EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

(West Virginia Circuit Court – Template)

[// GUIDANCE: Drafted for emergency injunctive relief under W. Va. R. Civ. P. 65 and applicable statutes (e.g., W. Va. Code §§ 53-5-1 et seq.). Confirm compliance with local circuit court rules, e-filing procedures (W. Va. Trial Court Rule 12), and any administrative orders governing ex parte practice.]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Caption ..................................................................................................................... 1
2. Ex Parte Application and Notice ............................................................................. 2
3. Memorandum of Law .............................................................................................. 4
   3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 4
   3.2 Procedural Background ............................................................................ 4
   3.3 Legal Standard (W. Va. R. Civ. P. 65) ...................................................... 5
   3.4 Argument ................................................................................................... 6
   3.4.1 Immediate and Irreparable Harm ................................................. 6
   3.4.2 Likelihood of Success on the Merits ............................................ 7
   3.4.3 Balance of Equities and Public Interest ...................................... 8
   3.5 Requested Relief and Security ................................................................. 9
4. Counsel Certification Regarding Notice .............................................................. 10
5. [Proposed] Order .................................................................................................. 12
6. Certificate of Service (W. Va. R. Civ. P. 5) ......................................................... 14

(Page numbers will auto-update when formatted)

1. CAPTION

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF [COUNTY NAME] COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

[PLAINTIFF NAME], ) Civil Action No. [Case Number]
Plaintiff, )
v. ) EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR
) TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
[DEFENDANT NAME], )
Defendant. )

2. EX PARTE APPLICATION AND NOTICE

TO: [Opposing Counsel/Party]

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that [Moving Party] seeks an ex parte Temporary Restraining Order pursuant to Rule 65 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and W. Va. Code § 53-5-1. The application will be presented to the Honorable [Judge Name] on [Hearing Date] at [Time], or as soon as the Court may hear the matter, at [Courthouse Address].

Immediate and irreparable harm will occur before this matter can be heard on regular notice because [Describe imminent harm: e.g., loss of unique property, interference with statutory rights, dissemination of trade secrets, environmental damage]. Monetary relief is inadequate, and delay would undermine the Court’s ability to preserve the status quo.

Counsel [provided / attempted / seeks waiver of] notice to [Opposing Counsel/Party] on [Date] at [Time] via [telephone/email/fax/personal service], as detailed in the attached Counsel Certification. [// GUIDANCE: If notice is excused, explain specific efforts and reasons consistent with Rule 65(b) and West Virginia precedent such as State ex rel. McMahon v. Hamilton, 200 W. Va. 402, 489 S.E.2d 272 (1997).]

This application is based upon the Verified [Complaint/Petition], the affidavits/declarations of [Names], the accompanying Memorandum of Law, the Counsel Certification Regarding Notice, and the [Proposed] Order submitted herewith.

DATED: [MM/DD/YYYY]

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Respectfully submitted,

[LAW FIRM NAME]

By: _____
[ATTORNEY NAME], W. Va. Bar No. [Number]
Counsel for [Moving Party]

3. MEMORANDUM OF LAW

3.1 Introduction

[// GUIDANCE: Provide a concise overview of the emergency, requested relief, and supporting legal authority.]

3.2 Procedural Background

1. Case Initiation: [Date complaint/petition filed]
2. Service Status: [Describe service efforts]
3. Prior Proceedings: [Detail any prior injunctions, administrative actions, or related litigation]
4. Events Creating Urgency: [Chronological facts demonstrating imminent harm]

3.3 Legal Standard (W. Va. R. Civ. P. 65)

Rule 65(b) permits issuance of a temporary restraining order without notice when (1) specific facts in affidavits or a verified complaint clearly show immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result before the adverse party can be heard, and (2) the movant’s attorney certifies efforts to provide notice and reasons notice should be excused. Courts consider (a) likelihood of success on the merits, (b) irreparable harm, (c) balance of equities, and (d) the public interest. See State ex rel. Johnson v. Cline, 198 W. Va. 689, 482 S.E.2d 624 (1996); State ex rel. W. Va. Dep’t of Health & Human Res. v. Cline, 235 W. Va. 338, 774 S.E.2d 614 (2015).

3.4 Argument

3.4.1 Immediate and Irreparable Harm

[// GUIDANCE: Provide detailed factual support for imminent harm, referencing specific paragraphs in supporting affidavits. Explain why legal remedies are inadequate.]

3.4.2 Likelihood of Success on the Merits

[// GUIDANCE: Analyze the underlying claims using West Virginia statutes and case law. Address anticipated defenses.]

3.4.3 Balance of Equities and Public Interest

[// GUIDANCE: Demonstrate that the requested relief preserves the status quo, minimizes prejudice to Defendant, and promotes public policy (e.g., protecting consumers, maintaining safety).]

3.5 Requested Relief and Security

[// GUIDANCE: Specify the injunctive provisions sought, request scheduling of a preliminary injunction hearing within the time limits of Rule 65(b), and address bond/security requirements under Rule 65(c) and W. Va. Code § 53-5-7.]

4. COUNSEL CERTIFICATION REGARDING NOTICE

I, [Counsel Name], certify under penalty of perjury that:

1. I represent [Moving Party] in the above-captioned matter.
2. On [Date] at [Time], I notified [Opposing Counsel/Party] of the intent to seek an ex parte TRO by [method].
3. The response received was [Describe response/no response].
4. If notice was not provided, I made the following diligent efforts: [Detail efforts]. Notice should be excused because [Explain exigent circumstances consistent with Rule 65(b)].
5. I informed [Opposing Counsel/Party] that the application would be presented on [Hearing Date] at [Time] in [Courtroom].

Executed on [MM/DD/YYYY] at [City, State].

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[COUNSEL NAME], W. Va. Bar No. [Number]

5. [PROPOSED] ORDER

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF [COUNTY NAME] COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

[CAPTION SAME AS ABOVE]

[PROPOSED] TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

The Court, having reviewed the Ex Parte Application of [Moving Party], supporting affidavits, and counsel’s certification, FINDS that immediate and irreparable injury will result before Defendant can be heard. It is ORDERED:

1. The Ex Parte Application is GRANTED pursuant to W. Va. R. Civ. P. 65(b).
2. Defendant, and all persons acting in concert with Defendant, are enjoined from:
   a. [Specify prohibited conduct];
   b. [Specify additional restraints or mandatory directives].
3. Defendant shall appear on [Date] at [Time] in Courtroom [Number] to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not issue.
4. [Service] Plaintiff shall serve this Order, the Application, and supporting materials by [method] on or before [Date], and file proof of service.
5. [Security] Plaintiff shall post bond in the amount of $[Amount] pursuant to W. Va. R. Civ. P. 65(c) and W. Va. Code § 53-5-7 by [Date].
6. This Order shall remain in effect until [Expiration Date/Time], unless extended or modified by further order of the Court.

ENTER: _____ _____
Hon. [JUDGE NAME]
Circuit Court Judge

6. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (W. Va. R. Civ. P. 5)

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that on [Date], I served the foregoing EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER on the following:

[Service List: Name, Firm, Address, Email]

☐ West Virginia electronic filing system (if available)
☐ E-Mail (consent obtained)
☐ U.S. Mail, First-Class
☐ Overnight Delivery
☐ Personal Service by [Process Server]

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: [Date]

[NAME OF DECLARANT]

[// GUIDANCE: Attach supporting affidavits, exhibits, and any circuit-specific emergency motion cover sheets required by the Chief Judge.]