Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)

As Michigan domestic relations attorneys, we unfortunately understand that family law matters may get out of hand. Individuals who are upset at legal action that might not go in their favor may resort to making threats or perpetrating violent acts against the opposing party, or other members of their family. Sometimes, a court may need to get involved in order to prevent such acts from taking place in an effort to maintain the welfare and safety of the parties involved. Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are court orders that are issued to stop threats and/or violence that may be perpetrated against you. They can help protect you from an individual who threatens, hurts, or harasses you. There are three types of PPOs: Domestic PPOs, Non-Domestic (Stalking) PPOs, and Non-Domestic (Sexual Assault) PPOs.

Domestic Personal Protection Orders

Domestic Personal Protection Orders may be issued in instances where the parties at issue had some sort of domestic relationship. In addition to having a marital (or former marital) relationship, the parties can be roommates, former roommates, parents of a child (or children), or even a dating relationship. Of course, there are many other situations that may apply. The requirements and procedures by which one may obtain a Domestic PPO are enumerated by Michigan statutes.

Non-Domestic Personal Protection Orders

A Non-Domestic Personal Protection Order may be issued by a court to prevent stalking, aggravated stalking, and/or cyberstalking. Each one of these is defined by Michigan statute. If you are seeking such an order, you do not have to be related to the party against whom you are seeking the PPO. There are a number acts which may be prevented with a Non-Domestic PPO.

Non-Domestic Sexual Assault Personal Protection Orders

The Non-Domestic Sexual Assault Personal Protection Order can be sought by any individual who has been sexually assaulted or has been threatened with such action. There are a number of specific instances where this type of order may be sought be the court, as well as a number of instances of conduct that may be prohibited by such a PPO.