Can you explain a de novo hearing?

In Wisconsin people with issues like this are entitled to a hearing before an elected judge. However, there are limits on their time, so court commissioners are hired to handle things that don't really need the judge's time so people can get hearings within a reasonable amount of time. If you don't agree with the court commissioner's ruling, you can ask for a hearing before a judge. "De Novo" essentially means starting from scratch. The judge looks at the evidence you bring into that hearing, not what was before the court commissioner. Was the TRO in the same case, or was it in a separate matter - even if between the same two parties. You really need a lawyer if it is getting this complex.