Pendente Lite

Pendente lite is a term that refers to some form of court order that is only valid while the matter is under litigation. The main use for pendente lite is in divorce and child custody issues.

For example, alimony can be granted pendente lite, as well as child custody and support payments. The matters will be clearly examined and decided during litigation, but in the meantime, the children must live somewhere and certain things like insurance coverage shouldn’t be left unclear for long periods of time.

Pendente litigation can spell out temporary measures for all of these arrangements, in addition to providing alimony payments for legal or health expenses. After litigation is complete, the order will end and be replaced with the terms of the divorce.

A Columbia, Maryland family law attorney can provide more information about pendente lite.