Latin term meaning "by or for one party." The term refers to an attorney's communication with:

The term also refers to legal proceedings that are conducted without notice to, and outside the presence of, other parties affected by the proceeding. Typically, ex parte proceedings are permitted only when a party needs urgent relief that cannot wait until the adverse party is informed of the request and given an opportunity to respond. However, in some jurisdictions, ex parte proceedings require that the adverse party be given minimal notice and an opportunity to respond.