Texas Protective Orders are court orders issued by a judge to protect a person from domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, stalking, or other forms of family violence. They are used to keep the abuser away from the victim and can include provisions such as no contact, stay away, or restricted communication. There are three main types of Texas Protective Orders: Temporary Ex Parte, Full/Final Protective Order, and Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection. A Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order is a temporary order issued without the abuser present in court. It is issued for up to 20 days and can include restrictions such as no contact. A Full/Final Protective Order is issued after a hearing has been held and the judge has heard from both parties. It is intended to provide long-term protection and can be issued for up to two years. It can include restrictions such as no contact, stay away, or restricted communication. A Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection is issued without a hearing and without the abuser present. It is intended to provide immediate protection and can be issued for up to 20 days. It can include restrictions such as no contact, stay away, or restricted communication.