{"id":351758,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/family-court-decisions-temporary-orders.html"},"modified":"2024-11-13T18:26:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T23:26:00","slug":"family-court-decisions-temporary-orders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/family-court-decisions-temporary-orders.html","title":{"rendered":"Family Court Decisions: Temporary Orders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Family Court Decisions: Temporary Orders<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Temporary orders are provisional instructions the court provides to secure the parties’ immediate needs or protect their interests while the case awaits its final resolution. Some common issues covered by a temporary order are spousal and child support, visitation rights, debt and asset management, and division of attorney’s fees and costs. It often lasts until the resolution of a case and can be part of the final court order.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Although the divorce process can take a long time, some issues cannot wait until the court issues a final decree. For example, one spouse may need immediate financial support. Courts can issue temporary orders during the process to deal with urgent matters.<\/p>\n

Temporary Orders: The Basics<\/b><\/h2>\n

A judge may issue temporary orders (also known in some states as "pendente lite or PL orders") whenever a couple separates. The orders may address any serious issue the couple wants a court order for during the pendency of the divorce proceedings. Temporary orders let the couple live separately and begin the division of marital assets before the final divorce decree.<\/p>\n

During the divorce process, couples must keep all assets intact until the court determines what property is marital property. In a contested divorce, the parties may argue over the marital home<\/a> or other real property, bank accounts, and custody or visitation rights.<\/p>\n

Family law cases are decided in stages. Courts issue temporary orders during the intermediate steps between the start of the case and the final order. Temporary orders become part of the final order or are included as attachments.<\/p>\n

Some states<\/a> allow couples to request temporary orders during legal separation. The temporary order hearing is set within a few weeks.<\/p>\n

Types of Temporary Orders<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some temporary orders are without the other party’s presence. These are ex parte<\/a> orders. Ex parte <\/i>motions are filed with the court without notice to the other party. The order is valid for a brief period until the party is notified and appears in court.<\/p>\n

Temporary restraining orders are the most common ex parte orders. In domestic violence cases, a victim may request that the alleged abuser be prevented from approaching them until a judge can hear the case. The order will only last until both parties can come to court, and the judge can decide if the order should be permanent.<\/p>\n

Other types of temporary orders include:<\/p>\n