Standing Orders in Texas Family Law Cases
When a family law case is filed in Texas, many courts automatically put Standing Orders in place. These are not suggestions. They are enforceable court orders that apply to both parties from the moment a case is initiated.
If you are involved in a divorce, SAPCR (Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship), or custody modification, understanding standing orders is critical. Violating them — even unintentionally — can result in sanctions, attorney’s fees, or findings of contempt.
Below is a practical overview of what standing orders are, why they exist, and how they affect your case.
What Are Standing Orders?
Standing Orders are pre-approved court orders issued by a county’s district or family courts. They automatically govern behavior while a family law case is pending.
They are designed to:
Preserve the status quo
Protect children
Prevent financial misconduct
Reduce conflict during litigation
Each county drafts its own version. While the structure is similar across Texas, the specific language and restrictions vary by jurisdiction.
When Do Standing Orders Take Effect?
In most Texas counties, standing orders become effective:
Immediately upon filing of the original petition
Before the other party is formally served
Without a hearing
This means you are bound by the order even if you have not yet appeared in court.
What Do Standing Orders Typically Prohibit?
Although wording differs by county, most standing orders restrict parties from:
1. Disrupting or Removing Children
Removing children from school or daycare
Hiding or concealing children
Interfering with possession schedules
2. Harassment or Threats
Using vulgar, profane, or obscene language toward the other party
Threatening or harassing behavior
Canceling utilities at the other party’s residence
3. Financial Manipulation
Draining bank accounts
Incurring unusual debt
Selling or transferring property
Changing insurance beneficiaries
4. Destroying Evidence
Deleting electronic records
Destroying financial documents
Altering business records
Standing orders frequently include preservation requirements for emails, texts, social media messages, and financial statements.
What Are You Allowed to Do?
Standing orders typically allow:
Payment of usual and customary living expenses
Attorney’s fees related to the case
Operation of a business in the ordinary course
Use of property for normal daily living
The key concept is “ordinary course of business and daily life.” Anything outside that scope should be reviewed with counsel before acting.
Why Courts Use Standing Orders
Family litigation is emotionally charged. Standing orders serve as a stabilizing mechanism. They prevent a party from:
Emptying accounts before division
Moving children without consent
Canceling insurance
Escalating conflict
In short, they create guardrails.
What Happens If You Violate Standing Orders?
Standing orders are enforceable court orders. Violations can result in:
Contempt proceedings
Monetary sanctions
Payment of the opposing party’s attorney’s fees
Adverse rulings on custody or property division
Even seemingly small violations — such as changing passwords or transferring funds — can create credibility issues before the court.
Do Standing Orders Replace Temporary Orders?
No.
Standing orders apply automatically. Temporary orders are separate, case-specific orders entered after a hearing or agreement. Temporary orders can modify or replace certain standing order provisions, but until that happens, standing orders remain in effect.
Practical Advice
If you have been served with a divorce or custody lawsuit:
Read the standing order carefully.
Do not assume something is “probably fine.”
Avoid major financial or parenting changes.
Preserve all records.
Consult counsel before making significant decisions.
The first 30 days of a case are often the most legally consequential. Acting strategically — not emotionally — matters.
County-Specific Standing Orders
Standing orders vary by jurisdiction. Review the order applicable to your county below:
If you have questions about how your local standing order applies to your situation, a case-specific consultation is essential. General information is helpful, but standing orders are enforceable directives — not general guidance.
