Domestic and Non-Domestic PPOs

PPOs are generally divided into two categories:  Domestic and Non-Domestic.  Domestic categories require that the Petitioner (person seeking the PPO) and Respondent (person against whom the PPO is sought) have a current or past relationship (usually defined as marriage, dating, living together, or child in common).  Non-Domestic encompasses all other relationships.  To get a PPO, a Petitioner has to show a need for protection, usually some legitimate fear of intimidation/harassment in the relationship.  Judges can sign these PPOs “ex-parte,” meaning without a hearing and only upon the Petitioner’s written request.  However, if the Judge requires testimony before signing the PPO, then a hearing will be scheduled at which both the Petitioner and Respondent would testify and a judge would decide if enough evidence exists to sign the Order. 

Learn more about PPOs here.

Restraining Order vs. "PPO"

Many people have heard the term “Restraining Order.” But, in Michigan, restraining orders are actually known by a confusing acronym, “PPO,” which stands for Personal Protection Order. PPOs are court orders signed by a Circuit Court Judge which typically prevent any contact with a protected person. They are civil orders, and are therefore sought by individuals, not by prosecutors or police. And they are often signed by Family Court Judges, and held before those judges. 

Learn more here.

Common Questions About "PPOs"

Every day, Dan answers calls from people seeking to get or defend a PPO, many of whom ask the same questions:

“How do I get a PPO?”

“Do I have to testify in court to get or defend a PPO?”

“What happens if I violate the PPO?”

“How will a PPO entered against me affect my job, my life, my record?”

“How long will the PPO last?”

Learn more about PPOs here.