What stage does 'pendente lite' refer to in a legal proceeding?

'Pendente lite' is a Latin term that translates to "while the suit is pending." This phrase is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to the period during which a lawsuit is actively ongoing, before a final resolution or judgment has been reached. During this stage, various motions and requests for relief may be made to the court, and temporary orders can be established to address immediate needs.

The concept of 'pendente lite' is significant because it allows for provisional decisions to be made by the court to maintain the status quo or provide support to one of the parties involved, such as temporary alimony or child support, while the case is still being deliberated. This ensures that individuals do not suffer undue hardship while waiting for the final verdict in a prolonged legal process.

In contrast, the other stages outlined, such as the final ruling stage, pre-trial motion stage, and post-trial review stage, pertain to different phases of litigation and do not capture the essence of 'pendente lite,' which specifically pertains to actions and circumstances occurring during the ongoing suit.