Ex Parte

Lake Charles Ex Parte Attorneys

Reliable & Responsive Lawyers in a Crisis

Life can be full of unpredictable circumstances, and as a result, people need to act quickly if an emergency presents itself. People who want immediate relief generally know they won’t receive it when it comes to settling legal matters, as the court system is known for being notoriously slow in scheduling hearings and delivering rulings. However, in family law cases, ex parte orders can be filed if one party is in need of an immediate ruling. Ex parte orders may be an option for individuals if their livelihood is at stake – our Lake Charles ex parte attorneys have experience helping clients seek relief and can determine whether filing such an order is appropriate given your situation. Sudduth & Associates, LLC is committed to helping our clients improve their lives through a variety of legal means.


Call 1-833-SUDDUTH today to reach a dedicated family law attorney, or contact us online. We offer consultations in English and Spanish and can provide comprehensive, compassionate service.


The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

  • If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James.

    “Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.”

  • His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area.

    “Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.”

  • If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.

    “If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.”

  • They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'

    “James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame”

What is an Ex Parte Order?

In family law court, no matter how quickly you file a request for order, your hearing date may still be scheduled months away, as courts are known to be backed up with cases. For some issues, the time spent waiting is manageable, but there are some unique situations where there’s an urgent need for a hearing. This is where ex parte orders come in.

Ex parte orders are made by one party without the other party being made aware of it, and are typically issued when immediate change is needed and providing notice to the other party isn’t possible. When an ex parte order is made, the party who receives it can immediately act on it. A major advantage of an ex parte order is that the process sidesteps the long process of having to wait months for one court order.

Reasons for Issuing Ex Parte Orders

There are a variety of reasons why individuals seek ex parte orders, but they typically relate to the physical and mental safety of the person or children of the person filing the order.

Common reasons why ex parte orders may be issued include:

  • To protect a child: Ex parte orders can be filed to grant a parent full custody of a child is being physically or sexually abused. Courts need evidence of abuse before they grant an order.
  • To prevent injuries: One of the most common reasons why individuals seek ex parte orders is to protect victims from domestic violence. Courts must grant orders when individuals claim they’ve been abused by a family member or domestic partner, and can remain in effect until a hearing is held.
  • To prevent financial harm: If an individual is in dire need of financial compensation from a hearing and cannot wait months for a decision, an ex parte order may be issued. This is also the case if a party is actively negatively affecting the other party’s finances and they need them to stop.

While many parties have valid reasons for needing an ex parte, one negative side effect is that failing to provide the other party notice denies them the opportunity to defend against the action and as a result, denies their due process rights. Some people may simply use ex parte orders as an excuse to achieve their desired results without waiting for a hearing like everyone else, also known as “jumping the line.”

However, if you or your children are being abused or you’re financially destitute, an ex parte order may be the right option for you. It’s important that you hire a family lawyer immediately so they can analyze your situation and provide the evidence you need for a court to grant you an order. The sooner you call our team of professional attorneys, the sooner we can help you protect the people you love.


For efficient service, call our Lake Charles ex parte attorneys immediately at 1-833-SUDDUTH. As a family-oriented law firm, we understand your need for confidentiality and privacy during this time.


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