Meenakshi H. Rajan, Esquire ©
Part 1 of 3
Part 2: What is a “PL Hearing”? / Part 3: What if a “PL Order” is Wrong?
Family law attorneys frequently use the term “PL” when talking to clients about time sensitive matters that need court-ordered resolution during the divorce process. PL is short hand for Pendente Lite, a Latin term meaning “during litigation.” A PL hearing is a short hearing (usually between 30 minutes and two hours depending on the court) that can address certain issues on a temporary basis before a divorce is finalized.
PL hearings and orders are governed by Virginia Code §20-103. Under this provision, judges can do some of the following things on a temporary basis pending the final resolution of the case as part of the PL process:
- Order spousal support to be paid;
- Order one party to maintain health insurance for the other party and/or children;
- Order that one party have sole access to the house (known as exclusive use and possession);
- Order child support;
- Prevent either or both parties from misusing marital money;
- Order one party to pay the mortgage for the marital home;
- Order one party to pay any marital credit card debt; and
- Order one or both parties to maintain any life insurance policies (and beneficiary designations).
In addition, courts in some counties will hear PL custody matters, issuing a temporary custody order pending a final resolution of custody issues.
PL hearings and orders are among the many tools a family law attorney can use before a divorce is finalized to provide a client with interim financial or other assistance. PL orders can make additional litigation possible and begin to level the financial playing field between the parties.
Just as parties can avoid going to trial by reaching a settlement agreement in a divorce, parties can also reach agreement on certain matters on a temporary basis pending trial by agreeing to a “Consent PL Order” that is signed by a judge, and which then governs the case until all matters are resolved.
If you are not currently represented by an attorney and are uncertain if an PL Order is appropriate given the specific situation of your divorce, please reach out to the attorneys at The Myerson Law Group, P.C. We can help you navigate the divorce process.