Typically, a temporary orders hearing will be the first hearing held before a judge in your Texas divorce and/or child custody case. Temporary orders hearings are an extremely important part of your case. At a hearing for temporary orders the judge will enter orders that could remain in place during the pendency of your divorce and/or child custody case. Although the issues addressed at a temporary orders hearing can vary from case to case, generally the judge will make a temporary determination regarding the following issues:
1. Temporary conservatorship/custody of the children;
2. Temporary residency restriction for the children;
3. Temporary possession of and access to the children (possession schedule);
4. Temporary child support;
5. Temporary medical support;
6. Temporary exclusive use of the marital residence;
7. Temporary exclusive use of motor vehicles;
8. Temporary exclusive use of personal property and furnishings;
9. Temporary spousal support;
10. Temporary payment of expenses related to the household, including the mortgage and utilities;
11. Temporary payment of insurance premiums, including auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and homeowner’s insurance;
12. Payment of attorney fees; and
13. Any other issues that the court deems necessary for the protection of the parties, children, and/or property.
Over the next several weeks you will learn what you need to know to be prepared for a temporary orders hearing, including how to prepare for the hearing, what documents you will need to present as evidence, what witnesses you may need to appear on your behalf, and how to present yourself to the judge.