Getting a divorce can be a lengthy and emotionally draining process, especially when there are children involved. It’s important to make sure your kids have the financial support they need not only in the long term, but also while you and your former partner go through the divorce process. One way to do this is to obtain a temporary child support order.
Temporary support orders provide the advantage of quickly establishing the terms of support. In some cases, parents who need immediate support for their children may petition the court for a temporary order prior to filing for divorce. In other situations, they will need to file for divorce at the same time they request a temporary child support order.
These orders may cover the following:
- Determining the terms of visitation and child custody arrangements
- Awarding alimony or spousal and/or child support
- Requiring a spouse to keep valuable assets intact so that they are available for the provision of support
- Issuing a restraining order if one party attempting to force the other from the family home
After the request, a hearing is usually scheduled shortly thereafter, sometimes in a mater of days or weeks.
What happens at the hearing
Hearings related to the establishment of temporary support orders are usually short (around 20 minutes in length) and often skip the courtroom in preference for the judge’s chambers. The judge will listen to presentations, review the elements of the case, ask relevant questions and then make a ruling and issue or modify a temporary order. The order remains in effect until subsequent hearings are held or the couple finalizes the divorce.
Time is of the essence when ensuring your children receive adequate support. To learn more about your options, meet with the dedicated St. Petersburg family law attorneys at at the Law Office of K. Dean Kantaras.