A pendente lite hearing, also known as a "pending litigation" hearing, is a legal proceeding that takes place during the course of a divorce or other legal action in which temporary orders are issued to address immediate needs and concerns of the parties involved.
The purpose of a pendente lite hearing is to address urgent issues that need to be resolved before the final hearing or trial. These issues can include things like child custody, child support, alimony, and the use and possession of property.
In Maryland, a pendente lite hearing is usually held within 30 days of the filing of the complaint for divorce, and it is at the discretion of the court.
At the pendente lite hearing, the parties present evidence and testimony to the court in support of their requests for temporary relief, and the judge will make a ruling based on the evidence presented. The ruling is temporary and only in effect until the final hearing or trial.
It's important to note that the pendente lite hearing is not the final hearing or trial, and it's a temporary solution to the urgent issues that need to be resolved while the divorce process is ongoing. Therefore, the court's decision is not final and can be modified during the final hearing or trial.
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