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 Colorado, temporary orders are available during divorce proceedings to maintain the status quo and provide stability for both parties and any children involved. These orders can address issues such as temporary child support, spousal support (also known as maintenance), child custody (parental responsibilities), and visitation (parenting time). They can also include injunctions to prevent the disposal or concealment of marital assets. Colorado courts may issue temporary orders to ensure that financial responsibilities are met and children's needs are taken care of during the divorce process. Additionally, if there are allegations of domestic violence, Colorado courts can issue temporary protection orders to ensure the safety of the parties involved. The specific procedures and requirements for obtaining temporary orders in Colorado are outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes, particularly under the sections dealing with domestic matters in the family law or domestic relations titles.