Texas Judicial

Branch

Rules & Forms

Standardized Protective Order Forms 

Overview

The 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 48 which requires the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to create standardized forms for the application and issuance of protective orders, including magistrate’s orders for emergency protection and temporary ex parte orders, authorized under the Family Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. In response to SB 48, OCA publishes the following  applications, orders, and other helpful information and forms.

OCA created the standardized forms after receiving input from over 65 stakeholders, including:

  • the Texas Council on Family Violence;
  • the Department of Public Safety;
  • nonprofit organizations that advocate for the survivors of sexual assault or family violence;
  • individuals, organizations, and state agencies that provide training to judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers;
  • the judges or justices of courts of varying jurisdictions;
  • law enforcement agencies;
  • prosecutors; and
  • organizations that receive federal funding under the legal assistance for victims grant program and that have expertise in issues related to family violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The forms are divided into two groups. The first group includes mandatory forms. Applicants and courts are required by law to use these forms. The second group includes discretionary forms. These forms are available, but users are not required to use them. Users are free to create their own discretionary forms to fit their particular needs.

All users are encouraged to review the instructions, documents, and FAQs for more information.

ATTENTION:  A message for applicants representing themselves:

By law, OCA cannot provide legal advice, assist with the application, or handle your case. We recommend contacting your local district attorney’s office (DA's office) if you need assistance.

You can also go to https://selfhelp.efiletexas.gov/srl to complete your application with an online step-by-step process. In addition, please go to Texas Law Help for more information and resources.

NEW Form Changes from the 89th Legislature Session:

89(R) HB 2596:  Victims of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault are qualified to apply for a protective order pursuant to Article 7B.001(a) and (a-1) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

89(R) SB 2196: The duration of a magistrate’s order for emergency protection has increased to a minimum of 61 days and a maximum of 121 days pursuant to Article 17.292 (j) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. 

For judges, clerks, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other justice partners:

If you have questions regarding any of the forms or information on this page, please send an email to Kim.Piechowiak@txcourts.gov.

Mandated Forms

Temporary Ex Parte and Final Protective Orders

Forms for use through August 31, 2025

Forms for use beginning September 1, 2025

Magistrate Order for Emergency Protection (MOEP)

Form for use through August 31, 2025

Form for use beginning September 1, 2025

Other Forms (Discretionary)