A Texas Standing Order in family court is an automatic court order that takes effect the moment a divorce, custody (SAPCR), or modification case is filed, and it binds both parties to a strict set of “do’s and don’ts” until the case ends or a judge changes the order. The order protects children, property, pets, and finances by freezing the status quo, and ignoring it can lead to contempt, fines, or jail under Texas Government Code § 21.002.
Most Texans never realize the order is not a form they fill out from scratch — it is a pre-printed local rule that gets attached to the petition automatically by the district clerk. Roughly 70% of Texas family law cases are filed in counties with a standing order, and the Office of Court Administration reports that contempt motions tied to standing-order violations are among the top three enforcement filings in family court each year.
- 📜 What the standing order actually says, line by line, in plain English
- 🏛️ Which Texas counties use a standing order and how the wording differs
- ✍️ How the order gets attached to your petition through eFileTexas.gov
- ⚖️ The real-world penalties for breaking the order, including jail time
- 👨👩👧 Three full scenarios showing how the order applies to divorce, SAPCR, and modification filers
What the Texas Standing Order Is and Who Must Follow It
A Texas Standing Order is a county-level court order that automatically attaches to every new family law petition in counties that adopt one, including Travis, Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Williamson, and Fort Bend. The order kicks in for the petitioner the moment the petition is filed, and for the respondent the moment they are served with the citation, under the authority of Texas Family Code § 6.501 and § 105.001.
The order has four main jobs. It protects children from being moved, hidden, or used as pawns. It protects property from being sold, hidden, or destroyed. It protects insurance and credit from cancellation. And it protects both spouses from harassment, threats, and online disparagement.
You “must follow” the standing order if you are filing or responding to a divorce, an annulment, a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR), a paternity case, or a modification or enforcement of a prior family law order in a county that uses one. Attorneys, pro se filers, and even non-party family members who help violate the order can be pulled into a contempt hearing.
The current Travis County version is dated revision date 09/01/2024, and Harris County’s most recent version is dated 02/15/2025 — always confirm the revision date printed at the top of the order on your county’s district clerk page before relying on any provision.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Because the standing order itself is pre-printed, you do not “fill it out” the way you would a W-2. Instead, you gather the documents that travel with the order so the clerk can attach, file-stamp, and serve everything as a single packet through the eFileTexas portal.
Here is the pre-filing checklist every Texas family law filer should complete before opening the petition:
- Original Petition for Divorce or SAPCR — this is the lead document the order attaches to, and a missing petition means the clerk has nothing to staple the order to.
- Civil Case Information Sheet — required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 78a, and missing it triggers a clerk rejection.
- Photo ID and full legal names of both parties — wrong names on the petition mean the standing order is served on the wrong person and is unenforceable.
- Children’s full legal names and dates of birth — needed for the child-related provisions; missing data means the children are not protected by the no-removal clause.
- Marriage date and date of separation — used for the property freeze; a missing date can let a spouse argue the property was already separate.
- Address of the marital residence and any rental properties — the order freezes use and possession, so unlisted homes are unprotected.
- Bank, retirement, and brokerage account numbers (last 4 digits only) — supports the financial-asset freeze; unlisted accounts are easier to drain.
- Insurance policy numbers (health, auto, home, life) — the order forbids cancellation, but only listed policies are obviously covered.
- Filing fee or Statement of Inability to Afford Payment — usually $350–$370 for divorce; without it the clerk will not file-stamp anything.
- Email address for e-service — required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a; missing it delays the order taking effect on the respondent.
Gather every item before you open the e-filing portal. The portal times out after about 30 minutes of inactivity, and a half-finished filing can leave your standing order unattached.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
Each county posts its standing order as a free PDF on the district clerk’s website. You can download the Travis County Standing Order, the Harris County Standing Order, the Dallas County Standing Order, and the Bexar County Standing Order directly without paying a fee. TexasLawHelp.org hosts a plain-English explainer with sample copies for the most common counties.
Counties without a general standing order — including parts of rural East Texas and several Panhandle counties — instead require you to ask the judge for temporary restraining orders (TROs) under Texas Family Code § 6.502. If you file in one of those counties, do not assume the standing-order protections apply automatically; you must draft and request them.
The order is filed electronically through eFileTexas.gov, the statewide e-filing portal run by the Office of Court Administration. Self-represented filers can also use E-FileTexas’s free filer interface, and most counties accept paper filings at the district clerk’s intake window if you cannot e-file.
The State Bar of Texas and the Texas Access to Justice Commission both publish updated lists of which counties use standing orders, which is helpful because counties amend their orders every 1–3 years.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Texas Standing Order Line by Line
The standing order itself is a numbered list of prohibitions and requirements, not a fill-in-the-blank form. Your “filling it out” work happens in three places: the caption block at the top, the child-specific addendum if applicable, and the certificate of service at the bottom. Walk through each section in the order it appears on the order.
Section 1: Caption Block — Cause Number
The cause number is the unique case ID assigned by the district clerk when you file the petition. Leave this field blank when you first download the order; the clerk stamps it after acceptance.
To answer it, type the cause number in the upper-right corner using the exact format the county uses, such as D-1-FM-26-001234 in Travis County or 2026-12345 in Harris County.
For example, Maria Lopez files her divorce on May 21, 2026 in Travis County and receives cause number D-1-FM-26-004821, which she types into the upper-right corner of her copy of the order.
A common edge case is filing in a county that uses a “FAM” or “DR” prefix instead of “FM” — check the district clerk’s case-number guide before typing.
The most common mistake is typing the cause number from a prior case, which makes the order appear to belong to a closed file and gives the respondent grounds to argue it never attached.
A frequent misconception is that the filer assigns the cause number; in reality, the clerk’s case-management system generates it automatically.
Section 2: Caption Block — Style of the Case
The “style” is the formal name of the case, such as In the Matter of the Marriage of Maria Lopez and Carlos Lopez and In the Interest of A.L., a Child. It tells the court who is bound by the order.
Type the style exactly as it appears on the petition. Names must match the petition character-for-character because the order’s enforceability hinges on identifying the right people.
For example, Carlos Lopez must appear as Carlos Eduardo Lopez if the petition uses his middle name, not just Carlos Lopez.
If a party uses a name change in the petition, list the prior name in parentheses, like Maria Lopez (formerly Maria Garcia).
A common mistake is using nicknames such as Charlie instead of Carlos, which can let the respondent argue they were never properly bound.
The misconception here is that the order applies to “the family” generically; it actually only binds the named parties and their agents.
Section 3: Caption Block — Court Number
The court number identifies which family district court is hearing the case, such as 126th District Court in Travis County or 310th Family District Court in Harris County. The clerk assigns this when the case is filed.
Type the court number in the lower-left of the caption. Do not guess; pull it from the file-stamped petition.
For example, Maria’s case is assigned to the 345th District Court of Travis County, Texas, which she types into her copy of the standing order.
If the case is reassigned to an associate judge under Texas Government Code § 54A.101, the order still controls; you do not need to redraft it.
A common mistake is leaving the court number blank, which makes it harder to enforce because the order does not name the issuing court.
A misconception is that the standing order is signed by a specific judge; it is signed once by the local administrative judge for all family cases in that county.
Section 4: No Disturbance of Children — Removal Clause
This provision forbids either parent from removing the children from the State of Texas, or in some counties from a specific county or school district, without written agreement or a court order. It exists to prevent forum-shopping and parental abduction, and it is enforced under Texas Family Code § 105.001.
You do not “fill in” this clause; you read it and follow it. Mark a calendar reminder of any pre-planned travel and contact the other parent in writing before any out-of-state trip.
For example, Carlos wants to take his daughter A.L. to visit grandparents in New Mexico over Memorial Day; he must get Maria’s written consent or a court order before crossing the state line.
An edge case is military deployment: a service member parent should request a clarifying order under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
A common mistake is treating a verbal “okay” as consent — courts require it in writing, and a violation can lead to immediate pickup orders.
The misconception is that “vacation” is exempt; it is not, and even a weekend Disneyland trip can trigger contempt.
Section 5: No Disturbance of Children — Disparagement Clause
This clause forbids either parent from making disparaging remarks about the other parent in the children’s presence, on social media, or in text messages the children may see. It protects the children’s emotional well-being.
To comply, scrub recent social media posts and avoid public commentary about the case. Do not screenshot or forward the other parent’s messages to the children.
For example, Maria posts on Facebook “Dad is dragging us through court for no reason” — even if her account is private, the post can be introduced as a violation.
An edge case is communication with extended family; courts have found that telling grandparents who then tell the kids still violates the order.
A common mistake is venting in a group chat that includes a mutual friend who later testifies; the violation is the same whether the audience is one person or one hundred.
The misconception is that “the truth is a defense”; it is not — even accurate statements can violate the order if they are disparaging.
Section 6: No Disturbance of Children — School and Daycare
The order forbids either parent from changing the children’s school, daycare, or pediatrician without written agreement or court order. This keeps the children’s routines stable during the case.
Read the clause and pause any pending enrollment changes. If you must move, file a motion to modify the standing order before changing schools.
For example, Carlos cannot pull A.L. out of Maplewood Elementary and enroll her in a private school in his new neighborhood without Maria’s written consent.
An edge case is a school district boundary change caused by a forced move (eviction, fire); courts usually allow emergency changes but require written notice within 48 hours.
A common mistake is signing a daycare withdrawal form without telling the other parent, which violates the order even if the withdrawal happens for a “good” reason.
The misconception is that the primary conservator gets to decide unilaterally; until the final order is signed, neither parent has that power.
Section 7: Property — No Sale, Transfer, or Encumbrance
This clause freezes the marital estate. Neither spouse may sell, transfer, gift, hide, or destroy property except in the ordinary course of business or for reasonable living expenses, under Texas Family Code § 6.501.
Read the clause and stop any pending real estate sales, large transfers, or asset re-titlings. Document any “ordinary course” expense with receipts.
For example, Maria cannot sell the 2022 Toyota Camry titled in her name even though the title is hers alone, because it is presumed community property.
An edge case is a small business: paying employees and vendors counts as ordinary-course, but pulling a $50,000 owner draw does not.
A common mistake is gifting jewelry or art to a relative “for safekeeping,” which courts treat as concealment and a clear violation.
The misconception is that “my name is on the title, so it is mine” — Texas is a community property state under Texas Family Code § 3.002, and titling does not control.
Section 8: Property — No Hiding or Destruction of Records
The order forbids destroying or hiding financial records, tax returns, business books, emails, and texts that may be relevant to the case. It protects the discovery process under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 196.
To comply, place a litigation hold on every joint email account, cloud drive, and shared computer. Do not “clean up” the family laptop.
For example, Carlos cannot delete five years of QuickBooks files from the family business, even if he claims they were “outdated.”
An edge case is automatic deletion settings on Gmail or Slack; you must turn them off, or you may be held responsible for spoliation.
A common mistake is factory-resetting a phone before turning it over in discovery, which is treated as willful destruction.
The misconception is that “personal” records are exempt; if they are relevant to property or custody, they are not.
Section 9: Financial — No Cancellation of Insurance
The order forbids cancelling, changing beneficiaries on, or letting lapse any health, auto, home, life, or disability insurance covering either spouse or the children. This protects dependents from losing coverage mid-case.
Read the clause and continue paying premiums on autopay. If a policy is up for renewal, renew on the same terms.
For example, Maria cannot drop Carlos from her employer health plan during open enrollment in November, even if she has already moved out.
An edge case is a beneficiary change triggered automatically by an HR system after a “marital status” update — flag it with HR and reverse it.
A common mistake is letting auto insurance lapse on a vehicle the other spouse drives, which can cause liability exposure if there is an accident.
The misconception is that “I pay the premium, so I control the policy” — the order overrides ownership for the duration of the case.
Section 10: Financial — No Unusual Spending
This clause forbids spending community funds for anything other than reasonable attorney’s fees, ordinary living expenses, and business operations. It prevents either spouse from draining accounts.
Read the clause and keep spending in line with the last 12 months of bank statements. Save receipts for anything over $500.
For example, Carlos cannot withdraw $20,000 to pay off his brother’s loan, even though the brother previously lent the couple money.
An edge case is medical emergencies; courts allow unusual spending, but you should notify the other party in writing within 24 hours.
A common mistake is buying a new vehicle “to replace” a car the other spouse took, which courts almost always treat as a violation.
The misconception is that retirement accounts are exempt because “they are mine”; they are presumed community and fully covered.
Section 11: Personal Conduct — No Harassment
The order forbids threats, harassment, stalking, and unwanted contact, mirroring the protections of a Texas Family Code Chapter 85 protective order. It protects the parties and the children from emotional harm.
Read the clause and cut all non-essential contact. Communicate only about the children, and only through a co-parenting app like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents.
For example, Maria cannot send 14 text messages in one night about the divorce, even if none of them contain a threat.
An edge case is third-party harassment — having a friend or family member contact the other spouse counts as the filer’s own violation.
A common mistake is “drive-bys” of the marital home or workplace, which are treated as stalking.
The misconception is that contact “about the kids” is automatically allowed; it is, but only if reasonable in tone, frequency, and timing.
Section 12: Personal Conduct — Firearms and Passports
Some county standing orders, including Bexar County’s, require parties not to remove firearms from the marital home or hide passports of the other spouse or the children. This protects safety and prevents flight.
Read the clause and inventory firearms and passports. Do not move them, and do not surrender them without a court order.
For example, Carlos cannot move his shotgun collection to his brother’s house “for storage” once the case is filed.
An edge case is a domestic-violence protective order entered later, which can override the standing order and require firearm surrender.
A common mistake is letting the children’s passports “expire” by hiding them; the order treats hiding as a violation regardless of expiration.
The misconception is that hunting season is an exception; it is not, and seasonal moves still violate the order.
Section 13: Certificate of Service
The certificate of service is the bottom block where the petitioner or attorney certifies that a copy of the standing order was delivered to the respondent. It is required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a.
Type the date of service, the name of the person served, and the method (e-service, certified mail, personal service by a licensed process server). Sign and date it.
For example, Maria’s attorney types “Served on Carlos Lopez via personal service by John Smith, TX PSC #12345, on 05/22/2026” and signs the block.
An edge case is service by publication when a respondent cannot be located; that requires a separate motion under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 109.
A common mistake is forgetting to certify service at all, which means the order never legally binds the respondent.
The misconception is that emailing a copy is enough; it only counts if the respondent has agreed to e-service or if the court has ordered it.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Each scenario below follows one named filer through the standing order, showing how the order maps onto their facts.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Divorce With Minor Children in Travis County
| Form Section | What Maria Enters or Does |
|---|---|
| Cause Number | D-1-FM-26-004821 (assigned by clerk) |
| Style of Case | In the Matter of the Marriage of Maria Lopez and Carlos Lopez and In the Interest of A.L., a Child |
| Court Number | 345th District Court of Travis County, Texas |
| No Removal of Children | Cancels her planned trip with A.L. to visit her sister in Arizona |
| No Disparagement | Deletes a recent Facebook post and switches to TalkingParents for co-parenting messages |
| No Property Transfer | Pauses the listing of the 2022 Toyota Camry she had planned to sell |
| No Insurance Cancellation | Keeps Carlos on her employer health plan through open enrollment |
| Certificate of Service | Confirms Carlos was served by Travis County Constable Pct. 5 on 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Johnson — SAPCR Between Unmarried Parents in Harris County
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters or Does |
|---|---|
| Cause Number | 2026-31874 (assigned by Harris County District Clerk) |
| Style of Case | In the Interest of J.J., a Child |
| Court Number | 310th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas |
| No Removal of Children | Cancels his plan to enroll J.J. in a private school in Katy ISD |
| No Disparagement | Removes Instagram stories about the mother’s parenting |
| No Property Transfer | Not directly applicable — SAPCR has no community estate, but child-support arrears still cannot be hidden |
| No Insurance Cancellation | Continues paying J.J.’s dental insurance through his employer |
| Certificate of Service | Confirms the mother was served by certified mail with return receipt on 05/24/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet and David Reed — Modification After 22-Year Marriage in Dallas County
| Form Section | What Janet Enters or Does |
|---|---|
| Cause Number | DF-15-08823-R (original cause; modification adds -A) |
| Style of Case | In the Matter of the Marriage of Janet Reed and David Reed |
| Court Number | 256th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas |
| No Removal of Children | N/A — children are now adults |
| No Disparagement | Stops posting on a private blog about the marriage |
| No Property Transfer | Pauses the planned refinance of the marital home on Mockingbird Lane |
| No Insurance Cancellation | Keeps David as beneficiary on her $500,000 life insurance policy |
| Certificate of Service | Confirms David was served via eFileTexas e-service on 05/25/2026 |
Aisha Patel and Dr. Eleanor Vance — two additional filers — appear in the FAQs below to illustrate field-level questions about pets and small businesses, respectively.
How to File the Completed Form
You do not file the standing order separately; it travels as an attachment to the original petition. Still, the filing channel you choose changes how fast the order takes effect.
Online (recommended). File through eFileTexas.gov using the petition as the lead document and the standing order as an attached “Order — Standing.” The fee is the petition fee — typically $350–$370 for divorce and $315 for SAPCR — plus a small e-filing convenience fee under Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 15a. Accepted payment methods are credit card, debit card, and ACH. Processing time is usually 1–3 business days. Save the file-stamped PDF and the eFile Texas confirmation email as proof of filing.
By mail. Mail the petition, two copies of the standing order, the civil case information sheet, and a check or money order for the filing fee to the district clerk in the county of filing. Processing takes 7–14 business days. Keep the certified-mail green card as proof of filing.
In person. Walk the packet to the district clerk’s intake counter, pay by cash, card, or money order, and ask for two file-stamped copies. Processing is same-day. The file-stamped copy is your proof of filing.
By fax. Most Texas counties no longer accept fax filings as of 2024 under eFileTexas mandates. Confirm with your county before attempting.
After filing, you must serve the respondent with the citation, the petition, and the standing order. Use a licensed process server, the constable’s office, or certified mail with return receipt. Keep the return of service as the single most important document in your file.
What Happens After You File
Once the petition is file-stamped, the standing order immediately binds the petitioner. The clock for the petitioner starts ticking the second the file-stamp drops, even if the respondent has not been served yet. Violations from this moment forward can support contempt findings.
The standing order binds the respondent the moment they are served. From that minute, the respondent is on equal footing with the petitioner — both are locked into the same prohibitions until a judge modifies the order, signs the final decree, or dismisses the case.
The court will set a status hearing or a temporary orders hearing within 30–60 days in most counties under Texas Family Code § 6.502. At that hearing, either party can ask the judge to modify specific provisions of the standing order — for example, allowing a planned out-of-state move for work, or carving out a real estate closing already in progress.
If a party violates the order, the other party can file a Motion for Enforcement by Contempt under Texas Family Code § 157.001. Possible consequences include fines up to $500 per violation, jail up to 180 days, attorney’s fees, and an order to undo the violation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Texas family law judges see the same standing-order mistakes over and over. Avoid these specific errors.
- Treating the order as optional. Filers assume “I have not been served” means they can act freely, but the order binds the petitioner the moment the petition is filed.
- Listing the wrong cause number. The order will appear to belong to a different case and may not be enforceable.
- Using nicknames in the style. Service can be challenged, and the contempt motion can be denied for failure of identification.
- Forgetting the certificate of service. Without it, the respondent is never legally bound.
- Selling a “separate property” car. Texas presumes community property, and selling first invites a contempt finding.
- Cancelling health insurance during open enrollment. Loss of coverage to a spouse or child is a common contempt trigger.
- Posting on social media about the case. Even private posts can be captured by mutual friends and used as evidence.
- Taking children across state lines. Even a weekend trip is a violation, and a returning parent can face emergency pickup orders.
- Closing a joint bank account. This is treated as concealment of community assets.
- Deleting text messages from a co-parent. Spoliation findings can shift custody preferences.
- Removing firearms from the home. In counties with firearm provisions, this triggers immediate enforcement risk.
- Letting the order expire mentally after 60 days. It stays in effect until the final decree or dismissal — there is no automatic sunset.
Do’s and Don’ts
A short list of habits that keep filers out of contempt.
- Do read the order top to bottom the day you file or the day you are served, because most violations happen in the first 72 hours.
- Do save the file-stamped PDF on two devices, because lost copies delay enforcement.
- Do route all co-parenting messages through OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents for a clean record.
- Do keep receipts for any expense over $500, because the burden to prove “ordinary course” falls on the spender.
- Do ask for written agreement before any exception, because oral agreements rarely hold up.
- Do consult a State Bar of Texas attorney for any gray area, because one consult is cheaper than one contempt motion.
- Don’t post about the case on social media, because screenshots last forever.
- Don’t drain a joint account “to be safe,” because moving funds is itself a violation.
- Don’t cancel auto-pay on insurance, because lapses are easy to prove.
- Don’t speak negatively about the other parent in front of the kids, because the children’s testimony can carry the day.
- Don’t assume the order does not apply to pets, because Texas treats pets as community property under Texas Family Code § 3.002.
- Don’t ignore service deadlines, because an unserved respondent is an unbound respondent.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filers often weigh whether to handle the standing order pro se or hire counsel.
Pros of filing pro se with the standing order.
- Saves $2,500–$5,000 in initial attorney’s fees.
- Gives you direct knowledge of every provision.
- Speeds up filing because you do not wait on a calendar.
- Works well for uncontested cases with no children and few assets.
- Builds confidence for later self-represented hearings.
Cons of filing pro se with the standing order.
- Easy to miss county-specific provisions, like Bexar’s firearm clause.
- Easy to violate the order without realizing it, especially the disparagement clause.
- No one to draft modification motions when life requires an exception.
- Pro se filers struggle to enforce violations against a represented spouse.
- Mistakes in the certificate of service can undo the entire filing.
If your case has children, real estate over $250,000, a small business, or any history of family violence, hire a board-certified family law attorney before filing. The cost of one consult is almost always less than the cost of one contempt motion.
Standing Order vs. Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
| Feature | Texas Standing Order |
|---|---|
| Source | County local rule, signed once by the local administrative judge |
| Trigger | Automatic on filing (petitioner) and on service (respondent) |
| Cost | Included in the petition filing fee |
| Scope | Children, property, finances, conduct |
| Duration | Until final decree, dismissal, or modification |
| Enforcement | Contempt under Texas Family Code § 157.001 |
| Hearing required | None — it is already signed |
| County coverage | Travis, Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Williamson, Fort Bend, and others |
A TRO under Texas Family Code § 6.502, by contrast, requires an application, a sworn affidavit, and a judge’s signature, and lasts only 14 days unless extended.
FAQs
Does the Texas standing order apply in every county?
No. Roughly two-thirds of Texas counties — including Travis, Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Williamson, and Fort Bend — use one. Rural counties often require a separate TRO instead.
Do I have to sign the standing order?
No. The local administrative judge signs it once for all family cases. Parties only sign related documents like the petition and the certificate of service.
Does the order take effect before the other spouse is served?
Yes. It binds the petitioner the moment the petition is file-stamped, but it does not bind the respondent until they are personally served or accept service.
Can I take my child on vacation out of state during the case?
No. Not without written consent from the other parent or a court order modifying the standing order, even if the trip is short or the destination is family.
Can I sell my car titled only in my name?
No. Texas is a community property state, and the standing order freezes sales of community assets regardless of whose name is on the title.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the style block?
Yes — use the name that appears on your petition, which should match your current legal name on your driver’s license or Social Security card.
What goes in the “court number” box if my case has not been assigned yet?
No entry is needed at the moment of download; the district clerk fills in the court number when the case is assigned, usually within hours of filing.
Can I post about the case on a private social media account?
No. Privacy settings do not protect you. Mutual friends, screenshots, and discovery requests can pull “private” posts into the courtroom.
Does the standing order cover pets?
Yes. Pets are community property under Texas Family Code § 3.002, so the no-transfer clause applies. Aisha Patel cannot rehome the family dog without written agreement.
Can I keep paying my small business expenses?
Yes. Ordinary-course business expenses are allowed. Dr. Eleanor Vance may keep paying her dental practice’s payroll and rent, but she cannot take a $50,000 owner draw.
How long does the standing order last?
Yes — it lasts until the judge signs the final decree, dismisses the case, or enters a separate order modifying or replacing the standing order.
What is the penalty for violating the standing order?
Yes, contempt is the main penalty under Texas Family Code § 157.001. Possible sanctions include up to $500 per violation, 180 days in jail, and attorney’s fees.
Do I write the cause number in Box 1 of the order if my county uses a different prefix?
Yes — use the prefix your county assigns (FM, FAM, DR, or numeric only). Match the format on the file-stamped petition exactly to avoid identification issues.
Can both spouses agree to waive the standing order?
Yes, but only by filing an agreed motion to modify and getting a judge’s signature. A private agreement between the spouses is not enforceable against the order.
Related reading
- Can a Judge Order Shared Custody of a Pet? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Texas Application for Protective Order (w/ Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Final Decree of Divorce (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Original Petition for Divorce (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Original Petition for Divorce (With Children) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Texas Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs