An affiliate of Martine Law, a national brand with six firms in four states. In Texas, legal services are provided by Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201.
Can a protective order be dropped by the person who asked for it?
In short: Not on their own. Once a judge signs a protective order in Texas, only the court can change or end it. The protected person can file a motion to modify it (Family Code 87.001), but the order stays in force until the judge rules. Contact the protected person invites can still be a crime (Penal Code 25.07(d)).
What if the case has not reached a final hearing yet?
An applicant can ask the court to dismiss an application before the final hearing. Until the court actually signs a dismissal, any temporary ex parte order that was served on you remains in effect, and violating it can be charged under Penal Code 25.07.
How does a modification work?
On the motion of any party, and after notice and a hearing, the court may remove items from the order or add items that could have been included (Family Code 87.001). The respondent can also ask the court to review whether the order is still needed, but not before the first anniversary of the order (85.025(b)).
Why is contact risky even when the other person agrees?
Reconciliation does not change the order or the duty of officers to enforce it (Penal Code 25.07(d)), and the protected person cannot be arrested for the violation (25.07(e)). The person who can be charged is the respondent.
Does dropping the protective order end a criminal case?
No. A related criminal case is controlled by the prosecutor, not the person who applied for the order, and an emergency order from a magistrate (Code of Criminal Procedure 17.292) is separate from a Family Code protective order.
Where are these cases heard outside Dallas?
A protective order case is usually filed in a civil court in the county where the applicant or respondent lives, while any related criminal case is filed where the offense is alleged to have happened. We handle cases from our only office, in downtown Dallas, in 12 North Texas counties. Each county page lists the courthouse, the prosecutor's office and the jail: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Parker, Wise, Hunt, Navarro.
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Can the protected person invite me over?
The invitation does not change the order. Reconciliation is not a defense under Penal Code 25.07(d).
Who can ask to modify a protective order?
Any party, by motion, after notice and a hearing (Family Code 87.001).
When can I ask to end an order early?
A respondent can ask the court to review the need for the order after its first anniversary (Family Code 85.025(b)).
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.