What is an ex parte order for protection?

An ex parte order for protection refers to a legal order that is issued when only one party is present in court, typically because there is an immediate need to protect an individual from harm. This type of order is granted quickly and without requiring the presence of the other party, who is often the alleged perpetrator. The primary intent is to provide immediate safety to the individual seeking protection, often in cases of domestic violence or threats.

The use of an ex parte procedure allows the court to act swiftly in situations where waiting for both parties to be present could result in further harm to the person requesting the order. After the ex parte order is issued, a follow-up hearing is usually scheduled where both parties can present their cases and the court can decide whether to extend the protection order based on the evidence and situations discussed.