A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a court order requiring the parties to whom it is addressed not to engage in certain activity, or to continue to engage in certain activity, and is usually designed to maintain the current state of things (the status quo) until the court has the opportunity to hear a more complete presentation of the evidence—usually during an application for a temporary injunction that will remain in place while the lawsuit is pending.

In Georgia, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to prevent immediate harm by maintaining the status quo until a more comprehensive hearing can take place. It is a short-term order issued by a court that prohibits a party from taking certain actions. To obtain a TRO, the requesting party must file a motion along with a sworn statement detailing the need for immediate relief. The court may issue a TRO without notifying the other party if it believes that giving notice would result in harm. This is known as an ex parte TRO. The TRO is typically in effect for 30 days or until the court holds a hearing for a preliminary injunction, which is a longer-lasting order. The process and requirements for obtaining a TRO are governed by the Georgia Civil Practice Act, specifically O.C.G.A. § 9-5-1 and following sections. It's important to note that TROs are often used in cases of domestic violence, but they can also be applied in various civil disputes where immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage is likely to occur without protection.