The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebration. But for many families in North Texas navigating custody arrangements, divorce, or domestic conflict, this time of year can quickly turn stressful—even dangerous. At Burrows Law Group, we regularly handle emergency family law matters that arise during the holiday season, and we want you to know: you are not alone, and help is available.
Common Holiday Family Law Emergencies
Here are the most frequent emergency situations we see between Thanksgiving and New Year’s:
1. Holiday Visitation Disputes
Many custody orders include detailed holiday visitation schedules, but misunderstandings, miscommunication, or intentional interference can lead to one parent denying the other their rightful time with the children. If your ex refuses to comply with the court-ordered holiday schedule, this may be considered a violation of your custody agreement, and legal action may be warranted.
2. Parental Kidnapping or Out-of-State Travel
Some parents take drastic actions around the holidays, such as removing a child from the state without consent or failing to return them on time. This could escalate to a legal emergency, particularly if there is a risk of flight or harm. Texas law provides avenues for swift relief, including emergency court orders and law enforcement involvement if necessary.
3. Family Violence or Protective Orders
Unfortunately, domestic violence incidents often increase during the holidays due to financial strain, substance abuse, or unresolved conflict. If you or your children are in immediate danger, you can seek a Protective Order (PO) through the court—even during weekends or holidays. Burrows Law Group can help you file for an emergency ex parte PO to ensure your safety and prevent further contact with an abusive party.
4. Last-Minute Court Orders and Modifications
In some cases, you may need to request a temporary restraining order (TRO) or emergency modification to protect a child from harm or adjust parenting time due to sudden changes. Courts may grant emergency relief if you can show that the child is in immediate danger or if irreparable harm could occur.
Burrows Law Group: Here When You Need Us Most
While many law offices slow down during the holiday season, Burrows Law Group stays prepared to help families through crisis situations—because emergencies don’t take a holiday. Whether you need immediate legal protection, enforcement of your custody order, or emergency relief from the court, we’re ready to stand by your side.
Need Help Now?
Contact us at (972) 236-7798 to request a consultation. If it’s an emergency, don’t wait—reach out now and let our experienced family law attorneys help you find peace of mind during the holidays.