Standing Orders and Temporary Orders

When you file for Divorce, or file a suit amending the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR), some counties have Standing Orders that you attach to your petition that go into effect immediately and last until the Court enters an order saying otherwise. After you file a suit, you can request a hearing for Temporary Orders to discuss the issues that need to be addressed now, and once entered, remain in effect until a Final Order is signed in your case.

Standing orders are rules that have been set by either the County Judges or the District Judges in the county in which they are in effect. In simple terms, they are similar to a Temporary Restraining Order. Standing Orders generally mention areas such as children, the behavior requirements of the parties, and property. Property can include personal property, like houses and cars, as well as finances.

If you have questions about Standing Orders or what they mean, Guest & Gray would be happy to answer your questions.

Temporary Orders, while similar to Standing Orders, are orders that are entered after the hearing following the filing of the Original Petition. Temporary orders address the items specific to your case that aren’t covered in the general Standing Orders. This can be monetary issues, who gets the residence, possession schedule of the children, and so on. This timing of this hearing depends on the urgency of your situation and the Court’s docket. It’s important to note that once Temporary Orders are in place, they are the Order of the Court until they are amended by Court Order or until a Final Order in the case has been entered.

If you have questions about Temporary Orders, Guest & Gray is here to help!

• Dallas County Standing Orders
• Kaufman County Standing Orders
• Rockwall County Standing Orders