The legal process
Temporary orders while your case is open
Who pays the mortgage and where the children sleep can be decided now, not months from now.
A divorce can take months. Temporary orders set the rules in the meantime.
What they can cover
- Temporary child support and spousal support.
- A temporary parenting schedule.
- Who lives in the home and who pays which bills.
- Use of cars and bank accounts, and contributions to legal fees.
Automatic orders
Many states put automatic orders in place when a divorce is filed. They typically stop both spouses from selling or hiding property, cancelling insurance, changing beneficiaries or taking the children out of state without agreement. Read them on the summons in your state.
Agreeing is faster
Spouses can sign a temporary agreement and file it instead of going to a hearing. A short written agreement on bills and schedule prevents most early conflict.
Should I move out?
Moving out is not abandonment in most states, but it can affect temporary parenting arrangements. If you have children, agree on a schedule before you leave, or speak to a lawyer first.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.
More guides like this
More on the legal process
How a divorce moves through court, step by step
File, serve, disclose, agree, finalize. The names change by state. The shape does not.
Serving your spouse: methods, timing and proof
Service is the step most often done wrong. Here is how to do it right the first time.
Financial disclosures: what you must share and when
Full and honest disclosure is required in every state. Incomplete disclosure is the most expensive mistake in divorce.
Ready when you are
Turn this into your plan.
Counsel applies this to your state and your own numbers, and builds your roadmap with dates.