If you’re served a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Texas, don’t panic. Once you understand more about what a TRO is, you’ll discover …
If you’re served a Temporary Restraining Order TRO in Texas, don’t panic. Once you understand more about what a TRO is, you’ll discover that it’s manageable if you know what to do. If you respond in the right way, a TRO does not have to affect your divorce or your child custody case negatively. Furthermore, you can check out the Texas Family Code on TRO’s.
The first thing to do when you receive a TRO is to read it. The paperwork should explain to you at least a little bit about why the TRO has been put in place and what you are “restrained” from doing. In most cases, these court orders mean that you cannot take any immediate action with respect to property or your children. A TRO is designed to put everything on hold until a formal hearing can take place.
It makes sense to seek legal guidance shortly after being served with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Texas. This ensures that you understand the TRO and will be able to comply with it. If you do not comply with the TRO, then you can be held in contempt of court. Being found in contempt may mean having to pay fines or serve time in jail. Additionally, violating a TRO can have an adverse effect on your divorce or child custody proceedings.
Usually, you will be informed of a hearing date when you receive the TRO or shortly afterward. Make certain to appear for that hearing. If you do not, then the judge may make decisions about your children, property and even money without your knowledge or consent.
You may feel that you do not have enough time to get ready for the hearing. In these cases, it may be possible to delay the hearing. You can ask for a continuance that will push the hearing back to a later date.
Remember that a TRO is only valid for 14 days. Typically, the party that asked for the TRO also can request to extend the TRO one time for an additional 14 days. Use that time well by preparing for the hearing. The hearing is your opportunity to be heard by the judge and to present relevant evidence to support your side. Once again, it may make sense seek legal assistance to help prepare for the hearing; call or text today.
Restraining Order