Movant

A 'movant' is a legal term referring to the party or individual who initiates a legal action or makes a formal request (a motion) to a court or other legal body. They are the ones asking the court to take a specific action, whether it be to grant a specific remedy, issue a ruling, or set a hearing. The movant bears the responsibility of presenting their case and supporting evidence to justify their request. This distinguishes them from the respondent, who is responding to the movant's actions or motion.

Movant meaning with examples

• In a divorce case, the spouse filing for divorce is the movant, initiating the legal proceedings and presenting the grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. They must present evidence and make specific claims on assets.
• The plaintiff, the movant in a civil lawsuit, presented a compelling argument for damages, citing the defendant's negligence as the cause of their injuries, seeking to recover lost wages and medical expenses in their claim.
• The attorney for the movant in the case carefully prepared the necessary legal documentation, including affidavits and exhibits, to support their motion for summary judgment, arguing there were no material facts in dispute.
• If a person files for bankruptcy, they become the movant. The movant starts the process. They have to provide all the necessary legal documentation to present the case to the court to provide their claims.