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 Washington State, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection to individuals or entities by ordering another party to cease certain activities or to maintain the status quo until a more formal hearing can be conducted. TROs are often used in situations involving domestic violence, harassment, or when immediate harm is threatened to a person or property. To obtain a TRO, an individual must file a petition with the court, and the court must believe that the petitioner will suffer immediate harm if the order is not granted. The TRO is typically granted without the presence of the party being restrained and is effective for a short period, usually 14 days, until the court schedules a hearing for a longer-term order. The respondent then has the opportunity to appear in court to contest the TRO. It's important to note that TROs are different from no-contact orders, which are often used in criminal cases. An attorney can provide guidance on the process and represent the interests of the petitioner or respondent in court.