What Are Temporary Orders?
In Texas family law cases, temporary orders are court orders that outline the rights and responsibilities of each party while the case is pending. These orders are often issued early in the case and remain in place until a final order is signed.
Temporary orders help provide stability and structure during what can be a stressful and uncertain time for families. They are especially common in cases involving child custody, child support, property use, and spousal maintenance.
What Do Temporary Orders Cover?
In Harker Heights and throughout Bell County, temporary orders can address a variety of issues, including:
Custody and Visitation: Who will have temporary possession of the child(ren), and what the visitation schedule will be.
Child Support: How much one parent will pay and when.
Exclusive Use of Property: Who stays in the marital home, who keeps which vehicle, etc.
Spousal Maintenance: Whether one spouse will pay temporary support to the other.
Protective Provisions: Orders to prevent harassment, property destruction, or financial misconduct.
How Are Temporary Orders Requested?
To request temporary orders, one party must file a motion for temporary orders, usually alongside or soon after the initial petition for divorce or custody. The court will typically schedule a temporary orders hearing where each side can present testimony and evidence.
At this hearing, the judge will make decisions based on the best interest of the child (if children are involved) and the financial and practical needs of the parties.
Do Temporary Orders Affect the Final Outcome?
While temporary orders are not final, they can influence the outcome of your case. Judges often prefer to maintain consistency for the children, so the arrangement in a temporary order may become a baseline for the final orders—especially if it’s working well and both parties comply.
That’s why it’s crucial to take temporary orders seriously and to be represented by someone who can clearly present your position to the court.
Can Temporary Orders Be Changed?
Yes. If circumstances change, either party can file a motion to modify the temporary orders before the final hearing. However, ultimately, it will be up to the Judge as to whether the orders are modified.
Why Temporary Orders Matter in Harker Heights
Judges in Bell County—including those hearing cases in Harker Heights—use temporary orders to reduce conflict, protect children, and maintain financial stability during the legal process. Having clear guidance from the court helps both parties avoid confusion and unnecessary disputes while the case is pending.
Temporary Orders matter because they are essentially a mini final trial. What happens at these hearings is a good indicator of what may happen at final hearing (if you can’t settle in mediation).
That is why it is very important that you take these hearings seriously and make sure you put your best foot forward to give yourself the best chance at a positive outcome.
Many times, they are scheduled very early on in the case and much work needs to be accomplished in a very short period of time.
Need Help with Temporary Orders?
If you’re preparing for a custody or divorce case in Harker Heights and need help requesting, defending, or modifying temporary orders, The Law Office of Jonathan Tanaka, PLLC is here to help.
We’ll make sure your concerns are heard and your rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Schedule a consult with me today! Let’s take the first step together.
