In fact, as many as half of all divorces may be completed without a temporary order. Making a good impression on the judge deciding your case is an important part of winning a more favorable settlement in the end. Therefore, you may conclude that a reasonable temporary arrangement, while not ideal, will make a good impression on the judge. Moreover, convincing a judge that you are a rational, even-tempered person may be especially important if your spouse has alleged abuse. In addition, peacefully establishing a temporary compromise may avoid inflaming the opposing party unnecessarily, especially where the prospect of a favorable final settlement exists.
Attorney fees are always a paramount concern.
An attorney may charge you several thousand dollars to prepare and argue temporary motions. You have to decide whether the possibility of a slightly more favorable temporary arrangement is worth the money. Often, the evidence necessary to convince the judge to grant you temporary custody of the kids will be similar to the evidence that will be introduced at trial. This is particularly true regarding custody and support matters. So, if heard, the judge essentially tries the same case twice.