Ex parte
Updated 2026-09-29
Ex parte is a Latin term meaning “from one side.” It describes a court application or hearing where only one party is present, and the other side is not notified in advance or given a chance to respond before the order is made.
This is used only in urgent situations, such as applying for a freeze order before a scammer can move funds out of a bank account. Notifying the other side first would defeat the purpose, since they could empty the account immediately.
Because it is one-sided, an ex parte order is usually temporary. The other party can later apply to have it reviewed or set aside at an inter partes hearing, where both sides are heard.
When it matters
Ex parte applications move quickly, but they also require the applicant to be completely honest with the court, since the other side cannot yet respond.
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