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 Mississippi, temporary orders are a critical aspect of the divorce process, providing interim relief and maintaining the status quo from the time a divorce is filed until it is finalized. These orders can address a variety of issues, including but not limited to temporary child support, spousal support (alimony), child custody, and visitation arrangements. They are designed to ensure that children are cared for and that financial responsibilities are met during the divorce proceedings. Additionally, temporary orders can include injunctions to prevent either spouse from selling, transferring, or dissipating marital assets. In cases where there is a concern for family or domestic violence, the court has the authority to issue protective orders to safeguard the affected parties. These orders may limit contact and proximity between the spouses to prevent further harm. The specific procedures and requirements for obtaining temporary orders in Mississippi are governed by state statutes, which can be found in the sections pertaining to domestic relations within the Mississippi Code.