A petition for temporary relief in Illinois can be sought at any time during divorce proceedings. You may be hesitant to initiate a divorce because of the residential or financial questions that are raised as soon as the Respondent is served with papers. If you have children, additional topics come into play, such as where the kids will go to school and who will live in the primary home before the divorce is settled. You should consult an attorney with your questions and concerns as soon as possible, as temporary relief can only be retroactive to the date you first file your petition.