Temporary orders are the orders a court may make effective from the time a lawsuit for divorce is filed until it is resolved and the divorce decree is signed by the court. These orders are generally designed to preserve the status quo (current status) of the spouses’ marital property, finances, and children, and may include obligations to pay temporary child support, pay temporary spousal support, and provide for child custody and visitation arrangements. Temporary orders may also prohibit the spouses from selling or transferring significant marital or community property assets. If there are any allegations of family or domestic violence or abuse, the court may issue a stay-away order of protection restricting the spouses’ physical proximity to each other and the nature and means of their communications with each other.

Laws regarding the subjects and processes for temporary orders vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the family code or domestic relations code.

In Arizona, temporary orders are legal provisions that can be put in place during a divorce proceeding to maintain the status quo until the final decree is issued. These orders can address various issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), and the use, possession, or distribution of property. Arizona law allows either party to request temporary orders by filing a motion with the court. The court may issue temporary orders to prevent the dissipation of assets by prohibiting the sale or transfer of significant marital property. Additionally, if there are concerns about family or domestic violence, the court has the authority to issue protective orders to ensure the safety of the parties involved. These orders are typically governed by Arizona's family law statutes, which can be found in Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. An attorney can provide guidance on how to request and comply with temporary orders in Arizona.