Ex Parte Process for Benton & Franklin Counties

Overview

Benton and Franklin Counties will make every effort to hold Ex Parte in the courtroom.  Please review the Daily Schedule for Ex Parte courtroom or Court Administration assignment.  WebEx is not available for Ex Parte matters in either county. If the matter involves an Unlawful Detainer (UD), refer to the separate Unlawful Detainers Information page.

 

Benton County

  • Docket Hours: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Courtroom (or window) Opens to Parties: 1:15 p.m.

Franklin County

  • Docket Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

Ex Parte Procedures for Both Counties

Scope of Matters

  • The docket is procedural, not substantive.
  • It is not a substitute for regular dockets.
  • No pleas or sentencings will be processed.
  • Change of custody may only be addressed based on a clear showing of present danger and must follow the Motions for Immediate Orders process posted on the court’s website.

Document Submission Deadline

  • Documents (other than Protection Orders) must be placed in the Ex Parte box no later than the docket’s concluding time.
  • The Ex Parte box will be clearly marked and placed within arm’s reach of the Clerk.

After Submitting Documents

  • After placing documents in the Ex Parte box, parties must take a seat.
  • The Clerk (or Judicial Assistant) will:
    • Announce if the matter has been reviewed or
    • If the Judicial Officer has additional questions.

Copies of Signed Orders

  • The Clerk will conform copies of approved orders.
  • Requests for copies of signed orders follow the normal copy request process outlined by each clerk of each county.
  • Copies may not be available for purchase until the next business day, or later.
  • Parties should bring conforming copies if they need immediate copies.

Protection Orders Submitted After Docket Hours

  • A party seeking a Protection Order after the docket’s concluding time must:
    • Submit all required paperwork completed and provided to the Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. that day.
  • Incomplete or late submissions will be returned.
  • Returned Protection Orders may be resubmitted the following day under the same guidelines.

72-Hour Holds

  • The presentment of required orders and findings for expiring 72-hour holds may be presented outside Ex Parte docket hours.

[Effective 9.1.2026]