When you file for divorce in Oklahoma, the court doesn’t wait until the final hearing to make important decisions. Many issues—like where your children will live, who will pay which bills, and how you’ll divide responsibilities—can’t be put on hold for months. That’s where temporary orders come in. These court orders set the ground rules during your divorce, giving both spouses a clear framework until a final judgment is entered. Understanding how temporary orders work can help you prepare, protect your interests, and avoid unnecessary conflict during what is already a stressful process.

What Temporary Orders Do

A temporary order is exactly what it sounds like—an order that applies only while the divorce case is pending. These orders provide stability and prevent disputes from spiraling out of control while you and your spouse work toward a final resolution.

Common issues covered in temporary orders include:

• Child custody and visitation: The court can set a temporary schedule for where your children will live, how parenting time will be divided, and how holidays will be handled.
• Child support: The court can establish a temporary amount for one parent to pay the other, ensuring the children’s needs are met during the divorce.
• Spousal support (alimony): The court may order temporary financial support if one spouse needs help covering living expenses while the case is pending.
• Use of property: The court can decide who will live in the family home or use certain vehicles while the divorce is ongoing.
• Payment of bills and debts: The court can assign responsibility for mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, and other financial obligations.

Because temporary orders are enforceable just like any other court order, violating them can lead to fines or other penalties. That makes it critical to understand and follow the terms the judge sets.

How to Request Temporary Orders

In Oklahoma, either spouse can request temporary orders by filing a motion with the court after the divorce petition is filed. Your motion should clearly state what you are asking the court to order and why. Supporting evidence—such as financial documents, proof of living expenses, or information about your children’s needs—strengthens your request.

After the motion is filed, the court typically schedules a temporary order hearing. At this hearing:

1. Both spouses (and their attorneys, if represented) have the opportunity to present their side.
2. The judge may hear testimony, review documents, and consider any agreements the parties have already reached.
3. The judge issues an order that will remain in place until modified or replaced by the final divorce decree.

Because temporary orders often shape the tone of the entire divorce, it’s important to present a clear, well-prepared case at this stage. What the judge decides early on can influence later negotiations and even the final outcome.

Modifying Temporary Orders

Life doesn’t stop moving during divorce. Circumstances can change, and when they do, you may be able to ask the court to modify the temporary orders, just like you could request a modification of your divorce decree.

Common reasons for requesting a change include:

• A significant change in income for either spouse
• A change in work schedule that affects parenting time
• Concerns about a child’s safety or well-being
• New financial obligations that make current payments unrealistic

To modify a temporary order, you must file a motion with the court explaining what has changed and why a new order is necessary. The court will review the evidence and determine whether the modification is justified. It’s important to note that temporary orders remain in place until the court changes them. Informal agreements between spouses—even if both agree—are not legally binding unless the court approves them. Without that approval, you could face legal consequences for failing to follow the existing order.

Why Temporary Orders Matter

Temporary orders are more than just a stopgap—they can have lasting effects. For example:

• If a temporary custody arrangement works well, the court may decide to make it permanent in the final decree.
• If one spouse consistently fails to follow a temporary order, that behavior can influence the judge’s decisions on final custody or financial matters.
• If temporary financial arrangements prove unworkable, they can set the stage for lengthy disputes and additional hearings.

By taking temporary orders seriously from the start, you give yourself the best chance at a smoother divorce process. This means gathering the right documents, preparing your testimony, and working with an attorney who can present your position effectively to the court.

Contact Our Oklahoma Divorce Attorneys Today

If you’re going through a divorce in Oklahoma, temporary orders will likely play a major role in your case. The attorneys at Titus Hillis Reynolds Love understand how important these early decisions are and how they can shape the rest of your divorce. Our family law attorneys work with you to secure fair, practical orders that protect your rights, your finances, and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need during this critical stage of your case.