Why is my first court hearing titled " an order to show cause"

      In Wisconsin, the legal papaers used for an initial temporary court hearing are entitled "order to show cause."  The court signs the papers and they are to be personally served on the other party, within a set period of time, usually 7 days before the time set for the heairng. An order to show differes from a standard motion in that  (1) the order is signed by the court and (2) they must be personally served. With a standard motion either the party or their attorney can sign the legal papers and they can be mailed, and not necessarily personally served.        At the initial first hearing, the court will set temporary orders while you go through the divorce. This will consist of temporary court orders on custody, placement, visitation, child support, who gets to stay in the family home, debts, health insurance, spousal support, who gets to use which cars and bank accounts you both may have and any other issues unique to your case.