Category: EX PARTE ORDER

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I’VE BEEN SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI?

  

EX PARTE ORDER

Being served with ex parte orders in Missouri can be shocking and confusing, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. You might be wondering:

  • What is an ex parte order?
  • Why was it issued against me?
  • What do I have to do now?

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorneys help people in Kansas City and throughout Missouri respond to these urgent legal matters every day. If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Missouri, we can help.

WHAT IS AN EX PARTE ORDER?

An ex parte order is a temporary court order issued without your presence or prior notice. “Ex parte” literally means “from one side.”

In Missouri, ex parte orders are most often issued in cases involving:

  • Allegations of domestic violence or harassment
  • Orders of protection (commonly called restraining orders)
  • Child custody or visitation restrictions
  • Situations where the court believes there is an immediate risk of harm

Because they’re granted based on one party’s statements, without you being there to defend yourself, these orders are meant to be temporary until a full hearing can be held.

HOW DO EX PARTE ORDERS WORK?

The Petitioner Files a Request

Someone (the “petitioner”) files a sworn statement with the court requesting protection or restrictions against you.

The Judge Reviews the Request

If the judge believes there is enough evidence of an immediate threat, they can issue the order the same day.

You Are Served

Law enforcement or a process server delivers the ex parte order to you. From that moment, you must follow the order exactly, even if you disagree with it.

A Hearing Is Scheduled

Usually within 15 days, the court will hold a full hearing where you can present your side. At that point, the judge will decide whether to extend the order into a full order of protection.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS CREATED BY AN EX PARTE ORDER?

  • Depending on the case, an ex parte order may require you to:
  • Stay away from the petitioner’s home, work, or school
  • Cease all contact: calls, texts, social media, and third-party messages
  • Move out of a shared home immediately
  • Stay a certain distance away from the petitioner and their family
  • Surrender firearms while the order is in effect

Violating these terms, even accidentally, can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time.

CONSEQUENCES OF BEING SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER

Even though ex parte orders are temporary, they can have serious and immediate impacts:

  • You could be removed from your home
  • You may lose access to your children temporarily
  • You may be barred from owning or possessing firearms
  • Your reputation could suffer, especially if the case becomes public
  • Any violation could lead to arrest for a criminal offense

WHAT DO TO IF YOU’VE BEEN SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER IN KANSAS CITY

Read the Order Carefully: Understand every restriction so you don’t violate it.

Do Not Contact the Petitioner: Even a friendly text could be considered a violation.

Gather Evidence: Collect texts, emails, witnesses, or any proof that disputes the petitioner’s claims.

Contact an Experienced Missouri Ex Parte Lawyer Immediately: You have limited time before your hearing to prepare a strong defense.

Show Up for the Hearing: If you skip it, the judge can automatically extend the order for months or even years.

LET KC DEFENSE COUNSEL BUILD YOUR DEFENSE

We fight to protect your rights in ex parte cases by:

  • Reviewing the allegations for inconsistencies
  • Gathering evidence and witness statements to support your side
  • Challenging the petitioner’s credibility and claims in court
  • Negotiating modifications or dismissal of the order
  • Protecting you from related criminal charges

We understand how damaging these orders can be—and we know how to fight them in Missouri courts.

Served with an Ex Parte Order? Call KC Defense Counsel Now. You have only a short time to act before your hearing. Don’t face this alone.

When you’re charged with a crime in Missouri, your freedom, reputation, and future are all on the line. Don’t take chances with your defense.

Call KC Defense Counsel today and hire one of our affordable Kansas City criminal defense attorneys who understands the local courts and knows how to fight for your rights. At KC Defense Counsel, we provide aggressive representation tailored to your unique situation. Call us today for a free consultation.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI?

  

EX PARTE ORDER

Being served with an ex parte order of protection in Missouri can be shocking, confusing, and even frightening. Whether the allegations are exaggerated, false, or misunderstood, the consequences of doing nothing — or doing the wrong thing — can be severe. An ex parte order is a court-issued temporary restraining order that can significantly affect your freedom, your access to your home, your ability to see your children, and even your job.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Missouri criminal defense and protection order attorneys are here to help. If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, we can help you begin building your defense.

WHAT IS AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI

An ex parte order of protection is a temporary court order issued without your presence or knowledge. It is typically based on the sworn petition of someone (called the “petitioner”) who claims to be a victim of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or harassment.

Because the court issues the order based only on the petitioner’s side of the story, you won’t have a chance to defend yourself until a full hearing is held, usually within 15 days.

Even though it is temporary, violating an ex parte order is a criminal offense in Missouri. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations immediately after being served.

Step 1: Do Not Contact the Petitioner: Even if you believe the ex parte order is unfair or based on false claims, do not try to contact the person who filed it. This includes:

  • Calling or texting
  • Messaging on social media
  • Asking friends or family to reach out on your behalf
  • Visiting them in person

Doing so can result in criminal charges for violating a protection order. Even accidental or indirect contact may be interpreted as a violation, so it’s best to avoid any communication whatsoever.

Step 2: Read the Order Carefully: The ex parte order will include specific restrictions, such as:

  • Prohibiting you from going near the petitioner’s home, work, or school
  • Forbidding any form of contact (even through a third party)
  • Removing you from your shared residence (even if you are on the lease or mortgage)
  • Temporarily suspending child visitation

Carefully review the terms so you don’t unintentionally violate the order. Violations can lead to arrest, jail time, and a negative impression in court during your hearing.

Step 3: Contact a Missouri Protection Order Defense Lawyer: The next — and most important step is to speak with a Kansas City criminal defense attorney who has experience handling orders of protection. Time is limited, and the hearing on whether the ex parte order will become a full order of protection (lasting up to one year) is usually set within two weeks.

A skilled attorney can help you:

  • Understand what’s at stake
  • Prepare a strong defense for your hearing
  • Gather witnesses, messages, or evidence that support your case
  • Challenge false or exaggerated allegations
  • Fight to preserve your parental rights, housing, and reputation

Step 4: Attend the Full Hearing and Defend Yourself: At the hearing, both you and the petitioner will have the chance to present your case. This is your opportunity to tell your side of the story, but you shouldn’t do it alone. An experienced Missouri ex parte order attorney will protect your rights and present a persuasive defense to the judge.

If you don’t attend the hearing, the court will likely issue a full order of protection against you by default. That order can last for a year (or longer) and may seriously impact your future.

FACING EX PARTE? CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL AND START FIGHTING BACK

If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Missouri, don’t wait and don’t go it alone. The consequences are too serious, and the window to respond is short. At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve successfully defended clients against orders of protection and helped them move forward with their lives.

Call us today for a free case evaluation. Let us fight for your rights, your reputation, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI

   

ORDER OF PROTECTIONATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY MISSOURI

Being served with an ex parte order of protection in Missouri can be overwhelming and confusing. Whether the order stems from allegations of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, it’s critical to understand what it means and how to respond.

A failure to act appropriately could result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.

If you’ve been served with an Ex Parte order in Kansas City, here’s what you need to know and how one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers at KC Defense Counsel can help protect your rights.

WHAT IS AN EX PARTE ORDER OF PROTECTION?

An ex parte order is a temporary protective order issued by the court without your prior knowledge or presence. In Missouri, courts can grant these orders if the petitioner (the person requesting protection) provides sufficient evidence that they are in immediate danger of harm.

Since the order is issued without your input, you won’t have a chance to defend yourself initially. However, a full court hearing will be scheduled within 15 days to determine whether the order should be extended into a full order of protection, which can last up to one year (and may be renewed).

CONSULT A KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

An ex parte order is a civil matter, but violating it can lead to criminal charges. If the court issues a full order of protection, it could impact:

  • Your ability to own firearms
  • Child custody and visitation rights
  • Your employment and background checks

An experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can:

  • Review the evidence and build a strong defense
  • Represent you in court and fight to get the order dismissed
  • Negotiate child custody or visitation modifications
  • Protect you from criminal charges if allegations escalate

READ THE EX PARTE ORDER CAREFULLY

As soon as you receive the order, read it thoroughly. It will outline specific restrictions, which may include:

  • No contact with the petitioner (directly or indirectly)
  • Staying away from the petitioner’s home, workplace, or school
  • Temporary child custody or visitation restrictions
  • Prohibition from possessing firearms

Violating any of these conditions, even accidentally, can result in criminal charges and potential jail time.

DO NOT CONTACT THE PETITIONER

This one is important and crucial. While it’s natural to want to clear up misunderstandings, do not contact the petitioner under any circumstances. Even a simple text message or a message through a third party could be considered a violation, leading to further legal trouble.

If the order restricts you from going to certain places (such as your home or your child’s school), comply fully, even if it’s inconvenient. You will have the opportunity to present your side of the story in court.

GATHER EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES

To prepare for your hearing, start collecting evidence that supports your case.

This may include:

  • Text messages, emails, or call logs that show communication history
  • Social media posts from the petitioner that contradict their claims
  • Witness statements from people who can testify on your behalf
  • Security camera footage or other evidence disproving allegations

If the allegations are false, your Kansas City defense attorney will use this evidence to challenge the petitioner’s claims and argue against extending the protective order.

ATTEND THE COURT HEARING

A court hearing will be scheduled within 15 days to determine whether the ex parte order should become a full order of protection. You must attend this hearing—failure to appear may result in the judge granting a long-term order against you by default.

At the hearing, both you and the petitioner will have the chance to present evidence and testimony. Having a skilled defense attorney by your side is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and to challenge any false accusations.

COMPLY WITH THE COURT’S DECISION

If the judge denies the full order of protection, the case will be dismissed, and the restrictions will be lifted. However, if the judge grants the full order, you must comply with all conditions until it expires or is modified.

If you believe the order was wrongfully granted, your attorney can help you explore options for appeal or modification.

CONTACT A KANSAS CITY EX PARTE ATTORNEY TODAY

If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Kansas City, don’t face it alone. A false or exaggerated accusation can have serious legal and personal consequences. At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights, challenge wrongful allegations, and help you navigate the legal process.

Call today for a free consultation and get the legal representation you need.