PPO Information

A personal protection order is an order issued by the court. It can protect you from harassment, assault, beating, molesting, wounding, and stalking by another person. The order can also prohibit him/her from entering your premises and from removing minor children unless the removal is part of court-ordered visitation.

There are two types of personal protection orders. One is issued only after the other person has been notified that you have filed for a restraining order and after a court hearing has been held. The other type is issued without notifying the other person and with no court hearing. This is called an ex-parte order.

To get a personal protection order (PPO) go to the county clerk's office or the circuit court where you live and ask for a "do-it-yourself" personal protection order packet. The packet will provide the forms you will need and instructions on how to fill out the forms. If you are in immediate danger, ask the court for an "ex parte" order and check the "ex parte" box on the form.

You will also need information about the person to be restrained such as name, address, place of employment, date of birth, physical description, etc. If you have notarized written statements from witnesses and copies of supporting documents or materials from police, doctors, or social agencies, bring them with you. The court will provide you with the necessary forms to fill out.

Note: By using the do-it-yourself PPO you are choosing to represent yourself in a court action.

In order to receive the protection you seek, you must follow the instructions you are given. If you fail to do even one of the required steps, the order you get from the court could be ineffective and you could remain unprotected.

While the first step in filling a PPO is the County Clerk's Office, the employees in this office are forbidden from giving legal advise. A good place to start is the Michigan Crime Victims Alliance PPO site or the Community Dispute Resolution Program site for non-domestic matters.