Need help with an ex parte order in Kansas City?
Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against one, the law can feel heavy. Quick action matters. You need someone who understands the court and stands beside you. This page explains ex parte orders, how they work, and how a lawyer can help. We keep things clear, short, and useful.
What Is an Ex Parte Order?
An ex parte order is a court order made without the other person present. In most cases, it’s a protection order. One person asks the court to keep another person away. The judge can approve it fast if there’s a real risk of harm. The order is often just temporary. The other person will get a chance to respond later in a full court hearing.
Why Do People Ask for Ex Parte Orders?
People ask for ex parte protection when they feel unsafe. The law in Missouri allows this if:
- There is proof of abuse, stalking, or threats
- The person fears serious harm
- A full court hearing would take too long to stay safe
Common reasons include:
- Domestic violence
- Harassment by an ex-partner
- Stalking
- Threats to children
Who Can File in Kansas City?
In Missouri, a person can file for an ex parte order if they:
- Are at least 17 or legally emancipated
- Claim abuse, stalking, or threats
- Live in the same house or have a close relationship
You do not have to be married. Parents, partners, roommates, and even exes can file.
What Happens After Filing?
Here’s what usually happens:
- The person files a petition.
- The judge reviews it the same day.
- If approved, the order takes effect right away.
- The other person is served with the order.
- A court date is set within 15 days.
- Both sides appear and tell their side.
See also: Wrongful Death in Kansas City? How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family
What Does the Order Do?
An ex parte order can:
- Order someone to stay away from your home or work
- Ban calls, texts, or messages
- Remove someone from a shared home
- Block gun access
Breaking the order is a crime. Police can arrest the person if they violate it.
How Long Does It Last?
An ex parte order usually lasts until the court hearing.
That means it may only be in place for a few days or weeks. After that, the judge decides whether to:
- End the order
- Extend it
- Turn it into a full protection order (lasting up to a year or more)
What If You’re Served With an Ex Parte Order?
Getting an order against you can be a shock. But don’t ignore it.
Here’s what to do:
- Read the full order
- Follow every part, even if you disagree
- Do not contact the person at all
- Get a lawyer fast
You will get a court date. You can tell your side then. A lawyer can help you prepare.
Can These Orders Be Misused?
Yes, sometimes people use them in bad faith.
This may happen during:
- Divorce or custody battles
- Breakups
- Family fights
False claims hurt real victims and the accused. That’s why defense matters.
A good lawyer can:
- Challenge weak or fake claims
- Show your side of the story
- Protect your record and rights
How Can a Kansas City Lawyer Help?
Whether you are filing or defending, you don’t have to face this alone.
An experienced lawyer can:
- Prepare or challenge the petition
- Guide you on what to say (and not say)
- Collect evidence and witness support
- Speak for you in court
- Help with future steps like custody or criminal charges
Fast action is key. Orders happen fast. The right lawyer makes a big difference. Consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City right away.
What to Bring to Your Lawyer
For the best help, bring:
- A copy of the petition or order
- Any messages, emails, or texts
- Witness names and contact info
- Police reports or photos (if any)
- A written timeline of events
Clear details help your lawyer build your case fast.
What If You Miss the Hearing?
If you’re the one who filed and you miss court, the order may end. If you’re defending and miss court, the judge may grant a full order without you. Don’t risk it. Show up, and bring your lawyer.
What About Kids?
If you have children together, the court may add rules for:
- Child exchange times
- School pickups
- Talking through a third party
The judge’s goal is to protect the kids and follow the law.
Can the Order Be Changed?
Yes. Either side can ask the court to change or end the order. You must file a motion and attend another hearing. A lawyer can help with this too.
Why Choose a Local Kansas City Lawyer?
Laws differ by city and court. A local lawyer knows:
- Local judges and court staff
- Kansas City’s filing process
- What works in local hearings
You want someone who has stood in that courtroom before.
Don’t Wait Too Long
These orders move fast. Judges act in hours, not weeks.
If you’re filing, you need to do it right. If you’re defending, you need to respond fast. Either way, you need a guide who knows Missouri law.
A skilled Kansas City ex parte lawyer helps protect your future.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Contacting the other person.
Even one text can break the order. - Posting about the case online.
Social media posts can hurt your case. - Not getting a lawyer.
Judges take these orders seriously. You should too. - Skipping the hearing.
If you don’t show, the other side wins. - Not gathering proof.
What you bring matters more than what you say.
When to Call a Lawyer
- You feel unsafe and want fast protection
- You were served and don’t know what to do
- You think someone made false claims
- You need help in a custody or divorce fight
- You want peace of mind in a tense time
FAQs
1. Can I file an ex parte order without a lawyer?
Yes, but it’s better with one. A lawyer can help you file correctly and avoid mistakes.
2. How soon will the judge review my ex parte request?
Most are reviewed the same day. In urgent cases, judges act within hours.
3. What happens if the order is based on false claims?
You can fight it. Your lawyer can gather proof and show the judge the truth.
4. Will an ex parte order affect my job or record?
It can. Some orders show up in background checks. A lawyer can help reduce this risk.
5. Can we settle things before the court hearing?
Maybe. But all contact must follow the order. A lawyer can handle talks for you.
