What does Ex Parte Mean?

Ex Parte is one of those legalese terms that few who are not lawyers understand. It came from Latin, an ancient language that was the ancestor of the modern French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Romanian languages. Some Latin terms find their way into the English language, including the term Ex Parte, which means by or for one party.

In the legal system an Ex Parte request is made by one parte, without notice to the other party. It is very rare for anything in the court system to be done by just one party, without notice to the other, Ex Parte actions are rare, and, only allowed in special circumstances where immediate action is needed, and, notice to the other side would endanger a party or a child. In family court Ex Parte requests can be made in cases of domestic abuse, and, where the actions of a parent put a child in danger.

If you hear the term Ex Parte used in a case that you are involved in the situation is probably serious.