Some individuals need immediate spousal support. They cannot wait until they receive orders from a judge. These situations are most common when one spouse does not have a job or income and the other spouse cuts him or her off financially during a dispute or separation. If your spouse denies you access to money in the early stages of a divorce, contact a San Diego spousal support lawyer to ask about a temporary order. Temporary support orders can provide the money you need from your spouse faster than permanent alimony. You and your lawyer can request temporary orders while you are still waiting for a final judgment. Temporary support can help you pay for your home, bills, food and other necessities while you wait for a resolution to your case. You or your lawyer must request this type of order when you file for divorce. You can do so when you have a new case you are just starting or if you already have an open family court case in San Diego. If you are first filing for divorce, you or your lawyer can request temporary spousal or partner support with your initial paperwork. With an already-open divorce case, you can submit court forms such as the Request for Order. This will set up a hearing with you, your ex-spouse and a judge. You may also be able to avoid going to court if you and your partner can write up a spousal support agreement plan and submit it to a judge. If a judge grants a temporary support order during your case, your spouse may have to pay you a certain sum – either lump or in installments – while your case is pending. The temporary support order may or may not change when a judge finalizes your divorce. Divorce finalization could take away your temporary support if the judge does not believe you qualify. Otherwise, the judge will grant a request to make a temporary spousal support order long-term or permanent. The judge will then use a special formula to determine how much and for how long you should receive financial support from your ex-partner.