The Collin County Standing Order: What You Can and Cannot Do the Moment You File

If you are filing for divorce in Collin County—or if you have just been served with papers—you need to know one thing immediately: You are already under a court order.

Unlike some legal proceedings where you wait weeks for a judge’s ruling, Collin County (along with Dallas and Denton) has a “Standing Order” that goes into effect the second a petition is stamped by the district clerk in McKinney.

This document, officially titled the “Standing Order Regarding Children, Property, and Conduct of the Parties,” is designed to freeze your life in place. It prevents angry spouses from draining bank accounts, hiding the kids, or cutting off health insurance before the divorce is finalized.

Here is exactly what the Collin County Standing Order means for your family, your finances, and your conduct.

What is the Collin County Standing Order?

The Collin County Standing Order is a mandatory injunction attached to every divorce petition and suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed in the county.

Its purpose is to maintain the “status quo.” The court assumes that emotions are high and judgment is clouded. This order acts as a safety net, legally prohibiting both you and your spouse from making major life changes until a judge says otherwise.

Important Note for Residents: This order applies to all District Courts in Collin County. Whether you live in Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, or Prosper, if your case is filed in the Collin County courthouse, this order applies to you.

The “Big Three” Prohibitions

The order is long and dense with legal jargon, but it boils down to three major categories of restrictions:

1. Children (The “No Flight” Rule)

The court’s top priority is stability for the children. Under the Standing Order, neither parent can:

• Remove the children from the State of Texas. (You cannot flee to a relative’s house in Oklahoma).
• Disrupt the children’s school or daycare. You cannot withdraw them from their current school in Frisco ISD or Plano ISD without the other parent’s written consent.
• Hide the children. You must let the other parent know where the children are at all times.

2. Property (The “Financial Freeze”)

Divorce often triggers financial panic. The Standing Order prevents financial retaliation. You cannot:

• Sell, transfer, or encumber property. You cannot sell the house or trade in your car.
• Drain bank accounts. You cannot withdraw large sums of money or close joint accounts.
• Cut off insurance. You cannot cancel health, auto, or life insurance policies that cover your spouse or children.
• Incur new debt. You cannot charge thousands of dollars on a joint credit card.

What IS allowed? You are allowed to spend money for:

• Reasonable and necessary living expenses (food, rent, utilities).
• Reasonable attorney’s fees.
• Ordinary business expenses (if you own a company).

3. Conduct (The “Peace” Rule)

Collin County judges expect civility. The order explicitly prohibits:

• Threatening the other party in person, by phone, or via text.
• Disparaging the other parent in front of the children.
• Intercepting the other spouse’s mail or email.

Does This Apply to My Spouse Immediately?

Yes.

• For the Petitioner (The person filing): The order applies to you the moment you file the paperwork.
• For the Respondent (The person being sued): The order applies to you the moment you are “served” with the citation, or when you sign a waiver of service.

What Happens If My Spouse Violates the Order?

If your spouse empties the joint savings account or takes the children out of school after the petition is filed, they are in Contempt of Court.

Because the Standing Order is automatic, you do not need to wait for a hearing to enforce it. The Ashmore Law Firm can file a Motion for Enforcement immediately. Collin County judges (like those in the 199th, 219th, and 471st District Courts) take these violations very seriously. Penalties can include:

• Fines.
• Ordering the return of funds/property.
• Jail time (in extreme cases).
• Paying your attorney’s fees.

Next Steps: Protect Yourself in McKinney

The Standing Order is a shield, not a sword. It protects you from financial ruin, but it also limits your freedom. Before you make any significant move—like moving out of the marital home or changing your direct deposit—you need to understand exactly what is permitted.

Need help navigating the Collin County Courts? Read our guide to The Collin County Family Courts: Judges and What to Expect to see who might be deciding your case.