The judges in Washington County, Arkansas, have issued a “Standing Order of the Court in Domestic Relations Cases.” The Standing Order is designed to preserve the status quo until either an agreement is reached or a hearing is held by the judge assigned to the case. The Standing Order goes into effect against the Plaintiff when the petition or complaint is filed and it is effective against the Defendant once the Defendant is served with the paperwork. It is a serious order and any violation of the order could result in a fine or even jail time. 

The provisions of Benton County’s Standing Order are common sense. Neither party may harass, threaten, or injure the other. Neither party may sell property without an agreement or judicial permission. Neither party may remove the children from Arkansas without permission from the judge, except for short vacations. Neither party may cancel insurance of any type, nor may they change cell phones, utilities, or other necessities of life without permission from the Court. These orders are designed to minimize disruption during the many changes that occur during the transition of a family breakup associated with divorce. The provisions of the Standing Order are serious and meaningful, and any violation of any term or provision of the Order could result in serious, adverse consequences, including even jail time. 

In Oklahoma, the Automatic Temporary Injunction (ATI) is a court order established by statute at 43 O.S. § 110. It goes into effect as soon as a divorce petition is filed by a Petitioner and the documents are served on the Respondent. It is designed to protect both parties and to an extent maintain the status quo while the divorce proceedings are underway. It only applies to divorce cases and does not apply to paternity cases filed pursuant to the Uniform Parentage Act.