No one goes into a domestic relationship thinking they’re going to someday need to file a restraining order against their partner. But sometimes relationships go terribly wrong, and one party begins threatening the other. If this is the situation you’ve found yourself in, you may be thinking about obtaining a personal protection order to help keep yourself (and your children) safe.
What Is a Domestic Relationship Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan?
A personal protection order (PPO) is a court order that can help protect you from someone who is threatening, harassing, or acting violently toward you. Also called a restraining order, these are not given out without careful consideration. You must demonstrate to the court that the alleged abuser is likely to assault, threaten, harass, or stalk you, and you must have reasonable fear for your safety and rights.
Against Whom May I File a Personal Protection Order?
A domestic relationship PPO may be filed against the following:
- A current or former spouse
- A current or former live-in partner
- A current or former romantic partner
- Your child’s other parent
What Does a Personal Protection Order Do for Me?
A Michigan-issued PPO can provide that:
- the abuser cannot enter the properties in which you live and work
- the abuser cannot remove your minor children from you, if you have legal custody
- the abuser cannot stalk, assault, threaten, abuse, or attack you or another person, and
- the abuser is prohibited from buying or possessing a gun
How Do I Obtain a Personal Protection Order in Michigan?
To obtain a PPO in Michigan, you must first file a petition with the court. While there are online tools available for use, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you best state your case to ensure a PPO is issued. The team at Barberi Law in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, will speak with you to understand the complexities of your situation and then build a case that may expedite a favorable court outcome.
Further, if you feel particularly fearful that the abuser may harm you before the PPO is issued — or that the abuser will harm you if they find out you’re petitioning for a PPO — an emergency order (called an ex parte order) may be granted. The Family Law team at Barberi Law will do everything we can to reach the fastest, safest resolution to your domestic concerns. Call us today, or use the Contact form so we can help.
Resources:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/PPO_Brochure_2_176129_7.pdf