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 New Jersey, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection to individuals who are at risk of being harmed by another person's actions. It is commonly used in cases of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking. The TRO is issued by a judge and requires the person named in the order to refrain from certain activities or behaviors, such as contacting or approaching the person who sought the order, until a full court hearing can be held. This hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days of the TRO being granted. The purpose of the TRO is to maintain the status quo and protect the safety of the individual until the court can hear more detailed evidence and decide whether to issue a Final Restraining Order (FRO), which can provide longer-term protection. The process for obtaining a TRO in New Jersey involves filing a complaint with the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county where the victim resides, where the defendant resides, or where the alleged act of violence occurred. If the TRO is granted, law enforcement will serve the order on the defendant, and the order will take effect immediately.