Temporary Orders Lawyer Bellevue

When a family law case begins—whether it’s divorce, legal separation, or a custody dispute—many urgent decisions cannot wait until the final judgment. Who stays in the family home? How is parenting time divided? What financial support is needed right now? These immediate concerns are addressed through temporary orders, which are court-issued instructions that apply while a case is pending.

At Enright Family Law, we help families in Bellevue, Washington, file, negotiate, and enforce temporary orders that bring clarity, safety, and structure to uncertain times. We understand that modern families face diverse needs, and our goal is to ensure you’re protected—legally, financially, and emotionally—throughout the legal process. With offices in San Diego and Bellevue, we are happy to help you with your family law case.

What Are Temporary Orders?

Temporary orders are short-term rulings issued by a family court judge that remain in effect until the final orders are entered in a divorce, custody, or parentage case. They serve to establish temporary rules regarding critical issues while the court case is ongoing. Because many family law cases can take months or even over a year to resolve, temporary orders help stabilize daily life in the meantime.

Common types of temporary orders include:

• Child custody and visitation (parenting plan)
• Child support
• Spousal maintenance (alimony)
• Use of the family home or other property
• Payment of debts and living expenses
• Restraining orders (in high-conflict or domestic violence cases)
• Attorney’s fees and court costs

Temporary orders do not decide the final outcome, but they often influence how the case is ultimately resolved.

When Should You Request Temporary Orders?

Temporary orders may be necessary if:

• You and the other parent cannot agree on a parenting schedule
• A spouse has moved out and stopped contributing financially
• You need clarity about who will remain in the marital home
• There’s concern about a parent’s behavior or ability to co-parent
• You need immediate support to pay for rent, childcare, or bills
• There is a need to protect assets or personal safety

The sooner you seek temporary relief, the more stable your situation can become—especially in cases involving children or financial vulnerability.

The Process of Requesting Temporary Orders in Bellevue

If you are seeking temporary orders in King County (Bellevue), the process generally includes:

1. Filing a Motion for Temporary Orders

You or your attorney will file a motion—also called a Request for Order—with the court. This document outlines the orders you’re requesting and why you believe they’re necessary.

2. Declaration and Supporting Evidence

You’ll submit a sworn declaration explaining the facts of your situation, along with relevant financial documents, parenting schedules, or other evidence supporting your request.

3. Serving the Other Party

The other party must receive proper notice of the hearing and your motion. They will then have an opportunity to file their own declaration and evidence in response.

4. Temporary Orders Hearing

The court holds a hearing where both parties may present their cases. In many cases, judges issue rulings based on the written declarations and legal arguments without requiring live testimony.

After reviewing the submissions, the judge will issue temporary orders, which are enforceable immediately.

Common Temporary Orders in Family Law

Temporary Parenting Plan

The court may issue a temporary parenting plan that outlines:

• Where the child will live
• When each parent will have residential time
• Decision-making authority
• Rules for holidays, school breaks, and transportation

Temporary parenting plans are especially important when parents disagree or when one parent attempts to limit the other’s contact with the child. The court always bases its decisions on the best interests of the child.

Temporary Child Support

Washington State uses a standardized child support worksheet to calculate temporary support based on both parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, and other expenses such as daycare, medical insurance, and educational costs.

Temporary Spousal Support

Spousal maintenance may be granted on a temporary basis if one spouse needs financial support during the divorce process. The court considers:

• Each party’s income
• Financial obligations
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Duration of the marriage

Temporary Use of Property

If both spouses share a home, the court can assign temporary use of the marital residence to one party. The court can also order that one spouse continue making mortgage or rent payments while the case is pending.

Why Temporary Orders Matter

Although temporary orders are not final, they often set the tone for the entire case. Judges tend to maintain arrangements that are working well, especially when they promote stability for children. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your initial position is clear, well-documented, and supported by strong legal advocacy.

Temporary orders can:

• Provide financial relief
• Protect your parenting rights
• Create a sense of safety and structure
• Prevent unnecessary disputes or manipulation
• Serve as a framework for final agreements

At Enright Family Law, we help you present a strong case from the start, whether you’re seeking temporary orders or responding to them.

Temporary Orders and Modern Families

Today’s families face challenges that aren’t always reflected in traditional legal models. Our firm represents:

• LGBTQ+ parents navigating shared custody
• Unmarried co-parents managing financial and parenting transitions
• Blended families with step-parent dynamics and multi-household coordination
• Long-distance co-parents arranging virtual visitation or adjusted schedules
• Professionals and business owners with non-traditional income

We design temporary order strategies that reflect your real-life situation, not just legal templates.

Enforcing or Modifying Temporary Orders

If the other party violates temporary orders—such as withholding the child, refusing to pay support, or engaging in harassment—you can return to court to seek enforcement. The court may impose penalties, order make-up parenting time, or even modify the orders in your favor.

You can also request a modification if circumstances change before the case is finalized. For example, if you lose your job, or if a parenting schedule proves unworkable, the court may issue new temporary orders that better reflect the current needs of your family.

Why Work With Enright Family Law?

Choosing the right lawyer for temporary orders matters. We provide:

• Decades of experience in Washington family law
• Deep understanding of how temporary orders influence long-term outcomes
• Child-focused, client-first legal strategies
• Clear communication and realistic expectations
• Support for modern, diverse, and evolving family structures

Whether you’re seeking support, parenting time, or protection, we offer the skilled advocacy and compassionate guidance you need.

How We Can Help

At Enright Family Law, we help families in Bellevue take control of uncertain situations through smart, effective temporary orders. Whether you’re initiating a divorce, responding to a custody dispute, or seeking financial clarity while your case is pending, we make sure your voice is heard—and your rights are protected.

We help you:

• File and serve motions for temporary custody, support, and more
• Draft persuasive declarations and gather supporting evidence
• Prepare for and attend temporary orders hearings
• Negotiate agreements when possible or advocate strongly in court
• Modify or enforce temporary orders when circumstances change

Contact Enright Family Law today to schedule a consultation with a trusted temporary orders lawyer in Bellevue. We’re here to provide the clarity, structure, and protection your family needs—right from the start.