Ex Parte
The Ex Parte Department is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
In this Department, the court will review and sign:
- Orders that have been agreed upon by all parties
- Emergency order
- Protection and Anti-harassment orders
- Orders that begin a case, such as Probate or Unlawful Detainers
Procedures
- When you enter the courtroom, you should take your pleadings up to the box marked "Place Papers Here." This is located on the left side of the judicial officer. The clerk will scan your matter for completeness, then hand your pleadings up to the judicial officer.
- You are generally heard on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a few exceptions to this rule.
- Once the court has reviewed your matter, the judicial officer will call your name. You should stand and address the judicial officer as "Your Honor." He/she will ask any pertinent questions, will either sign your order as requested, deny your order as written or modify the order as the court sees fit.
- Sometimes, the judicial officer will give your order back and request further information.
If you are unsure or unable to find the correct courtroom for your hearing that day, please inquire in the Clerk's Office located on the third floor of the courthouse in room 300.
Matters that are not Handled
Matters that are not handled by the Ex Parte courtroom:
- Criminal matters
- Discovery motions (except for Support Modifications)
- Domestic matters that are contested (set with an assigned judge or presiding judge)
- Minor settlements
- Revision motions
- Summary judgments
- Trials
View and download the Ex Parte Policy (PDF).