In Michigan, a domestic relationship personal protection order is the legal term for a restraining order in a case that involves domestic violence. This court order happens when an abuser has committed certain acts or is likely to do so. It’s used to protect people and their families from these acts. A personal protection order (PPO) can happen within 24 hours without notifying the abuser beforehand. The abuser does not need to be present in the courtroom.
Domestic relationship
There are a few specific requirements for a judge to issue a personal protection order. The first requirement is that the abuser is someone you had a specific relationship with. For example, they are a former or current spouse, someone you dated, a person you lived in the same house with or someone you have a child in common with. These examples illustrate a domestic relationship.
Domestic violence
A judge will also need to see that the abuser has either committed or is likely to commit specific types of acts, particularly related to domestic violence. These acts can include threatening you with physical harm or unlawfully visiting a private residence. It can also include unlawfully removing minors that you have legal custody of.
Another example of a case where you can ask for a personal protection order is when the abuser has recently come into possession of a firearm. Stalking behavior is another instance. An arrest for stalking behavior is not required to issue a PPO.
The above are examples. Keep in mind that many more circumstances warrant a court order of this kind. Any behavior that reasonably gives you a fear of violence is a good reason for a judge to issue a court order.