What does “pendente lite” mean”?
BY: William R.F. Conners
Managing Partner and Founder
The term pendente lite describes an interim hearing (or hearings) that are held pending the final divorce hearing. At such hearings, the court is authorized to grant temporary relief on many issues including with regard to property, child custody and visitation and support and spousal support. Oftentimes, the court will also award injunctive relief pendente lite such as to prevent, or require, certain conduct by the parties.