As a family law attorney in Texas, I often receive questions from clients regarding the role of temporary orders in determining the final outcome of their case. Temporary orders are an essential part of any family law case, and they can significantly impact the court’s final decision regarding child custody, child support, and spousal support. In this blog post, I will explain how temporary orders work and their impact on family law cases.

What are Temporary Orders?

Temporary orders are court orders that are issued during the pendency of a family law case. They are put in place to provide stability and direction during the litigation process. Temporary orders can cover a range of issues, including child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and property division.

Temporary orders can be obtained through a temporary orders hearing, which is a full-blown hearing, with witnesses, testimony, evidence, and all. The court hears all of the evidence and determines what orders should be put in place during the pendency of the case. The court’s temporary orders are likely to be similar to its final orders, especially when it comes to child-related issues.

Impact of Temporary Orders on Child Custody

Temporary orders play a crucial role in determining child custody during the pendency of a family law case. The court considers several factors when making a temporary custody order, including the child’s best interests, the parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, and the child’s relationship with each parent.

The court’s temporary custody order sets the “status quo” for the rest of the case, and it can be challenging to change it later. If a parent wants to change the temporary custody order, they must demonstrate that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the temporary orders hearing.

Impact of Temporary Orders on Child Support

Temporary orders also impact child support during the pendency of a family law case. The court considers the income of both parents and the needs of the child when determining child support. The court’s temporary child support order provides support for the child while the case is pending.

The court’s temporary child support order sets the “status quo” for the rest of the case. The court will usually adopt the same child support amount in its final order unless there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the temporary orders hearing.

Impact of Temporary Orders on Spousal Support

Temporary orders also impact spousal support during the pendency of a family law case. Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other. The court considers several factors when determining spousal support, including the length of the marriage, the income of both spouses, and the needs of each spouse.

The court’s temporary spousal support order provides support for the spouse while the case is pending. The court’s temporary spousal support order sets the “status quo” for the rest of the case, and the court will usually adopt the same spousal support amount in its final order unless there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the temporary orders hearing.

Contact The Blacknall Firm

If you are facing a family law issue and need representation for a final trial or any other legal matter, contact the Blacknall Firm today. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you.