Rule 686.Citation

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 686 directs the clerk, on the filing of an injunction petition and order that does not pertain to a suit already pending in the court, to issue a citation to the defendant as in other civil cases.

Full Text of Rule 686

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Upon the filing of such petition and order not pertaining to a suit pending in the court, the clerk of such court shall issue a citation to the defendant as in other civil cases, which shall be served and returned in like manner as ordinary citations issued from said court; provided, however, that when a temporary restraining order is issued and is accompanied with a true copy of plaintiff's petition, it shall not be necessary for the citation in the original suit to be accompanied with a copy of plaintiff's petition, nor contain a statement of the nature of plaintiff's demand, but it shall be sufficient for said citation to refer to plaintiff's claim as set forth in a true copy of plaintiff's petition which accompanies the temporary restraining order; and provided further that the court may have a hearing upon an application for a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction at such time and upon such reasonable notice given in such manner as the court may direct.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 686 brings the defendant into the case. Upon the filing of an injunction petition and order that does not pertain to a suit already pending in the court, the clerk issues a citation to the defendant, commanding an answer as in other civil cases — so the injunction proceeds on regular process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a defendant served in a Texas injunction case?

Yes. Rule 686 has the clerk issue a citation to the defendant as in other civil cases.

Does the citation have to include a full copy of the petition in a Texas injunction case?

Not if a TRO issued with a true copy of the petition attached. Rule 686 then lets the citation refer to the claim as set out in that attached copy instead of attaching another one.

How much notice does a defendant get before a Texas TRO or temporary injunction hearing?

Rule 686 lets the court set the hearing at whatever time, and with whatever reasonable notice, the court directs.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 686), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov). Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: citation injunctionnotice of injunction hearingserving citation with a TROTRCP 686