Temporary Orders - Steps for Asking for Temporary Orders Only in a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR)

Sep 16, 2026

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Step-by-step guidance explains how to request Temporary Orders only in a Texas SAPCR case, including what to do before and at the hearing. It covers when to avoid these instructions in favor of a TRO, which forms to complete and copy, how to file and request the Court to sign an Order to Appear, and how to arrange service and pay related fees if required. It also describes hearing preparation, trial notebook planning, evidence organization, and courtroom attendance basics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Steps to Ask for Temporary Orders Only in SAPCR

When to Use These Instructions

Forms Included

Step 1: Fill Out the Forms

Step 2: Make Copies

Step 3: File at the Courthouse

Step 4: Prepare for the Hearing

Step 5: Attend the Temporary Orders Hearing

Steps to Ask for Temporary Orders Only in a Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship (SAPCR) Instructions: Follow these steps to ask for Temporary Orders only. Do not use these instructions if you need a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) . Forms Included: Motion for Temporary Orders Order to Appear Proposed Support Decision and Information (for Movant) Proposed Support Decision and Information (for Non movant) Temporary Orders Standard Possession Order (For other options, see [https://texaslawhelp.org/possession-orders](https://texaslawhelp.org/possession-orders)) Talk to a lawyer if you have questions. Step 1: Fill out these forms: Motion for Temporary Orders Order to Appear (attach blank Proposed Support Decision and Information if asking for temporary child support) Note: You will ask the Court to sign the Order to Appear form to order the other party to come to your temporary orders hearing. If you’re asking for temporary child support, attach a blank Proposed Support Decision and Information form to your Order to Appear form. Step 2: Make copies of the Motion. Make a copy for yourself and each party listed in the Petition you or the other party filed to start your case. You can find a copy machine at a library, an office supply or shipping store, and at many courthouses. Call to find out pricing and payment methods for copies. Step 3: Take completed forms to the courthouse where the Petition was filed. (Or create an account and file online at [https://efile.txcourts.gov/ofsweb](https://efile.txcourts.gov/ofsweb).) File your Motion for Temporary Orders with the clerk. The clerk will keep your original and stamp and return your copies to you. Ask the clerk where to go to ask the Court to sign your Order to Appear form. File the Order to Appear. Ask the clerk to issue the paperwork necessary to have the other party or parties in your case personally served with your Motion for Temporary Orders and the Order to Appear. If the other party or parties live in the county that the court is located, ask the clerk to forward the paperwork to the local constable. If the other party or parties live in a different county, ask the clerk how they handle service outside of the county. You may need to contact the other county's constable directly. Unless you are low-income and file a Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs, you must pay issuance and service fees. You may get the Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs form [from the courthouse or at TexasLawHelp.org](from the courthouse or at TexasLawHelp.org). Step 4: Prepare for your temporary orders hearing. Ask a lawyer to help you get ready. A lawyer can help you get ready by: explaining the law and how it applies to the facts in your case telling you what the Judge expects giving you advice about the best strategy for your case determining the most helpful evidence to present in your case preparing you to testify helping you decide what witnesses to bring preparing questions to ask your witnesses and the other party in court writing proposed orders that are unique to your situation helping you reach an agreement with the other party before the hearing Fill out the Proposed Support Decision and Information form if you or the other party are asking for temporary child support. Bring the completed form and at least two copies to the temporary orders hearing. In many courts, you must give a copy of the completed form to the Judge and the other party or parties before the hearing starts. Fill out the Temporary Orders form and the Standard Possession Order form. If possible, ask a lawyer to review your form. Practice what you want to say to the Judge. Make a list of the orders you want and practice saying them. Try not to take more than three minutes to say what you want. If possible, go to the courthouse and observe a temporary orders hearing. Court proceedings are usually open to the public.

FAQs

When should these Temporary Orders instructions NOT be used?

Do not use these instructions if you need a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

What forms are needed to request temporary child support?

Complete the Motion for Temporary Orders and attach a blank Proposed Support Decision and Information form to the Order to Appear. Also bring the completed Proposed Support Decision and Information form plus at least two copies to the hearing.

What should you bring and avoid at your Temporary Orders hearing?

Bring parking money, a copy of filed paperwork, your completed Proposed Support Decision and Information form, your trial notebook, extra paper and pens, and any witnesses or evidence you plan to present. Do not bring weapons or children, and if you must bring children, arrange for someone to watch them outside the courtroom.

Sep 16, 2026

Upload by Terk