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 Minnesota, temporary orders are available 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 maintenance (alimony), child custody, and parenting time (visitation). Minnesota courts may also issue orders to prevent the disposal or transfer of significant marital assets during the divorce process. 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, which may include restrictions on contact and proximity between the spouses. The specific statutes governing these temporary orders can be found in the Minnesota family code, particularly under the Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 518 and 518B for domestic abuse matters. It is important for individuals going through a divorce to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the procedures for obtaining temporary orders in Minnesota.