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.