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.
Restraining Order 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 restraining order in Texas costs free of charge. The typical timeline is Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days, and no mandatory waiting period applies.
Domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment
What This Means for Your Restraining Order Filing in Texas
Filing for restraining order in Texas costs free of charge at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Protective orders free for family violence. 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 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: Not required. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Protective orders free for family violence.
Key Requirements
- Complete petition describing incidents
- File at courthouse
- Judge reviews same day
- Temporary order if granted
- Full hearing within 14 days
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File petition at courthouse
- 2
Judge reviews same day
- 3
Temporary order if granted
- 4
Order served on respondent
- 5
Full hearing within 14 days
- 6
Permanent order issued at hearing
Important Notes
Estimated. Verify with local court.
Grounds / Eligibility
Domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- Free
- Residency
- Not required
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for restraining order in Texas?
The filing fee for restraining order in Texas is Free. Protective orders free for family violence.
How long does restraining order take in Texas?
Emergency order immediate; temporary hearing within 14 days
Do I need a lawyer for restraining order in Texas?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for restraining order 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 restraining order in Texas?
There is no mandatory waiting period for restraining order in Texas.
What are the residency requirements for restraining order in Texas?
Not required
What documents are needed for restraining order in Texas?
Key requirements include: Complete petition describing incidents; File at courthouse; Judge reviews same day.
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 |