Restraining Orders

Here are some things you may want to consider doing. However, you will have to evaluate each one to see if it works for your situation.

• Review the order before you leave the courthouse. If something is wrong or missing, ask the clerk to correct the order before you leave.
• Ask the clerk for certified copies of the order, which are free.¹ You can make additional copies as well, if needed.
• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
• You might want to leave copies of the order at your workplace, at your home, at the children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a trusted neighbor, and so on.
• You might want to give a copy to the security guard or person at the front desk where you live or work, along with a photo of the abuser.
• Give a copy of the order to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.
• You may wish to consider changing your locks and your phone number.²

Note: If the order prohibits the abuser from going near your child’s school or daycare, the clerk is supposed to send the order directly to the daycare or school. If child support is ordered, the clerk should send it to the child support division of the Office of the Attorney General. If the abuser is in the military, the clerk is supposed to send it directly to the military base/installation. The clerk is also supposed to send a copy to law enforcement in the municipality/county in which you live.²

¹ Tex. Fam. Code § 81.002(2)
² Tex. Fam. Code § 85.042(a), (a-1), (b)