How can I stop my spouse from . . . . (fill in the blank)?

Temporary restraining orders are the most common method to stop harmful acts by a spouse. Temporary restraining orders at the beginning of a divorce may last up to fourteen days without a court hearing, and after a court hearing the same restraints may become part of the Court's temporary orders for the case.

Protective orders are used if physical violence or threats of physical violence occur. Police departments may be used to enforce protective orders, unlike temporary restraining orders.

Other types of court orders may be used as well. For example, court orders compelling a spouse to comply with discovery are used to stop discovery abuses. Contempt hearings may be used when a spouse will not stop violating previous court orders.

Clients may also help themselves to stop spouses from certain actions. While we do not recommend that clients hide assets, we do recommend that clients act defensively to keep the other spouse from hiding assets if it appears that is about to occur. For example, one spouse may freeze bank accounts so they are not taken by the other spouse by contacting the bank directly. Similarly, credit lines may often be closed by calling the credit card company.

Unfortunately, freezing bank accounts and closing credit lines may also be used offensively to keep one spouse from accessing funds for basic living expenses or to hire an attorney. To prevent this from occurring, we also recommend that persons keep at least a small amount of liquid assets and some credit line solely in their own name.
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