The Houston Family Law Blog


Getting a Protective Order

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People who have been abused by a family member might be able to get a restraining order or protective order; which would place certain restrictions on the abuser. The state of Texas grants both temporary and permanent protective orders for those individuals who are victims of domestic violence.

Yet it's important to know that not just anybody can get a protective order in the Lone Star state. Womanslaw.org reports that only family members or foster children of an abuser can usually go about getting a protective order from the courts. A person who has had a continuing romantic or intimate relationship with an abuser may also file a court order. In addition, victims of sexual assault can also get a protective order against the person that attacked them. Individuals under the age of 18 can have an adult household member file for a protective order on their behalf. Filling out the "Application for a Protective Order" is where the process all begins.

Some Texas family law attorneys still question whether protective orders actually protect victims of domestic violence. FindLaw reports that studies have shown that issuing a protective order usually does reduce future incidents of domestic violence. However, if individuals are under the under the influence of intense anger or rage, a court order might not prevent dangerous behavior from happening.

Police can arrest violators of a protective order, where that violator can face criminal charges. Sometimes an individual can even face felony charges for violating an order of protection.

Related Resources:

  • Domestic Violence: Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders  (FindLaw)
  • Texas Protective Orders Laws (FindLaw)
  • Texas Family Law Attorneys Directory (FindLaw)

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