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 Iowa, temporary orders are utilized during the divorce process to maintain the status quo regarding marital property, finances, and child-related matters until the final divorce decree is issued. These orders can include provisions for temporary child support, spousal support (alimony), child custody, and visitation schedules. They are designed to prevent either spouse from dissipating 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 enforceable until the divorce is finalized. The specific procedures and regulations for obtaining temporary orders in Iowa are outlined in the state's statutes, particularly within the sections pertaining to family law and domestic relations. It is advisable for individuals going through a divorce to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the intricacies of obtaining and complying with temporary orders in Iowa.