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 Utah, temporary orders can be issued by the court during a divorce proceeding to maintain the status quo until the final divorce decree is entered. These orders can address various issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), and the use of property and financial assets. Utah courts can also issue orders to prevent the disposal or concealment of marital assets. 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. The process for obtaining temporary orders typically involves one party filing a motion, and the court may hold a hearing to determine the appropriate temporary arrangements. The specifics of these processes and the standards applied are governed by Utah's family law statutes, which can be found in the Utah Code, particularly in Title 30, Husband and Wife, and other relevant sections dealing with family law matters.