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.
How to modify a protective order in Texas
In short: Under Family Code 87.001, any party can file a motion asking the court that issued a protective order to modify it, and after notice and a hearing the court can remove items from the order or add items that could have been included. A modification cannot extend the order beyond its legal limit (87.002). A respondent can also ask for a review of the order's continuing need after one year (85.025(b)).
Who can ask to change a protective order?
Any party: the person protected by the order or the respondent. The request is a motion filed with the court that issued the order, and the court decides only after notice and a hearing (Family Code 87.001). Until a judge signs a modified order, the original order stays in force exactly as written.
What can be changed?
- Items can be removed, such as a stay-away distance from a particular address.
- Items can be added if they could have been included originally under the Family Code.
- A protected person can file a notice to update an address or phone number listed in the order, and ask that it be kept confidential (87.004).
Can a modification make the order last longer?
No. Family Code 87.002 says a protective order may not be modified to extend it beyond the second anniversary of the date it was originally rendered, or beyond the longer expiration date allowed under 85.025(a-1) or (c), whichever is later. Section 85.025(a-1) allows orders longer than two years if the court finds the respondent committed a felony family violence act, caused serious bodily injury, or was the subject of two or more prior protective orders for the same person. Read how long a protective order lasts.
Is there a way to end the order early?
Family Code 85.025(b) lets the person subject to the order file a motion, no earlier than the first anniversary of the date it was rendered, asking the court to review the order and decide whether there is a continuing need for it. This is different from a request by the protected person to drop the order; see can the person who asked drop a protective order?
What should a respondent avoid while asking for a change?
- Do not contact the protected person to "work it out," even if they reach out first. Violating a protective order is a crime under Penal Code 25.07, and the protected person cannot give permission to break it.
- Do not rely on informal agreements. Only a signed court order changes the terms.
- Gather proof of changed circumstances, such as a move, completed counseling or a custody order, before the hearing.
See protective order defense and violation of a protective order.
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 a protective order be modified in Texas?
Yes. Under Family Code 87.001, any party can file a motion, and after notice and a hearing the court can remove items or add items that could have been included.
Can modifying a protective order extend it?
No. Family Code 87.002 bars a modification that extends the order beyond the second anniversary of the original order or the longer date allowed by 85.025(a-1) or (c).
When can a respondent ask the court to review a protective order?
No earlier than the first anniversary of the date the order was rendered, under Family Code 85.025(b).
Can the protected person give me permission to contact them?
No. Only the court can change the order. Contact that violates the order can be charged under Penal Code 25.07.
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.