What is an ex-parte petition?

An ex-parte petition is where only one side initially is being heard. The petitioner files their petition. The court reviews it for legal sufficiency without yet hearing from the respondent. Once the court makes the determination that the ex-parte petition is legally sufficient, then and only then is the respondent notified that there’s going to be a hearing and given the opportunity to come down and contest the allegations that have been made in the petition.