Divorce Explained With Orders

Divorce is a process that can contain several parts. However, if it's important enough, there will be an order attached to it. Read on for a short explanation of some common divorce orders and what they mean to the final divorce petition.

Understanding Court Orders

When an order is issued, you know that a judge has reviewed a matter and made a ruling. Although all legal matters deal with lots of orders, divorce can be especially rife with plenty of court orders. It can become confusing for many divorcing parties to figure out what to do when they find an order in the mail. Sorting through the legalese can prove challenging. Speak to your divorce lawyer if you are puzzled about an order. Many of them can have an enormous effect on you, your financial situation, your children, and more.

Common Temporary Orders

You don't have to go through with a divorce to be issued orders. Expect the below common separation orders. Some of these orders expire with the final decree but not child support. That obligation is valid whether you are divorced or not.

• If you have children, you can have not only child support ordered but also you can deal with custody and visitation orders. Some of these orders are permanent.
• For those who need it and can prove that they need it, spousal support or alimony can be ordered during the separation. However, this type of order usually expires with the final decree.
• Restraining orders are common and they don't always apply to cases of domestic abuse. A restraining order can be issued during separation to put a stop to several types of actions. For instance, you can stop a spouse from selling or giving away what might be marital property with a restraining order. You may need to stop a spouse from using their credit cards, cancel any type of insurance, and more.
• Qualified domestic relations orders (QDRO) are related to marital property and retirement accounts. This order should be executed before the divorce is final.

Divorce Orders

If an order has expired, it can be made permanent in the divorce decree. For example, spousal support can be changed from temporary to permanent or rehabilitative. Other orders pertain to child custody as the judge changes custody from temporary to permanent. Other common divorce orders include:

• Orders setting out marital property divisions.
• Debts are divided and placed into an order.
• Changes to a visitation order may be in the final decree.

Finally, the most important order of all is the one finalizing the divorce. To find out more, speak to your divorce lawyer.