If you are seeking safety through a protective order, or you have been served with one, Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. can help. Attorney Monica A. Hinojosa serves families in East Houston and across the greater Houston area with compassionate, informed guidance in family-violence matters. Se habla español.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The information below is general and is meant to help you understand how protective orders work in Texas.
Protective Orders in Texas
A protective order is a court order intended to protect a person from family violence, dating violence, stalking, or similar harm. In family situations, a protective order can help create legal boundaries between the person seeking protection and the person alleged to have committed violence.
Temporary Ex Parte Orders
When there is a clear and present danger, a court may issue a temporary ex parte protective order quickly, sometimes the same day and without the other party present. These orders provide short-term protection until a hearing can be held.
Final Protective Orders
After notice and a hearing, a court may issue a final protective order. In family-violence cases, a final order is often effective for up to two years, and in certain serious circumstances it may last longer. The court decides based on the evidence presented at the hearing.
Who Can Seek a Protective Order
Texas law allows family or household members, people in a dating relationship, and certain others to seek protection when family or dating violence has occurred and is likely to occur again. An attorney can help you understand whether your situation may qualify.
The Filing Process
Seeking a protective order generally involves filing an application, providing information about what happened, and attending a hearing where a judge considers the evidence. Having guidance through this process can help you feel more prepared during a stressful time.
What a Protective Order Can Require
Depending on the circumstances, a protective order may, for example, prohibit further acts of violence, prohibit contact or communication, require the other person to stay away from your home, workplace, or your children’s school, address temporary use of a residence, and restrict possession of firearms as provided by law.
If You Have Been Served With a Protective Order
A protective order is a serious legal matter with real consequences, including possible effects on where you can go and on your rights. If you have been served, you have the right to be heard at the hearing. We represent both people seeking protection and people responding to an application, and we can help you understand your rights and options.
Related Family-Law Matters
Protective orders often arise alongside divorce and custody. See our Houston divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division pages, or our family-law services overview.
How Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. Helps
Attorney Monica A. Hinojosa provides supportive, confidential guidance in protective-order matters, helping clients understand the process and pursue safety and fairness. We serve families throughout Houston, including the East Houston, Northshore, and Uvalde Road communities, in English and Spanish.
Meet attorney Monica A. Hinojosa, the Houston family-law attorney at Hinojosa Law Office, P.C.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss a protective-order matter with a Houston family-law attorney, contact Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. today.
Hinojosa Law Office, P.C.
540 Uvalde Rd, Suite D, Houston, TX 77015
Phone: 713-455-3575
Contact us · Home
This page provides general information about Texas protective orders and is not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Every situation is unique; please consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.