A Florida judge can address urgent financial or parenting issues before your divorce case ends. Any orders made during this stage apply while the case is pending, but the final judgment may set different terms.
What can a temporary order cover?
Depending on your situation, a temporary order may address support, child-related expenses, time-sharing, use of the family home or responsibility for household bills. It may also limit certain financial actions while the case continues. Some restrictions can take effect when the divorce papers are served, so check the papers you receive and follow any instructions in them.
Either spouse can ask for temporary relief by filing a motion. If you have minor children, Florida Courts provides Form 12.947(a), which lets a parent ask for temporary support, a parenting schedule and other related orders during the divorce.
What happens at the hearing?
Each spouse presents their request and supporting information. The judge may ask questions, review financial records and consider the child’s routine and care needs if parenting arrangements are disputed. The judge then decides whether to issue temporary orders.
Prepare records that support your requests. These may include recent pay stubs, tax returns, financial affidavits, household bills and information about each parent’s caregiving responsibilities. Organized evidence helps the judge assess financial need, ability to pay and a workable time-sharing schedule.
Temporary orders apply while the case is pending
A temporary order generally remains in effect until the court changes it or enters a final judgment. It can shape your finances and parenting routine during the divorce, but it does not decide every issue in the wider divorce process.
Follow the order while it remains in effect. A divorce lawyer in Florida can help you prepare for the hearing and understand how the temporary decision may affect the next steps in your case.