What Are Temporary Orders For?
Let's say a husband moves out, and the wife who's left behind needs money to feed and shelter the children. Realizing that her children would starve long before a full trial could be held, she is desperate for help. She can go to court to request a temporary order from a judge, even though a formal divorce action has not yet been filed. Her request will be put on a fast track, and a hearing will be scheduled within days or weeks.
Spouses can also ask a court to temporarily:
- restrain a spouse from coming near or contacting the other (or, if he or she hasn't already done so, to move out of the family home)
- establish child custody and visiting arrangements
- provide for spousal support (alimony) and/or child support payments
- order either spouse not to sell valuable assets, and/or
- give possession of the family home or car to one of the spouses.
These temporary orders are usually valid until the court holds another hearing or until the spouses arrive at their own settlement through negotiation or mediation.
Copyright © 2005 Nolo
