After an order of protection application goes to court, which responses are possible?

• A. Grant an ex-parte.
• B. Grant an ex-parte, dismiss, or issue fiat.
• C. Dismiss.
• D. Issue fiat.

Answer: (B)

When a petition for an order of protection reaches court, the judge has several immediate ways to respond to protect someone while the process moves forward. If there’s evidence of an immediate risk, the court can grant an ex parte order, which provides protection without giving the respondent notice or an opportunity to respond yet. If the petition doesn’t show enough basis for relief, the court can dismiss it. The court can also issue a fiat, a temporary order intended to provide relief while a full hearing is scheduled. Because all three actions are possible in this situation, the best answer lists grant an ex parte, dismiss, or issue fiat.