This research guide links you to resources where you may find commonly used legal forms for free. These are usually created by legal aid organizations, nonprofit groups, or may be offered by county or district clerks' offices. You will not always find a downloadable, fill-in-the-blank form for your situation. If you cannot find a form online, you may need to look at legal practice guides either at a law library in person or via our Digital Collection. If you still cannot find a form, one may not exist and you or your attorney may need to create a custom form.
The library cannot advise you on how to use a form or whether a form is appropriate for your situation. An attorney or a legal aid organization could advise you on how to use a form, what to include, or help you determine which form is appropriate.
The state publishes very few legal forms for use in legal proceedings. Because each lawsuit is different, it is difficult to create standard fill-in-the-blank forms. Instead, many private publishers create drafting guides or templates that are commonly referred to as "legal forms." Depending on the specifics of your situation, a drafting guide may need to be customized for your specific set of facts.
The library can help you determine if a form by a specific name is located online or in a library resource. We may also point you to library resources or other websites that discuss a specific legal topic and may contain drafting guides or templates. We cannot help you determine what form you need or assist you in filling out a form. We cannot tell you if a form is appropriate for your situation.
Note These links contain forms and instructions for obtaining a protective order. A protective order is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a restraining order, but this is a different type of court order. Please see this chart from Waller County for an explanation of the differences between a protective order, a restraining order, and a peace bond.
Protect yourself from someone who has been violent or threatened to be violent. This page contains forms for temporary ex parte and final protective orders and a magistrate order for emergency protection. Forms to provide notice, modify, rescind, and vacate various types of protective orders are also included.
Protect yourself from someone who has been violent or threatened to be violent. This packet contains forms and instructions to request a protective order. It contains a Q&A section, sample forms with instructions, and blank forms to fill out and file. Also available in Spanish and Vietnamese .
Protect yourself from a person who has assaulted you. This packet contains forms and instructions to request a sexual assault protective order. It contains a Q&A section, sample forms with instructions, and blank forms to fill out and file.
Protect yourself from someone who has been violent or threatened to be violent. These kits contain forms and instructions to request a protective order. Kits are available for both domestic violence and sexual assault.
eFileTexas's self-help section contains an interactive interview that will help you create completed forms to apply for a protective order. Select "application for protective order" from the list of types of filings.
