Legal Definitions - interim

Interim refers to something that is temporary or provisional, put in place for a limited period until a more permanent solution or arrangement can be established. It describes a measure, decision, or status that bridges a gap or manages a situation during a transitional phase.

• Example 1: After a major data breach, a technology company might hire an interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to immediately oversee security operations and implement emergency protocols while the board conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent CISO.

  Explanation: The hired CISO is serving in a temporary capacity, filling a critical role for the "intervening time" until a long-term, permanent leader for the security department is found and appointed.

• Example 2: In a family law case, a judge might issue an interim support order, requiring one spouse to pay temporary financial support to the other during the divorce proceedings. This order remains in effect until a final divorce decree is issued, which will include a permanent support arrangement.

  Explanation: The support payments are provisional and temporary, designed to provide financial stability for the "intervening time" while the legal process unfolds and a final, permanent resolution is determined.

• Example 3: A local government, facing an unexpected budget shortfall, might implement an interim hiring freeze across all departments. This temporary measure would be in place until a new fiscal year budget is approved and more stable financial projections are available.

  Explanation: The hiring freeze is a provisional policy, enacted for the "intervening time" to manage finances during an uncertain period, pending a more permanent budget decision.