Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Domestic Violence Protection in Texas
Open-data reference.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. You can also visit thehotline.org. The filing process below is informational reference data, not a substitute for immediate safety help.
Filing a domestic violence protection in Texas costs free of charge. The typical timeline is Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days, and no mandatory waiting period applies.
Physical assault, battery, stalking, harassment by household/family member
What This Means for Your Domestic Violence Protection Filing in Texas
Filing for domestic violence protection in Texas costs free of charge at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Free. Emergency protective orders by law enforcement. Beyond the filing fee, no mandatory waiting period applies, and the typical case timeline is Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Texas lays out 5 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: Not required. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Physical assault, battery, stalking, harassment by household/family member (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Free. Emergency protective orders by law enforcement.
Key Requirements
- Describe incidents
- Contact law enforcement or courthouse
- Free filing
- Victim advocates available
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Contact law enforcement or courthouse
- 2
File petition for protective order
- 3
Emergency order if granted
- 4
Hearing within 14 days
- 5
Permanent order issued
Important Notes
Free to file. Estimated. Verify with local court.
Grounds / Eligibility
Physical assault, battery, stalking, harassment by household/family member
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- Free
- Residency
- Not required
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days
Official Resources
Compare All States
See Domestic Violence Protection requirements in all 10 states
State Comparison →Other Civil Processes in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for domestic violence protection in Texas?
The filing fee for domestic violence protection in Texas is Free. Free. Emergency protective orders by law enforcement.
How long does domestic violence protection take in Texas?
Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days
Do I need a lawyer for domestic violence protection in Texas?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for domestic violence protection in Texas, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Texas resources.
Is there a waiting period for domestic violence protection in Texas?
There is no mandatory waiting period for domestic violence protection in Texas.
What are the residency requirements for domestic violence protection in Texas?
Not required
What documents are needed for domestic violence protection in Texas?
Key requirements include: Describe incidents; Contact law enforcement or courthouse; Free filing.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Texas court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |