If you are just beginning a divorce in Kentucky, you are probably juggling a lot: moving logistics, parenting schedules, and financial uncertainty. One of the first questions many clients ask is, “What happens to everything between now and when the divorce is final?” That period of time can feel unstable and confusing. This is where a Status Quo Order may be helpful.
A Status Quo Order is a temporary order that helps protect the financial arrangements that are currently in place. The purpose of a Status Quo Order is to preserve the marital estate and to preserve financial stability while the divorce is pending. The court uses Status Quo Orders to ensure that neither spouse makes sudden, disruptive changes that could cause unfair financial consequences to either spouse.
Under FCRPP 2(5), Kentucky courts can enter a Status Quo Order to address financial matters. It might state that neither party may spend or transfer large amounts of money, sell off marital property, or change the beneficiaries of life insurance policies or retirement accounts. It may also set temporary responsibilities, like who pays the mortgage or utility bills, while the divorce is pending. This is often important when one spouse has been the primary breadwinner or manages most of the family’s finances. The court’s goal is to avoid either spouse being left without housing, transportation, or the ability to pay for basic needs while everything gets sorted out.
In most venues, a Status Quo Order is usually not automatically issued. Typically, a spouse must formally request one through a motion and provide notice to the other party. The court must also hold a hearing and consider evidence before entering the order if the other spouse objects to the entry of the order.
If you are worried about your spouse draining bank accounts or failing to pay the mortgage, you may want to speak to an experienced family law attorney about whether a Status Quo Order is appropriate for your situation. It is a protective measure, not a final ruling, and it can give you some breathing room while the court begins to evaluate what a fair resolution looks like for everyone involved.
Divorce is difficult enough without unexpected disruptions to your family or finances. A Status Quo Order can provide stability while you figure out your next steps.