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 Maine, temporary orders can be issued by the court during the pendency of a divorce proceeding to maintain the status quo and provide for the immediate needs and protection of the parties and any children involved. These orders can address various issues such as temporary child support, spousal support (also known as alimony), child custody and visitation arrangements, and may include provisions to prevent the dissipation of marital assets. Maine's statutes provide the legal framework for these orders, which are typically found under the state's family law provisions. Additionally, if there are allegations of domestic violence or abuse, the court has the authority to issue protective orders to safeguard the affected spouse and children. These temporary orders are enforceable until the final divorce decree is issued or until the court modifies the orders.