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 Hampshire, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection to individuals who are at risk of harm. It is a court order that can be issued without the presence of the person being restrained (ex parte) and is designed to prevent them from engaging in certain activities or to require them to continue certain activities, typically to preserve the status quo until a full court hearing can be held. The TRO is often used in situations involving domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, but can also apply in various civil disputes. To obtain a TRO, the petitioner must file a request with the court, demonstrating that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result without the TRO. The TRO is typically a short-term measure that lasts until the court can hold a hearing for a preliminary or permanent injunction, which may last for the duration of the lawsuit or another specified period.