Family Violence & Protective Orders

Experienced Legal Support in Family Violence Cases

If you are faced with the threat or reality of domestic violence, Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP will take every legal step possible to ensure your safety and aggressively defend your rights in such traumatic and stressful matters. We work quickly to analyze whether you or your family is in immediate danger and to legally shield you from your abuser. When necessary, we file a restraining order, denying your abuser contact with you, your children, and other immediate family members.

Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP is experienced in helping clients protect themselves and their family members from family violence and in ascertaining critical protective orders in the face of family violence. Domestic violence is not always a clear legal matter and can include physical abuse, and psychological or emotional harassment. We are known for realizing tough consequences against abusers, including misdemeanor or felony charges, and convictions. Unfortunately, some matters involve family violence and therefore protection of the individual and/or other family members.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first. Then call us so we can help you take the next legal step.

Understanding Family Violence Under Texas Law

Texas domestic violence law protects members of a family or household, including children, from any act of intended physical harm done by another member of the family or household. Domestic violence may include threats of physical harm between and among family members that place one or more members in reasonable fear of danger. Family violence is defined as an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or dating violence, or abuse.

Protective Orders and Your Legal Options

If a court finds that family violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future, a judge will sign a protective order. A protective order is issued by a court and may require an individual to act or to refrain from doing an act to prevent or reduce the likelihood of family violence in the future. A finding of family violence can have a significant impact on financial matters or child custody in a divorce. If your matter involves family violence, we can provide safeguards that ensure your safety and leverage your legal position going forward.

 Texas protective orders can:

  • Order the other person to stay away from your home, work, and your children’s school
  • Prohibit any contact or communication with you
  • Address temporary use of a home and possession of children
  • Carry criminal penalties if violated

Responding to a Protective Order

If a protective order has been filed against you, do not ignore it. A protective order can affect where you live, your contact with your children, your right to possess a firearm, and your reputation. We help respond to the allegations, present your evidence, and protect your rights at the hearing.

How the Process Works

Many protective order cases begin with a temporary ex parte order that offers immediate protection, followed by a court hearing within a couple of weeks where a judge decides whether to grant a longer-term order. Because the timeline is short, it is important to get legal help right away so your case is fully prepared.

Family Violence and Protective Orders Legal team

  • Leslie J. Bollier

    Leslie J. Bollier

    Partner

  • Susannah A. Stinson

    Susannah A. Stinson

    Partner

  • Alyse Munrose

    Alyse Munrose

    Attorney

  • Ethan Scroggins

    Ethan Scroggins

    Attorney

How Our Family Law and Divorce Attorneys Can Help

DIVORCE

Comprehensive divorce representation tailored to your needs—from strategic negotiation to high-stakes litigation.

Complex Property Division & Valuation

Expert legal support for complex property division, asset protection, and high-value divorce matters.

Child Custody

Compassionate, strategic guidance through all child custody matters—including support, relocation, paternity, and visitation rights.

High-Asset Divorce

Strategic representation for complex, high-net-worth divorce in Austin, including business ownership, executive compensation, property, investments, and significant asset division.

Family Violence & Protective Orders

Experienced advocates who act swiftly to protect you and your family from domestic violence through legal action and compassionate support.

Modifications & Enforcements

Responsive legal support to help families adapt to change and ensure court orders reflect current realities.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Creative, client-focused solutions through mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration—resolving family disputes efficiently and privately.

Premarital & Postnuptial Agreements

We draft enforceable premarital and postnuptial agreements that protect your assets and minimize future legal costs.

CONTACT OUR Family Violence Attorneys

If your situation involves family violence, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn how our compassionate yet aggressive legal representation can protect your safety and strengthen your case.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Frequently Asked Questions

You file an application in the county where you or the person you are seeking protection from lives. A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, then hold a hearing within about two weeks to decide on a longer-term protective order. An attorney can prepare and present your case.

It legally prohibits the other person from contacting you, coming near your home, work, or your children’s school, and from committing further family violence. Violating a protective order is a crime in Texas.

A final protective order in Texas typically lasts up to two years, though it can be longer in certain serious cases. Temporary orders last until the court hearing.

Take it seriously and get legal help immediately. Do not contact the protected person. An attorney can help you respond to the allegations and present your side at the hearing, where the consequences for your rights and reputation are significant.

This content is general information about Texas law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.