A divorce can leave you facing troubling concerns about your interests and your children’s stability. If waiting for the case to end would put your finances or family routine at risk, a motion for temporary relief may give you a way to ask the court for short-term rules.
The goal of this request is to create stability while the case moves forward – not to decide on every divorce issue permanently.
When you cannot meet essential expenses
Consider seeking temporary relief when you cannot pay for housing, utilities, food or healthcare, or when your spouse controls the income that you previously relied on. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.071, a court in a dissolution proceeding may award temporary alimony and suit money after considering each spouse’s financial resources.
Suit money can help address the cost of participating in the case, including attorney fees. A request is especially vital if:
- Your spouse has stopped contributing to household bills
- You have lost access to joint funds
- You need help to cover basic costs
Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 requires financial disclosure in many family cases, and that information can help support a request for temporary relief. Gather key records and be prepared to provide all the necessary disclosures.
When your children need a coherent plan
You may also need temporary orders when you and your spouse cannot agree on where the children will stay or how time-sharing will work. A consistent interim schedule can help your children maintain routines and reduce conflict while the divorce is ongoing.
A court may also oversee temporary child support or living arrangements according to the applicable laws. If there is a safety concern, seek help from a lawyer about the emergency process.
When delay could put money or stability at risk
File when you have a concrete reason to believe that waiting for a final judgment could cause serious harm – for example, your spouse is threatening to sell assets or take other actions that could leave you or your children without support.
While the case is pending, a temporary order can set rules, but the appropriate request depends on the facts and the type of relief you need. If you need the court to act, explain what is happening, why it cannot wait and what temporary order you are asking for.
A stable path while your Florida divorce is pending
If you are struggling to cover essential bills, establish a reliable parenting routine or protect your finances, consider seeking temporary relief and legal counsel. Timing and procedure matter, and taking these measures early can help you and your family maintain stability while the divorce proceeds.