Protective Orders in Houston
If you live in fear inside your own home, Texas law offers real protection. We help you seek a protective order in Houston with dignity, in confidence, and with a safety plan for you and your children.
Not just a piece of paper: protection with the force of law
If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 — answers 24/7, in English and Spanish.
A protective order is an order signed by a judge that requires the abuser to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's school. And it has teeth: violating it is a crime, and police can arrest anyone who disobeys it. You do not have to be married to the abuser to ask for one — generally speaking, dating relationships, family members, and people who live or have lived with you also qualify.
In Texas there are, in general terms, three levels of protection: emergency orders that police and judges can issue quickly, temporary ex parte orders — sometimes the same day, without the abuser present — and final orders after a hearing, which generally last up to two years and, in certain cases, can last longer. Family violence also weighs heavily when a judge decides on the custody of your children or a divorce: protecting yourself today also protects your case tomorrow.
As part of our family law practice, we walk with you through every step before the Harris County family courts in downtown Houston. What you tell us stays between us.
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5 steps to protect you and your family
01. We listen in confidence
We talk with you calmly and in complete confidentiality, and from day one we build a safety plan for you and your children.
02. We prepare your application and evidence
We gather photos, messages, medical records, and witnesses — stored safely — and prepare a clear, complete application.
03. A temporary order as soon as possible
We request a temporary ex parte order, which a judge can sign very quickly — sometimes the same day — without the abuser present.
04. The hearing for the final order
We prepare you for the hearing before the Harris County family courts and present your case for a final protective order.
05. Protection that guards your future
A protective order also matters in custody and can open immigration protections such as VAWA or the U visa. We look at your whole picture.
Questions about protective orders
We know why many victims in Houston suffer in silence: fear of immigration. Let us say it clearly and with respect: seeking protection does not report you to immigration. In fact, the law recognizes victims of violence — regardless of status — and you may qualify for protections such as VAWA or the U visa. Asking for help is not giving up: it is the first step toward getting your life back.
How fast can I get a protective order?
A temporary ex parte order can be granted very quickly — in some cases the same day the application is filed, without the abuser present. The final order requires a hearing, generally scheduled a few weeks later. Every case is different; we help you act as soon as possible.
Do I need a police report first?
Not always. A police report helps as evidence, but it is generally not a requirement for seeking a protective order. Photos, messages, medical records, and witnesses can also support your application. If you are in danger right now, call 911.
Will asking for protection affect my immigration status?
Seeking a protective order does not report you to immigration. On the contrary: victims of violence may qualify for immigration protections such as VAWA or the U visa. We review your full situation so you can seek safety without putting your future at risk.
What happens if the abuser violates the order?
Call 911. Violating a protective order is a crime in Texas, and police can arrest the abuser on the spot. Keep evidence of every violation — messages, calls, visits — because it can also strengthen your case before the judge.
Does it cost anything to ask for a protective order?
In general, there is no filing fee for a victim seeking a protective order in Texas: you are not charged for seeking safety. At your appointment, we explain any legal costs clearly before we begin — no surprises.