Why are Standing Orders used in a Texas Divorce?
In many Texas divorce and family law cases, standing orders are court orders that may go into effect once a case is filed. They are designed to help preserve the status quo while the divorce is pending. In other words, they help prevent either spouse from making major changes to finances, property, insurance, children’s routines, or other important matters before the court has a chance to address them.
Standing orders may address issues such as spending or transferring money, changing insurance coverage, removing children from the area, hiding property, disrupting utilities, or communicating in a harmful or harassing way. The goal is to keep things stable and protect both parties, the children, and the marital estate while the divorce moves through the court process.
Because standing orders are not the same in every Texas county, it is important to review the orders for the county where your divorce or family law case is filed. Below are helpful standing order links for several Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas counties.
Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas County Standing Order Links
Dallas County Standing Order
https://www.dallascounty.org/Assets/uploads/docs/district-clerk/F2023.08-Standing-Order.pdf
Collin County Standing Order Regarding Children, Property, and Conduct of the Parties
https://www.collincountytx.gov/docs/default-source/district-clerk/documents/standingorderregardingchildrenpropertyandconductoftheparties.pdf?sfvrsn=f86fda9f_2
Denton County Standing Order
https://www.dentoncounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6746/Denton-County-Standing-Order-PDF
Rockwall County General Orders
https://www.rockwallcountytexas.com/DocumentCenter/View/3272/District-Court-and-County-Court-at-Law-General-Or?bidId=
Kaufman County Standing Orders
https://kaufmancounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/7255/Standing-Orders-2024
Tarrant County Prior Family Court Standing Order
Tarrant County no longer appears to use county-wide standing orders in the same way some other North Texas counties do. This prior order is provided for reference only. Before relying on it, confirm the current requirements with the court, clerk, or your attorney.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/content/dam/main/family-courts/231stFDC/documents/Standing%20Order032320.pdf
Standing orders, local rules, and court practices can change. Before making financial, parenting, property, or insurance decisions during a divorce, speak with an experienced Texas divorce attorney who can help you understand what applies in your county and your specific case.
