Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

restraining order/protective order?

I have told my sister clearly and repeatedly I do not want ANY contact with her. Her latest tactic is the last straw. After my house was hit by Hurricane Ike, she put mine and my children's picture on national television and contacted law enforcement agencies (plus Missing and Exploited Children's Unit) saying we were missing even though I HAVE been in contact with friends, relatives and everyone else- just not her. She has been told repeatedly we are fine. Even though law enforcement and other agencies are satisfied that we are well and safe, she's still in the news and on the internet demanding contact and insisting we're 'missing' because I have not contacted HER directly. A reporter even contacted my landlord of all people and our pictures are even on CNN in CANADA. The whole issue has been humiliating and a total waste of resources. Can I get some type of restraining order or protective order against her even though I am in Texas and she is in California? I refuse to contact her and will continue to do so. I want her to understand I am SERIOUS and she needs to STOP the manipulation and forget I exist. Now, she is threatening to file a '5150' on me because she thinks MY behavior is suspicious. What options do I have here?


Asked on 10/10/08, 12:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: restraining order/protective order?

I have no idea what a "5150" is.

Why not send her a certified letter letting her know that you are ok and to leave you alone? Then, if that does not work, hire an attorney.

It does sound like she is "controlling".

It also sounds like both of you are stubborn.

With the internet, it is difficult to stop people who love to post. A recent Time Magazine had an article about people posting all sorts of negative publicity against companies or people that upset them.

You can always just ignore her or do your own posting. I would urge you to "remain silent" since if you start posting things against her, then she will feel very much in control.

Remember that a restraining order or protective order is only a piece of paper. It does not stop guns, knives, fists or crazy relatives!

In closing, there is an old saying..SILENCE IS GOLDEN.

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Answered on 10/12/08, 1:46 am


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