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.