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 Michigan, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate but short-term protection to individuals or entities by ordering another party to cease or continue certain actions. It is often used in situations where immediate harm might occur without court intervention. The TRO is designed to maintain the status quo until a formal hearing can be held for a preliminary injunction, which may last for the duration of a lawsuit. To obtain a TRO in Michigan, the requesting party must file a motion along with their complaint, or shortly thereafter, demonstrating that they will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage without the TRO. The court will consider the immediacy of the harm and the potential consequences of inaction when deciding whether to grant the TRO. TROs are typically granted without notice to the opposing party (ex parte), but they are generally of limited duration, often not exceeding 14 days, until a hearing can be held. The specific procedures and requirements for TROs can be found in the Michigan Court Rules and relevant statutes.