Legal Definitions - now comes

Now comes is a traditional and formal opening phrase used in legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, or petitions, to announce the formal appearance of a party or their attorney before the court. It signifies that the named party is officially presenting the accompanying document or making a formal statement to the court. Essentially, it's a declaration of who is presenting the legal action or response.

• Example 1: Filing a Motion to Compel Discovery

  Imagine a situation in a civil lawsuit where one party, the plaintiff, is trying to get information from the defendant, but the defendant is refusing to provide it. The plaintiff's attorney might file a document titled "Motion to Compel Discovery." The opening line of this motion would typically read: "NOW COMES the Plaintiff, [Plaintiff's Name], by and through their undersigned counsel, and hereby moves this Honorable Court to compel the Defendant to produce the requested discovery documents..."

  Explanation: This phrase formally introduces the plaintiff as the party making the request to the court. It clearly states that the plaintiff, through their lawyer, is taking a specific legal action – filing a motion to compel – and is formally appearing before the court to seek its intervention.

• Example 2: Responding to a Summons and Complaint

  Consider a scenario where a business has been sued for breach of contract and needs to formally respond to the allegations made in the lawsuit. Their legal document, often called an "Answer" or "Response to Complaint," would begin with: "NOW COMES the Defendant, [Business Name], by and through its attorney, and for its Answer to the Complaint filed by the Plaintiff, states as follows..."

  Explanation: Here, "NOW COMES" serves to formally identify the defendant business as the party who is officially replying to the claims made against it. It signals their formal appearance in the case to provide their legal defense and address the allegations.

• Example 3: Petitioning for a Protective Order

  Suppose an individual needs to urgently request a court order to protect them from harassment or threats. They would file a "Petition for Protective Order." The document might start: "NOW COMES the Petitioner, [Petitioner's Name], appearing pro se (without an attorney), and respectfully petitions this Court for a protective order against [Respondent's Name]..."

  Explanation: In this context, "NOW COMES" formally introduces the individual as the person who is officially approaching the court to seek a specific, urgent intervention. It establishes their formal presence and purpose in presenting the petition, even when they are representing themselves.