Getting a Temporary Order Quickly

A temporary order gets money moving while the case works out the details — and speed comes from showing up prepared.

Find the fastest forum

Some states set temporary support administratively through the agency, others by motion in family court — check your county's self-help center for the quickest local route. Bring three months of pay stubs, the other parent's income records, insurance premiums, childcare invoices, and a completed guideline worksheet.

Set a number that sticks

If the other parent's income is unknown, courts may impute temporarily from prior earnings or local wage data and adjust later. Don't set an unpayable amount that creates instant arrears — propose modest base support plus a percentage of variable income, with an automatic 60–90-day review. Address insurance and uninsured-expense splits with 30-day reimbursement windows, and request immediate income withholding. Service is still required — speed doesn't skip it.

Since 1997, the lawyers for child support team at Sinkin Law Firm has recovered unpaid support for parents statewide.