A protective order is a court order that legally requires an abuser to stay away from you — and violating one means arrest. In Texas, applying for a protective order is free, and in San Antonio you don’t have to figure out the process alone.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Start here: Bexar County Family Justice Center
The Bexar County Family Justice Center is a one-stop center where advocates help you apply for a protective order, build a safety plan, and connect to counseling and legal guidance — all in one place.
- Call to apply: (210) 631-0100 (by appointment)
- Address: 126 E. Nueva, 2nd Floor, San Antonio, TX 78204
You’ll fill out an intake form and meet with a victim advocate, who prepares a sworn affidavit for you to sign. A prosecutor then reviews it and, if the legal requirements are met, files for a temporary ex-parte order and a full protective order with the court.
It costs nothing to apply
Under Texas law, no fee may be charged to apply for a protective order — not by the county or district attorney’s office, and not by the sheriff serving it. If anyone tries to charge you a filing fee for a protective order, that’s wrong.
Free legal help with your protective order
- FVPS Legal Services — free legal help for eligible survivors, focused on protective orders, divorce, custody, and enforcement. Call (210) 821-3823 or 210-930-3669 ext. 2223.
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — free civil legal help for low-income Texans, including family violence cases: (833) 329-8752.
- Bexar County District Attorney’s Office — survivors can apply for protective orders through the DA’s office at no cost.
What a protective order can do
Depending on the type, a Texas court can order the abuser to:
- Stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children’s school
- Move out of a shared home (a “kick-out” order)
- Stop communicating with you — including texts and social media
- Pay child support and medical support
- Attend batterer intervention or anger management programs
- Give up firearms while the order is in effect
A family violence protective order generally lasts up to two years and can be extended. Stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking protective orders can last even longer — in some cases for life.
What to bring
- A valid photo ID
- Any evidence you have: police reports, photos of injuries, threatening texts or emails, medical records
- The abuser’s current address (so they can be served) — if you don’t know it, bring whatever you have
A protective order is one tool, not the whole plan
Orders work best alongside a safety plan. Talk to an advocate at the Family Justice Center or call the FVPS hotline at (210) 733-8810 to build one. And keep a copy of the order with you — on your phone and on paper.
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get a protective order?
No — but free help is available, and having an advocate or attorney makes the process smoother. The Family Justice Center, FVPS, and TRLA all help at no cost.
How long does it take?
A temporary ex-parte order can be granted quickly after filing. A full hearing, where both sides can be heard, is typically scheduled within a couple of weeks.
What if the abuser violates the order?
Call 911 immediately. Violating a protective order is a crime in Texas and can mean arrest and jail time.
Can I get a protective order during a divorce?
Yes — but it must be filed in the same court handling the divorce. Tell your advocate or attorney that a divorce is pending.
