How Long Does a Restraining Order Last in Texas?
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Duration by order type
| Order Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temporary Restraining Order (Rule 680) | 14 days; extendable to 14 more |
| Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order | 20 days; until hearing |
| Emergency Protective Order (Art. 17.292) | 31-91 days (61 days standard; up to 91 with deadly weapon or serious injury) |
| Final Protective Order (FV) | Up to 2 years typically |
| Lifetime Protective Order (FV) | Lifetime in specific severe circumstances |
| Stalking Protective Order (CCP 7B) | Up to lifetime |
| Sexual Assault PO (CCP 7A) | Up to lifetime |
| Magistrate's Order | Until preliminary hearing |
Standard family violence PO — up to 2 years
Texas Family Code §85.025 typical duration:
- Maximum 2 years for standard orders
- Specific duration determined by court
- Often full 2 years granted
- Sometimes shorter for specific circumstances
- Can be extended by motion before expiration
- Modification possible during duration
Lifetime protective orders
Texas Family Code §85.025(a)(2)-(3) lifetime orders when:
- Serious bodily injury inflicted. Or sexual assault
- Two or more prior protective orders. Against same respondent with finding of family violence
- Prior felony family violence conviction.
- Violation of prior protective order convicted twice or more
- Specific extreme circumstances
Lifetime orders rare but available for severe cases.
Extending and modifying
Texas Family Code §85.025(b):
- Extension motion. Filed before expiration
- Continued danger required. Standard for extension
- New 2-year period possible
- Multiple extensions theoretically possible
- Hearing required typically
- Modification under §85.024. Changing terms during duration
- Termination possible. If circumstances change
- Modification request can come from either party
After protective order expires
- Order ends automatically. No action needed by either party
- Federal firearm prohibition ends. When PO expires
- Texas firearm prohibition ends
- Record of order remains. Background checks reveal
- New order possible. If new family violence occurs
- Civil claims for prior violence remain available
- Criminal cases for prior violations remain
- Custody implications continue affecting family law
Have a Texas legal question?
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Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Texas protective order last?
Family violence protective orders: up to 2 years typical (Texas Family Code §85.025). Lifetime in specific severe circumstances (serious injury, multiple prior orders, prior conviction). Stalking/sexual assault POs: up to lifetime. Emergency POs: 31-91 days. TROs: 14 days.
Can a Texas restraining order be extended?
Yes — under Texas Family Code §85.025(b). Extension motion filed before expiration. Continued danger standard for extension. New 2-year period possible. Multiple extensions theoretically possible. Hearing typically required.
What's the longest a Texas protective order can last?
Up to lifetime in specific circumstances. Texas Family Code §85.025(a)(2)-(3) lifetime orders for: serious bodily injury or sexual assault, two prior protective orders against same respondent with family violence findings, prior felony family violence conviction, multiple prior order violations.
Does a Texas protective order expire automatically?
Yes — when duration ends. No action needed by either party for standard expiration. Federal and Texas firearm prohibitions end with order expiration. Record of order remains on background checks even after expiration.
Can I get my Texas protective order terminated early?
Yes — under Texas Family Code §85.024 modification. Either party can request. Standard typically: circumstances changed; continued protection no longer necessary. Court hearing typically required. Less common than extensions but possible.
References & Statutes
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