Emergency Family-Law Resources in Texas
Official starting points for immediate safety, temporary child-related orders, protective orders, and DFPS matters.
Temporary orders involving children
Tex. Fam. Code § 105.001 allows temporary orders for a child’s safety and welfare. A private request to take a child into possession or exclude a parent from possession/access requires a verified pleading or affidavit that complies with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
There is no verified universal promise of a same-day ruling, email filing, or fixed hearing date. Call the receiving clerk and follow local emergency procedures.
Family-violence protective orders
A temporary ex parte protective order requires information showing a clear and present danger of family violence. It can last up to 20 days and may be extended. A hearing generally must be set within 14 days unless an exception applies or the applicant asks for later. OCA publishes the current standardized forms.
DFPS investigations
Use DFPS’s official parent guide. Texas provides an administrative review of disputed investigation findings under § 261.309; rely on the current DFPS notice rather than imported terminology.
- Texas Family Code § 105.001
- Texas Family Code Chapter 83
- Texas Family Code Chapter 84
- OCA protective-order forms
- DFPS parent guide
- DFPS reporting information
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the receiving clerk.