Personal Protection Orders (PPO) in Michigan
We’re committed to helping you secure a personal protection order to safeguard your well-being. Our experienced attorneys will support you through the process, ensuring your safety is prioritized.
Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It
If you’re feeling unsafe or threatened, seeking a Personal Protection Order in Michigan is a brave step towards safety, stability, and peace of mind. Here at Wilson Kester, we’re dedicated to supporting you through the process and will empower you every step of the way.
Our experienced Michigan family law attorneys approach PPO matters with urgency, compassion, and discretion. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and take swift action to help you secure legal protection. We’re committed to your wellbeing and we’ll stand by your side throughout the process. Contact us today to speak with a Michigan PPO attorney and get the legal support you deserve.
Personal Protection Orders (PPO)
Petitioning for a Personal Protection Order
Personal protection orders (PPOs) safeguard individuals from domestic violence or stalking. A PPO protects people who are married, dating, formerly married or dating, or who share a child. PPOs often include restrictions on certain behaviors or contact to ensure safety and prevent harassment at home or work.
To obtain a PPO in Michigan, our attorneys draft a petition outlining the dangers you have faced to help secure your safety. You can submit your petition ex parte, meaning without notifying the other party. Ex-parte filings are common when immediate harm is a risk, as notifying the other party could increase danger. Our trauma-informed attorneys collaborate with you to develop safety plans and advise you on protections that prioritize your family’s safety.
Once the Order is Issued
After the court issues a PPO, either party can request a hearing. The respondent, subject to the PPO restrictions, may contest its necessity or request changes to its terms. Both parties present evidence during the hearing to determine if the PPO should be issued, continued, or modified. The petitioner must prove the need for the PPO.
The judge or referee evaluates whether reasonable cause exists to issue the PPO, applying Michigan’s lowest burden of proof due to the critical importance of safety. Once the judge grants a PPO, it becomes effective immediately and is entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN). If law enforcement serves the PPO and the respondent violates it, enforcement occurs immediately.
Navigating PPOs in Divorce and Custody Cases
PPOs can complicate divorce and child custody matters, as conflicts may arise between protection orders and parenting time schedules. Co-parenting with someone subject to a PPO presents challenges, but tailored PPO provisions can help. For example, parenting exchanges can occur through third parties or programs like Safe Haven, while communications can be managed through tools like Our Family Wizard.
Since PPO terms override custody and parenting orders, modifications to the PPO or parenting plan may be necessary to align with the best interests of everyone involved.
At Wilson Kester – the Empowered Divorce Source, our attorneys are trained to empower our clients who experience domestic violence so that they may live in safety and are empowered to effectively co-parent, free from harassment. We are here to help you navigate the intersection of a PPO and your divorce so that you and your children can move forward in a safe and emotionally healthy way.
FAQs: Understanding Personal Protection Orders In Michigan
Generally, obtaining a PPO in Michigan involves the following:
- Filing a request (petition) with the court
- Explaining the behavior that made you feel unsafe
- Providing supporting information or documentation when available
- Having the judge review your request and determine whether to issue the order
Our attorneys help ensure your petition is clear, thorough, and focused on the facts that matter most. We guide you through each step, prepare you for what to expect, and advocate for swift court action whenever possible. Contact our team to get started right away.
In most cases, a PPO lasts six to 12 months, though the court may order a longer duration depending on the circumstances. PPOs can often be extended if protection is still needed.
A PPO violation is a serious matter. If the restrained person violates the order, even one time, law enforcement can take immediate action.
If you believe your PPO has been violated, our team can help you understand your options and take appropriate next steps to protect your safety and enforce the order.
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Contact UsOur experienced Client Experience Coordinators are ready to help you.
Contact UsBecome part of the over 5,000 satisfied clients who have trusted us with their divorce and family law matters.
Contact UsYou Don’t Have To Face This Alone
Seeking a Personal Protection Order in Michigan is about protecting your safety, your boundaries, and your future. At Wilson Kester, we understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are honored to support individuals during these critical moments.
Please contact us today so we can help you obtain a Michigan PPO and take steps toward a safer future.