De bene esse

De bene esse is a Latin phrase meaning of well being. In the context of American law, it means something done conditionally, provisionally, or in anticipation of future need. For example, a proceeding de bene esse is one "which [is] taken ex parte or provisionally and [is] allowed to stand as well done for the present." A deposition that is used or intended to be used in place of a witness' live testimony in court is referred to as a de bene esse deposition.