What is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)? If you are afraid the other party will do something harmful before the temporary orders hearing, you can ask the judge to sign a temporary restraining order (TRO). A TRO is an emergency court order that orders a party not to take some particular action until a hearing can be held.

Temporary restraining orders (TRO) are short-term pre-trial temporary injunctions. To obtain a TRO, a party must convince the judge that he or she will suffer immediate irreparable injury unless the order is issued.

An application for restraining order, filed with the court, provides the victim with temporary protection until a hearing can be held. A temporary restraining order, also referred to as a “TRO,” only becomes effective once an application for a permanent restraining order has been filed with the court, and served on the offender.