Download and print the following packet to use for filing a Protective Order in Texas:

Texas Protective Order packet (67 page Adobe PDF file)
(courtesy Women's Advocacy Project, Austin, TX)


Why get a protective order?

Protective orders have their limitations and are not fool-proof, but they can be a powerful means of helping you put an end to the abuse and can discourage him from stalking you after you leave. It also sends a strong message to him that you are very serious about leaving him and stopping his abusive behavior toward you. Additionally, it costs you nothing to file such an order with the court.

What can a protective order do?

It can make it possible for the abuser to be arrested and criminally procecuted if:

• he commits any further acts of violence toward you or your children
• he comes within a specified distance of where you live or work
• he comes within a specified distance of where your children live, go to school, go to daycare, or are baby-sat
• he communicates with you, either directly or indirectly, in a way that is either harrassing or threatening
• he communicates with you in any other way except through someone appointed by the court, if so appointed
• he stalks you, including following you or acting in any way that would harrass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarass you
• he possesses a firearm while the protective order is in effect

It can make it possible for the abuser to be held in civil contempt if:

• he takes the children from you or takes them out of the county where they live
• he does not pay any ordered temporary child support or spousal support prior to the finalization of divorce proceedings
• he does not attend alcohol or drug counseling and/or a family violence treatment program if ordered by the court
• he keeps or uses any shared property (such as a vehicle) in any way that is prohibited in the protective order during the time the order remains in effect. This does not change the legal ownership of any property or items of value. Ownership changes only as a result of other legal proceedings such as divorce.
• he does not move out of the house as called for in the order