Take A Stand Against Threats – Learn About Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) In South Texas
Allison Strauss, Attorney at Law, PLLC, has spent nearly 20 years helping Texas families through perhaps the darkest moments of their lives. As a dedicated temporary restraining order attorney, she supports clients in Kingsville and surrounding communities in South Texas to secure the protection they need. When your family’s safety is at risk, you need a caring legal ally who understands the urgency of your situation and responds with both compassion and decisive action.
What Is A Temporary Restraining Order?
In family court, a TRO can address many urgent family situations, such as domestic violence, child abuse, dating violence and specific threats to your safety. It offers temporary relief when you face threats or violence from someone close to you while you wait for your case to finalize.
When the court grants your TRO, it can:
- Order the threatening person to stay a certain distance from you and your children
- Prohibit all forms of contact including phone calls, texts, emails and social media messages
- Remove an abusive person from a shared home
- Establish temporary custody orders to protect children
- Set temporary child support or spousal support payments
- Stop the sale or destruction of property for fair property division later
- Require the person to turn in any firearms when violence is involved
These orders typically last 14 to 20 days until a full hearing can take place according to court rules. While temporary, these can give you breathing room to work with your attorney on a long-term plan.
How To Get A Temporary Restraining Order In Texas
The process to obtain a TRO involves the following important steps:
- Filing your petition: As the petitioner, you begin by filing a request with the court, outlining why you need protection and your relationship with the respondent.
- Completing your affidavit: You must prepare a detailed sworn statement that describes each incident of violence, threats or harassment.
- Awaiting approval: If there is clear and present danger of family violence, a judge will issue an ex parte order without requiring your or the abuser’s presence. This is to protect you until the full hearing.
- Serving the respondent: Law enforcement serves the respondent with copies of the family violence protective order and notice of the upcoming injunction hearing, which is typically scheduled within two weeks.
Allison Strauss guides clients through each step of this process, ensuring proper documentation and court filings.
Get Straightforward Answers From A TRO Lawyer
When someone threatens your safety or that of your children, you need immediate answers about your legal options. Below are answers to the most common questions Allison Strauss receives about TROs.
How does a TRO differ from a permanent protective order?
A TRO provides short-term protection that typically lasts up to 14 days, while a protective order offers longer-term relief that can last up to two years. TROs provide immediate protection for someone at risk of harm while a case is pending, whereas protective orders are issued after a full hearing where both parties present evidence. Lastly, you can obtain a TRO without the other party present, while permanent orders require notification and giving the respondent an opportunity to defend themselves in court.
How quickly can a temporary restraining order be obtained in Kingsville, and what evidence is needed for an emergency order?
You can typically receive a TRO within 24 to 48 hours of filing in emergency situations. The court needs clear evidence that shows why you reasonably fear harm. This might include injury photos, police reports, medical records or messages from the abuser.
What is the role of an attorney in obtaining a temporary restraining order in Texas?
In Texas, your temporary restraining order attorney plays a vital role in your case. They assist in preparing all necessary legal documents, gathering compelling evidence and presenting your case to court. As an experienced family law attorney, Allison Strauss stands ready to guide you through the whole process. She takes a solutions-focused approach, listening carefully to your situation and helping you resolve family law issues in a way that fits your unique needs.
Take The First Step Toward Safety – Contact A Temporary Restraining Order Attorney Today
If you are in Kingsville or anywhere in South Texas, do not hesitate to contact Allison Strauss by calling 361-516-0034 or sending an email through this online form. Your safety matters. Take action now.