What is a temporary restraining order?

A temporary restraining order, commonly called a TRO, is short-term court-ordered protection that may be issued before the full injunction hearing. It is designed to preserve safety or prevent continued prohibited conduct while the parties await the evidentiary hearing.

A TRO is not the same as a final injunction. The court initially reviews the petition under the statutory standard for temporary relief, often without a full evidentiary presentation from both parties. The respondent then receives notice and an opportunity to be heard at the injunction hearing.

The terms of the TRO may prohibit contact, require the respondent to avoid specified places, or impose other protections authorized by the applicable statute. Violation of a valid TRO can have serious consequences.

At the later hearing, the petitioner still must establish the statutory basis for an injunction; obtaining a TRO does not guarantee that a final injunction will issue.

Primary Wisconsin authorities: Wis. Stat. §§ 813.12 and 813.125.