Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

I was advised of a hearing and the words "sua sponte" are mentioned. What does this mean?


Asked on 6/10/11, 11:22 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Eliz. C. A. Johnson Eliz. C. A. Johnson

In law, sua sponte (Latin: "of their own accord.") describes an act of authority taken without formal prompting from another party. The term is usually applied to actions by a judge taken without a prior motion or request from the parties.

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Answered on 6/10/11, 11:27 am
Michael Weinstein Law Office of Michael R. Weinstein

Without knowing more about your hearing notice I can only give you the meaning of the words "sua sponte." Sua sponte is a Latin term meaning of his or its own will or motion. A common usage is when a court takes some action or makes a ruling/issues an order without being asked to by a motion or pleading - it has acted sua sponte.

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Answered on 6/10/11, 11:27 am
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

It means the court set the hearing on its own, and not at the prompting of another party or another party's motion.

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Answered on 6/10/11, 12:10 pm


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