What Is a Temporary Automatic Injunction in a Colorado Divorce or Custody Case?

Filing for divorce or a custody case in Colorado comes with a lot of moving parts. One of the most important aspects is something called a Temporary Automatic Injunction.

These are court-ordered rules that kick in automatically when a case is filed or served. And if you’re not aware of them, it’s surprisingly easy to violate them—without even realizing it.

At Rider Goodwin Law, we make sure our clients understand how these injunctions work and what they need to do to stay compliant. In this post, we’ll break down what the injunctions mean, what they cover, and why they matter.

What Is a Temporary Automatic Injunction?

Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 14-10-107), a set of restrictions automatically goes into effect when a divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities (APR) case is filed.

These Temporary Automatic Injunctions apply to both parties. They don’t require a separate Court hearing or ruling or order. They’re built into the law and included in the documents you receive at the start of your case.

The goal of these injunctions is simple: keep things stable. That means preserving the financial, legal, and emotional status quo while the case is ongoing.

What Do These Injunctions Actually Prohibit?

There are four main categories of restrictions. Here’s what each one means in plain English:

1. Don’t Make Big Financial Moves

You are not allowed to transfer, sell, hide, or give away any property unless it’s for ordinary and necessary living expenses or done in the normal course of business.

✅ OK: Paying rent, buying groceries, covering utility bills
🚫 Not OK: Emptying bank accounts, selling a car, making large purchases, or giving money to family

If you’re ever unsure, the best thing to do is ask your attorney first.

2. Don’t Take the Kids Out of Colorado

The children cannot leave Colorado without written permission from the other parent or a court order.

This includes vacations, family emergencies, or any out-of-state travel. This also includes the children traveling for extracurricular activities or with extended family.

Removing the children from Colorado without proper consent is a serious violation and can negatively impact parenting time or custody decisions.

3. Don’t Disturb the Peace

The injunction also prohibits you from harassing or disturbing the peace of the other party.

This doesn’t require physical contact; it can include:

  • Excessive or threatening texts and calls

  • Showing up at the other person’s home or job

  • Social media posts that target or provoke

Respectful distance and calm communication go a long way, both emotionally and legally.

4. Don’t Change or Cancel Insurance

You’re not allowed to cancel, modify, or let lapse any insurance policies, including:

  • Health insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Car insurance

  • Renters or homeowners insurance

These protections are in place to make sure that no one suddenly loses coverage during a vulnerable time.   This applies to policies that cover your spouse or your children.

What Happens If You Violate the Injunctions?

Violating any part of a Temporary Automatic Injunction is a serious matter. The court may issue sanctions, hold you in contempt, order you to pay the other party’s attorney fees, or make decisions that affect parenting or property division.

In other words, the consequences are real, even if the violation was unintentional.

Judges expect parties to know and follow the rules from the beginning. Saying “I didn’t realize” usually won’t excuse a violation.

Tips to Stay on Track

  • Keep a copy of the injunction language with your case documents

  • Ask your attorney before making major decisions about money, kids, or insurance

  • Keep interactions civil, brief, and focused on logistics when possible

  • Avoid assumptions even if something feels reasonable, check first

These rules are meant to protect both parties while the court process unfolds. Following them shows that you’re serious about a respectful, lawful resolution.

Conclusion

Temporary Automatic Injunctions may not be the most talked-about part of a divorce or custody case, but they’re one of the important things to get right from day one.

Understanding these rules and following them closely can help you avoid costly missteps, maintain your credibility with the court, and stay focused on what really matters.

If you’ve recently filed a case or been served and have questions about what you can or can’t do, the team at Rider Goodwin Law is here to help. We’ll walk you through the process, protect your interests, and make sure you’re fully informed every step of the way.

Call us today at 303.728.4271 or click here to schedule a consultation.

Family Law Resource BankKelley Rider Goodwin