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 Michigan, temporary orders are utilized during divorce proceedings 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 parenting time (visitation). They may also prevent either spouse from selling or transferring significant assets during the divorce process. Michigan courts can issue these orders to ensure that financial responsibilities are met and that children's needs are addressed while the divorce is pending. Additionally, if there are any claims of domestic violence or abuse, the court has the authority to issue protective orders to safeguard the parties involved. These orders are enforceable until the divorce is finalized and are governed by Michigan's statutes, which can be found in the state's family or domestic relations laws.