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 South Carolina, temporary orders are utilized during the pendency of a divorce to maintain the status quo regarding marital property, finances, and child-related matters. These orders can include provisions for temporary child support, spousal support (also known as alimony), child custody, and visitation schedules. South Carolina courts may also issue orders to prevent the dissipation of marital assets by prohibiting the sale or transfer of significant property. In cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse, the court has the authority to issue protective orders to ensure the safety of the parties involved, which may include stay-away provisions and restrictions on communication between the spouses. The specific laws and procedures governing temporary orders in South Carolina can be found in the state's family code or domestic relations statutes. An attorney can provide guidance on how to request such orders and what to expect during the process.