How to Extend, Reinstate, Change, or Cancel a Protection Order
Visit this section to find the forms needed and the steps to take if you want to extend, reinstate, change, or cancel a protection order.
How to Reinstate an Expired TPO
How to Extend a TPO
How to Change or Cancel a Protection Order
How to Object to a Hearing Master's Recommendation
How to Oppose a Motion or Objection the other party filed
For Applicants: Reinstating an Expired TPO
If you received a temporary protection order but missed the hearing to extend the order, you may be able to get the protection order reinstated. You will have to explain why you missed the original hearing and why you still need protection from the adverse party. This must be filed within a reasonable amount of time after the protection order expired.
To request to reinstate a temporary protection order, fill out the following form and file it in person (601 N Pecos) or by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The court reviews these within about 24 hours and will typically call you for a short telephone hearing.
Ex Parte Motion to Reinstate TPO (pdf fillable)
If granted, you should get a new protection order and a new hearing to extend the order. Be sure to plan to attend the extension hearing so the order does not expire again.
For Applicants: Extending a TPO
If the judge granted a 45 day temporary order but did not set a hearing to consider an extended order, you can ask for an extension in writing before the TPO expires. This will set a hearing for the judge to talk with both parties about whether to extend the order.
To request an extension, fill out the following form and file it in person (601 N Pecos) or by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Be sure to file this before your TPO expires.
Motion to Extend Temporary Protection Order (pdf fillable)
Motion to Extend Temporary Protection Order (pdf)
If you want the judge to see any exhibits that support your statement, you can file them separately by using this form:
TPO Exhibit Appendix (pdf fillable)
If you already have an extended order in place, you cannot request another extension. You will have to apply for a new protection order when the one you have expires.
For Either Party: Changing or Cancelling a Protection Order
A protection order includes many terms that the parties have to follow. If your situation changes, the terms in the protection order might need to change too. Things that might need to change are:
- If there are new home, work, or school addresses that the adverse party should stay away from.
- If the child custody and visitation schedule in the protection order needs to change.
You might also want to cancel the protection order completely.
If you want to make changes or cancel the protection order, fill out the following form and file it in person (601 N Pecos) or by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The court will set a hearing for both parties to attend. Keep following all of the terms of the protection order until the hearing. If the judge changes any of the orders, the changes won't apply until AFTER your hearing.
Motion to Modify / Dissolve Protection Order (pdf fillable)
Motion to Modify / Dissolve Protection Order (pdf)
If you want the judge to see any exhibits that support your statement, you can file them separately by using this form:
TPO Exhibit Appendix (pdf fillable)
For Either Party: Objecting to a Hearing Master's Recommendation
Most protection order matters are decided by hearing masters and not judges. If a hearing master makes a decision that you believe is legally wrong, you can file an "objection." Objections are set for a hearing in front of a district court judge who will determine whether the hearing master correctly followed the law.
Do not file this just because you disagree with the hearing master's decision. You have to show that the hearing master did not apply the law correctly in your case.
You only have 14 days to file an objection after a hearing master makes a decision. To file an objection, fill out the following packet and follow all included instructions:
Objection to TPO Hearing Master's Recommendation (pdf)
Objection to TPO Hearing Master's Recommendation (pdf fillable)
How to Oppose a Motion or Objection the other party filed
If the other person filed something that set a court date, you can file a written response. This lets the court know your side of the story before the hearing.
Look at the title of what you were served with. There are different responses depending on what the other person filed.
If the other person filed a motion or an application, you can file an "Opposition."
If the other person file an objection, you can file a "Response to Objection."
If you want the judge to see any exhibits that support your statement, you can file them separately by using this form:
