This is a form of temporary maintenance put in place by a court pending the final decision on financial matters in a divorce. It tends to be ordered if a couple cannot reach an interim agreement on this and is often restrictive in nature in that it tends to look at the essential outgoings over the next few months whilst matters are resolved, rather than looking at longer term budgeting of things such as holidays and replacement cars which are usually factored into final maintenance orders. There is some expense in making an application on an interim basis and if agreement can be reached this saves legal fees.