Maybe you asked for a divorce – or maybe your spouse made the first move. Either way, you now feel like you’re on uncertain ground. It may be months before you manage to get a hearing on your full case, and that leaves you with questions about everything from support for the children to parenting rights.
This is where temporary orders can help ease the process. Hearings on temporary orders are much shorter than for permanent orders and can usually be scheduled very quickly.
What are temporary orders?
Temporary orders often seek to preserve the “status quo” for the family unit until the divorce case in chief can be either settled through negotiation and compromise or via litigation. Some of the common issues that are handled through temporary orders include:
- The use of mutual restraining orders, which are designed to prevent either party from dissipating the marital assets. Both spouses may be prohibited from selling any valuables, emptying the bank accounts or giving anything away until the divorce is settled.
- The granting of exclusive use of the marital residence. Sometimes, one spouse is ordered to vacate the marital home, while the other spouse is allowed to remain. Typically, that happens when there are minor children involved.
- The ongoing maintenance of health insurance for spouses and minor children. This helps keep the family stable during this time.
- Financial support, including both spousal and child support, can be ordered. In some cases, the court can even order the more affluent spouse to pay the other’s attorney’s fees.
It’s important everything you can about the divorce process and take proactive legal steps to protect your future.