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 Vermont, temporary orders are issued by the court during the pendency of a divorce proceeding to maintain the status quo and provide for the immediate needs of the parties and children involved. These orders can address various issues such as temporary child support, temporary spousal support (alimony), child custody and visitation arrangements, and can restrict the sale or transfer of significant marital assets. Vermont law also allows for temporary orders to include protections in cases of family or domestic violence, such as stay-away orders or orders of protection, to ensure the safety of the spouses and children. The specific statutes governing these orders can be found in Vermont's family law statutes, which outline the procedures for obtaining temporary orders and the criteria the court considers when issuing them. It is important for individuals going through a divorce in Vermont to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the temporary orders that may be applicable to their situation.