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 Vermont, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection to an individual or entity by ordering another party to cease certain activities or to maintain certain behaviors temporarily. This order is typically granted without the presence of the party being restrained and is intended to preserve the status quo until a formal hearing can be held. The TRO can be issued in various situations, including domestic violence cases, harassment, or when immediate harm is anticipated. The duration of a TRO in Vermont is generally short-term, often lasting up to 14 days, until the court can schedule a hearing for a preliminary injunction, which may last for the duration of the case if granted. To obtain a TRO, the requesting party must file a motion along with an affidavit detailing the need for immediate protection. The court then reviews the evidence and determines whether to grant the TRO. Vermont's statutes and rules of civil procedure outline the specific requirements and processes for obtaining a TRO.