Temporary spousal maintenance is support ordered while a divorce or legal separation case is pending before a final decree is entered. It addresses the immediate financial disparity between the spouses while the case works its way through the system.

Temporary maintenance is not a preview of the final award. The court makes temporary orders based on limited information available at the time. The final hearing starts fresh with complete financial information.

The best approach when both parties can be reasonable is to negotiate a temporary maintenance arrangement by Rule 69 agreement rather than go to a hearing. Include subject to reallocation at final trial or settlement language.