The Tarrant County TRO: What You Can and Cannot Do the Moment You File for Divorce

If you are filing for divorce in Tarrant County—or if you have just been served with papers in Fort Worth—you need to understand how the court protects your assets and children from the very first day.

Unlike Dallas or Collin County, where a “Standing Order” is automatic, Tarrant County requires a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to be signed by a judge to “freeze” the situation. However, because this is standard practice in Fort Worth family courts, most cases begin with these rules firmly in place the moment the judge signs the order at the Family Law Center.

This order is designed to maintain the “status quo.” It prevents high emotions from leading to life-altering mistakes, such as hiding assets, relocating children, or cancelling essential insurance policies before the case can be heard.

Here is exactly what the Tarrant County protections mean for your family, your finances, and your conduct.

What is the Tarrant County Temporary Restraining Order?

In Tarrant County, a TRO is a mandatory-style injunction that your attorney typically requests the moment your divorce petition is filed. It acts as a legal safety net, prohibiting both you and your spouse from making major changes to your life or property until a formal hearing can be held.

Important Note for Residents: These rules apply to all Family District Courts in Tarrant County. Whether you live in Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Southlake, or Keller, if your case is filed at the courthouse on Weatherford Street, you must abide by these restrictions once they are issued.

The “Big Three” Prohibitions

While every TRO can be slightly customized, they almost always cover these three major categories of restrictions:

1. Children (The “No Relocation” Rule)

The court’s primary concern is ensuring the children’s lives remain as stable as possible. Under a standard Tarrant County TRO, neither parent can:

• Remove the children from the State of Texas: You cannot take the children out of state (for example, to a relative’s house in Oklahoma or Louisiana) with the intent to change their residence.
• Disrupt school or daycare: You cannot withdraw children from their current enrollment in Fort Worth ISD, Keller ISD, Arlington ISD, or Carroll ISD without written consent or a court order.
• Conceal the children: You must keep the other parent informed of where the children are staying at all times.

2. Property (The “Financial Freeze”)

To prevent “financial sabotage,” the order places strict limits on your money and assets. You cannot:

• Sell or transfer property: This includes the marital home, vehicles, or valuable personal property.
• Drain bank accounts: You are prohibited from withdrawing large sums of money or closing joint accounts to spite your spouse.
• Alter insurance coverage: You cannot cancel or change health, auto, or life insurance policies that benefit your spouse or children.
• Incur new debt: You are barred from opening new lines of credit or taking out loans that could burden the community estate.

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

• Reasonable and necessary living expenses (housing, groceries, transportation).
• Ordinary business expenses (if you are a business owner).
• Reasonable attorney’s fees for the divorce.

3. Conduct (The “Civility” Rule)

Tarrant County judges expect parties to behave with decorum. The order explicitly prohibits:

• Harassment: Making threatening or offensive phone calls, texts, or emails to the other party.
• Digital Interference: Deleting data from shared devices or accessing the other party’s private social media or email accounts.
• Negative Influence: Disparaging the other parent in front of the children.

When Do These Rules Apply to My Case?

The timing of these rules is critical:

• For the Petitioner (The person filing): These rules apply to you the moment the Judge signs the TRO and the lawsuit is filed.
• For the Respondent (The person being sued): These rules apply to you the moment you are “served” with the citation and the TRO, or when you sign a waiver of service.

What Happens if These Rules are Violated?

If a spouse ignores the order—for example, by selling a car or moving the children across state lines—they are in Contempt of Court.

Because these orders are taken very seriously by Tarrant County judges (such as those in the 231st, 322nd, or 360th District Courts), the penalties for a violation can be severe. The Ashmore Law Firm can file a Motion for Enforcement immediately to seek:

• Fines and legal fees.
• The return of property or funds.
• Jail time for extreme or repeated violations.

Next Steps: Protecting Your Future in Fort Worth

The TRO is your first line of defense against financial and emotional ruin during a divorce. However, because it also limits your own actions, you must understand the “do’s and don’ts” before making any significant financial moves.

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