How To Co-Parent in Texas With a Protective Order in Place

Co-parenting under any circumstances after a split can be difficult. Trying to co-parent in the wake of a split when a restraining order, or protective order, is in place is especially tricky. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few ways you can peacefully navigate forward. It’s vital that you know your rights and options. Hiring an experienced, knowledgeable attorney can certainly help alleviate the stress of the unknowns that co-parenting with a restraining order in place can bring.

How to co-parent in Texas with a protective order in place

The goal of a protective order is to preserve your safety. Occasionally, the court may include the children in the protective order. However, if that is not the case, there are several methods to safely and carefully co-parent when you have a restraining order in place against the other parent.

Co-parent communication with a protective order in place

Communication in co-parenting is crucial. But a protective order typically prohibits communication. So, how do you communicate with your co-parent if you have a restraining order in place? Well, you have a few options.

• Ask a trusted friend or family member to communicate with your co-parent on your behalf.

• Use a third-party platform like Talking Parents or Civil Communicator. It’s important to note that you will need to make this request when the protective order is issued.

• Limiting communication with the co-parent to strictly conversations about the children. However, most restraining orders prohibit communication even if the topic is the children.

How to exchange children when you have a restraining order in place against your co-parent

It can be tricky to arrange pick-ups and drop-offs when you have a restraining order against your co-parent. In the case that your children will be spending time with the other parent, you have a few options when it comes to making arrangements for pick-ups and drop-offs.

• In some cases, the courts may allow the parents to meet for handoffs in the protective order, but the order often specifies the time and place, such as a police station. It’s important to note, however, that this exception is rarely included in a protective order.

• Ask a trusted family member or friend to bring the child(ren) to the other parent.

• You can hire a third-party service to facilitate the exchange. 

Attending events for children with A co-parent While having a protective order in place

Understandably, each parent may want to be present at important events for their children, such as birthday parties, recitals, sporting events, etc. Navigating these events with a protective order in place can be a bit tricky. Oftentimes, those orders will include distance requirements, and it’s imperative that those are followed. Even if the parent with the protective order in place invites the restricted party, the distance requirement must still be met and should not be violated. If you wish to attend these events, it’s recommended that you do one of the following:

• Alternate when you and your co-parent will attend the events

• Prearrange when and where you will arrive and spectate the event in order to maintain the ordered distance

Need help? 

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