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Civil litigation

temporary restraining order (TRO)

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 Iowa, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection from harm by ordering a party to refrain from certain actions or to maintain the status quo until a more formal hearing can be conducted. TROs are often used in situations involving domestic abuse, harassment, or other urgent circumstances where immediate intervention is necessary to prevent harm. To obtain a TRO in Iowa, an individual must file a petition with the court, typically providing evidence of the threat or harm they are facing. The court may issue a TRO without the presence of the other party (ex parte) if it deems that the situation is urgent and that waiting for a hearing with both parties would result in significant harm. The TRO is temporary and is usually followed by a hearing for a more lasting protective order, such as a temporary injunction, which remains in effect for the duration of the legal proceedings or until the court decides otherwise.

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Civil litigation

temporary restraining order (TRO)

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Iowa State Code

Iowa State Code

Civil litigation

temporary restraining order (TRO)

Articles