Temporary Orders During Divorce in Austin

Temporary Orders Attorneys: Stabilizing Life While Your Divorce is Pending

When a divorce is filed in Austin, the first decisions a court often makes are temporary orders. These are short-term court orders that shape where your children live, who stays in the home, and how essential bills are paid while the case is pending. For many families, this stage feels fast, unfamiliar, and extremely personal.

At Diggs & Sadler, we understand how disruptive this can be. Our family law team has more than 125 years of combined legal experience in Texas, and we draw on that depth to guide clients through contested hearings and negotiated arrangements. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial, which helps us present focused, persuasive arguments when time is limited.

Contact us at (713) 766-5355 to talk with our Austin temporary orders attorney. 

What Temporary Orders Can Decide

Temporary orders are sometimes described as a bridge between filing for divorce and reaching a final resolution. Even though they are not permanent, they often last for many months and can strongly influence your day-to-day life. Understanding what they can address is an important first step in preparing for this process.

In a typical divorce, temporary orders may address both parenting arrangements and financial responsibilities. On the parenting side, the court can set temporary conservatorship, which is how decision-making is shared, along with a possession schedule that defines when children are with each parent. On the financial side, the court can address child support, temporary spousal support, and who is responsible for certain ongoing expenses.

Other short-term issues can be resolved as well. Courts in Travis County can decide which spouse has the right to stay in the marital home while the case is pending and who will make mortgage, rent, insurance, or utility payments. Temporary orders can also affect access to joint bank accounts, how certain business or investment funds are used, and what happens with vehicles or other essential property.

Judges generally focus on stability, especially for children. They often look at where the children have been living, their school and activity schedules, and each parent’s current involvement. For finances, courts typically review income information and necessary living expenses. Knowing in advance which topics are likely to come up can help you organize your information and think through what arrangements are realistic for your family.

Common issues that temporary orders may cover include:

• Where the children will live while the divorce is pending
• Parenting time schedules for weekdays, weekends, holidays, and breaks
• Temporary child support and, in some cases, temporary spousal support
• Use of the marital home and responsibility for housing costs
• Payment of recurring expenses such as utilities, insurance, and debt
• Access to and use of bank accounts or business funds during the case

How Temporary Orders Work in Austin Courts

After temporary orders are requested, the court typically sets a hearing date. The timeline can be relatively quick, depending on the court’s schedule and any urgent circumstances. At a temporary orders hearing, the judge may hear brief testimony from each spouse and sometimes from other witnesses. Documentary evidence, such as pay stubs, school records, and text messages, can also be presented.

Hearings are often time limited in Travis County family courts, so preparation matters. There is usually not enough time to present every detail of the relationship, which is why choosing what to emphasize is so important. Our attorneys work to identify the key facts that support your goals for parenting time, decision-making, and financial stability, and we organize those facts in a clear way for the court.

Before any hearing, we review the relevant court rules and preferences, because different courts in the Austin area may handle scheduling and evidence slightly differently. We approach these hearings as focused presentations. This trial-ready mindset helps us use limited time wisely and protect your position both now and as the case continues.

Some practical steps you can take before a temporary orders hearing include the following:

• Gathering recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a simple monthly budget
• Collecting school calendars, childcare schedules, and activity information for your children
• Saving important messages or emails that show parenting involvement or key disputes
• Thinking through a realistic parenting schedule that fits work and school obligations
• Listing regular household bills and who has been paying them

Our Approach To Temporary Orders

At Diggs & Sadler, we treat temporary orders as a critical stage in a divorce, not a routine box to check. The tone that is set here can influence negotiations and court decisions throughout the case. Our goal is to build a thoughtful strategy that protects your children and your financial footing, and that supports your long-term objectives.

We rely on a team-based model. When you work with one of our attorneys, you have the collective insight of our entire firm behind you. Our lawyers review cases together, which allows us to spot important issues in parenting history, income, business ownership, or employment benefits that could affect temporary arrangements. This collaboration is especially valuable when hearings are scheduled quickly and there is a lot of information to organize.

Our leadership includes attorneys who are board-certified in Family Law and Civil Trial Law. Board certification in these areas reflects significant experience in family courts and in trying contested matters. Temporary order hearings often resemble condensed trials, so our courtroom background informs how we prepare witnesses, structure testimony, and present exhibits to the judge.

Our practice is inclusive. We represent LGBTQ+ families, parents facing international considerations, and clients dealing with high conflict situations or substance abuse concerns. That experience allows us to approach temporary orders with sensitivity to nontraditional family structures, safety planning, and special needs. Throughout, we follow the philosophy of “We Listen, We Understand, We Fight,” which means we take time to learn what matters most to you, then build a plan to support those priorities in court.

Protecting Children & Finances During Divorce

When children are involved, courts generally look closely at their routine and each parent’s role. Judges often consider who has been getting children ready for school, handling medical appointments, helping with homework, and attending activities. They may also weigh any concerns about safety, substance use, or instability. We work with you to present a clear picture of your relationship with your children and to propose schedules that support continuity in school and community ties.

On the financial side, temporary support and expense allocations can be critical. If one spouse has been the primary earner, the other may need temporary support to cover reasonable expenses while the divorce is pending. Cases involving business owners, executives, or complex compensation structures can raise additional questions about income and cash flow. Our team includes an attorney who is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law, and this background helps us analyze pay structures, bonuses, and employment-related benefits when building a realistic financial plan.

Information that often helps us advocate for strong temporary arrangements includes:

• Parenting calendars that show time spent with children over several months
• Details about your children’s schools, special needs, or counseling
• Lists of monthly expenses for housing, transportation, healthcare, and childcare
• Documentation of income, commissions, bonuses, or business distributions
• Records of any incidents related to safety, substance use, or household conflict

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can temporary orders be set in my case?

Temporary orders can be set fairly quickly, depending on the Travis County court’s schedule and the urgency of your situation. In some cases, courts schedule hearings within a few weeks of a request. We work to move promptly, gather information, and prepare you for each step.

Will temporary orders decide who my children live with?

Temporary orders usually set where children will live while the case is pending and how parenting time is shared. These are not final custody decisions, but they can influence the case. Our attorneys focus on presenting clear information about your children’s needs and your role in their lives.

Can temporary orders be changed later in my divorce?

Temporary orders can sometimes be modified if circumstances change significantly or if both parents agree to different terms. Judges generally want to see a clear reason before changing existing orders. We evaluate your situation and discuss when it may be appropriate to seek modifications.

What can I do now to prepare for a temporary orders hearing?

You can start by gathering financial documents, organizing a simple budget, and outlining your current parenting routine. It also helps to think about realistic schedules that fit work and school demands. When you meet with us, we review this information and explain how it can be used in court.

How will your team handle high conflict or safety concerns?

We take high conflict situations and safety concerns very seriously. Our team looks closely at any history of abuse, substance use, or instability and discusses options that prioritize protection and stability. Our goal is to shape temporary arrangements that reduce risk and support your children’s well-being.

Talk With Our Austin Family Law Team

Facing a hearing on temporary orders during a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you do not know what to expect in court. You do not have to navigate this stage alone. Our attorneys in Austin draw on extensive Texas family law experience to help you prepare, understand your options, and make informed decisions.

At Diggs & Sadler, we bring a team-based approach, careful preparation, and a client-first philosophy to every case. We listen to your goals, analyze the legal and practical issues in front of you, and work to build a temporary plan that supports your family during a challenging transition.

Contact us at (713) 766-5355 to talk with our Austin temporary orders lawyer.