Restraining Order Attorney in Burleson

Protective Orders in Burleson from an Attorney Who Handles the Full Case

A protective order is a civil court order that prohibits a person from contacting, threatening, or coming near the person it protects. Under Texas law, violating one carries the force of criminal enforcement. Whether you need immediate protection or you’re responding to a petition filed against you, the stakes are serious, and the timeline is short.

Attorney Jeff Cochran handles our family law practice and has managed hundreds of family law matters since joining Coontz Cochran in 1999, including cases throughout Johnson County. When your protective order is tied to a divorce or custody dispute, he can carry the matter forward without a handoff to a different attorney. Coontz Cochran has served Burleson and the surrounding area since 1990.

Types of Protective Orders Under Texas Law

Texas Family Code Title 4 provides two primary protective order types, and understanding the difference matters from the moment you decide to file.

Temporary Ex Parte Order

A temporary ex parte order can be issued the same day an application is filed if the court finds a clear and present danger of family violence. The respondent doesn’t have to be present or notified beforehand. This order generally remains in effect for up to 20 days, until a full hearing can be scheduled. There is no filing fee for a protective order application in Texas under Texas Family Code Section 81.002.

Final Protective Order

After the respondent is served and a hearing is held, the court can issue a final protective order lasting up to two years. If the underlying conduct involved a felony act of family violence, caused serious bodily injury, or the respondent has two or more prior protective orders on record, the court may extend that order beyond two years. The final order can require the respondent to vacate a shared residence, prohibit all contact, mandate counseling or a substance evaluation, and prohibit firearm possession.

How Protective Orders Affect Divorce & Child Custody

A protective order filed alongside a divorce or custody case carries consequences that extend well beyond keeping distance between two people. An order issued within two years before a custody suit can serve as evidence of family violence when the court determines conservatorship and visitation arrangements. When an active protective order is in place during a custody proceeding, the court must factor it into decisions about the child’s living situation and each parent’s access.

Under Texas Family Code Title 4, a temporary ex parte order prevails over other court orders, including temporary custody orders, to the extent they conflict. That intersection can reshape the entire trajectory of a family law case. Attorney Cochran handles divorce, child custody, and child support matters alongside protective order proceedings, so your legal strategy stays consistent across all related filings.

It’s also worth noting that not every protective order petition is filed purely for protection. Some are filed as a tactic in contentious divorce or custody disputes. Both the person seeking a legitimate order and the respondent defending against an unfounded one deserve dedicated legal representation.

The Protective Order Process in Johnson County

Applications are filed with the district clerk in the county where the applicant lives or where the family violence occurred. Johnson County District Court handles these matters locally. At the time of filing, you can request a temporary ex parte order. If the judge finds sufficient grounds, protection can begin the same day.

The respondent must be formally served before a final order can be issued. At the final hearing, under Texas Family Code Section 85.001, the court must find by a preponderance of the evidence that family violence has occurred and is likely to occur again. Violating a protective order is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and can escalate to a third-degree felony for repeat violations under Texas Penal Code Section 25.07.

Why Burleson Families Choose Coontz Cochran

Family law is Attorney Cochran’s primary focus. He earned his law degree from Texas Tech University and brought significant family law experience to Coontz Cochran when he joined in 1999, after working at Hill Gilstrap in Arlington. He is also fluent in Spanish, which allows us to serve clients across our Burleson and Johnson County community more effectively.

Credentials & Recognition

The firm holds an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest peer-review rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and has been recognized in Texas Super Lawyers®. Attorney Greg Coontz has held Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law since 1993, a distinction fewer than one in ten Texas lawyers hold. That litigation depth supports everything we do in the courtroom.

Local Roots & Client Service

Attorney Greg Coontz grew up in Burleson and attended Burleson High School. This is the community where we live and practice. Clients tell us they value being kept informed throughout the process and being able to reach us when questions come up. That accessibility isn’t an accident. It’s how we work.

Talk to a Protective Orders Lawyer in Burleson Today

Protective order matters move quickly. The sooner you have legal guidance, the better positioned you are to protect yourself, your children, and your rights. We offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation with no obligation and understand your options before making any decisions.

Coontz Cochran serves clients in Burleson, Johnson County, Mansfield, and throughout Greater Fort Worth. Attorney Cochran can help whether you’re filing for a protective order or responding to one filed against you.