective orders, also referred to as "restraining orders." Violating a protective order can result in a jail sentence and/or fine.
This article contains a brief overview of protective orders in Texas.
Texas Protective Orders: At a Glance
Refer to the table below to learn about Texas protective order laws, or find out more in-depth information on the subject in the discussion below. You can also visit FindLaw's Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders section for more general information on this topic.
Code Section |
§ 71.001 et seq. of the Texas Family Code |
|---|---|
Activity Addressed by Order |
Enjoin contact; exclude from dwelling, employment, school; regarding minors: enjoin contact, temporary custody, support; counseling; reasonable court costs and attorney fees; suspension of a firearm license; removing a pet, companion animal, or assistance animal from the possession or actual or constructive care of a person named in the order |
Duration of Order |
Temporary: maximum 20 days, may be extended; General: maximum two years (which may be extended in the following instances: the defendant committed an act constituting a felony involving family violence, caused serious bodily injury, or was the subject of two or more protective orders, and after a finding by the court that the subject of the protective order has committed family violence and is likely to commit family violence in the future) |
Penalty for a Violation of Order |
Fine, maximum $4,000 and/or jail, maximum of one year; if family violence occurs, can be prosecuted for a misdemeanor or felony |
Who May Apply for Order |
Adult member of family; prosecuting attorney; department of protective and regulatory services; dating partners; “family" includes individuals related by consanguinity or affinity, individuals who are former spouses of each other, individuals who are the parents of the same child, without regard to marriage, and a foster child and foster parent, without regard to whether those individuals reside together; “household" means a unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other |
Can Fees Be Waived? |
Yes; fees paid by respondent |
Order Transmission to Law Enforcement |
Copy to the chief of police where the protected resides and, not later than the third business day after the date of the order or information is received, enter the information required, into the statewide law enforcement information system maintained by the Department of Public Safety |
Civil Liability for Violation of Order |
Yes, contempt of court |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Get Help with a Protective Order Today
If someone is hurting or threatening to hurt you, there are resources available for you when you're ready. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for 24/7/365 support at 800-799-7233. If you've been abused or fear someone may abuse you in the near future, you may want to get a protective order.
Please contact a Texas domestic violence attorney for help.
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
For more than 40 years, the Lewis family name has invoked trust, authority, professionalism and excellence in divorce
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments