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The purpose of a “domestic relationship” personal protection order (PPO) is to restrain domestic violence and stalking.  The Court issues a PPO on the basis of the written allegations of the person filing for the PPO (Petitioner) if those allegations satisfy the Court that there are reasonable grounds that the person against whom the PPO is sought (Respondent) will engage in domestic violence or stalking against the Petitioner.

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The Respondent typically does not have an opportunity to respond to the allegations until the PPO has already been issued by the Court.  Usually, the Respondent does not even know that the Petitioner has filed for a PPO until a Sheriff's Deputy shows up and serves the PPO on the Respondent.

 

The PPO immediately prohibits all direct or indirect contact between Petitioner and Respondent. If Petitioner and Respondent reside together, the PPO requires Respondent to immediately move out.  In order to terminate or modify a PPO, the Respondent must file the appropriate paperwork with the Court within 14 days of being served with the PPO.  The Court then schedules a judicial hearing at which both Petitioner and Respondent must appear.  This judicial hearing typically is held within 30 days after the PPO is first issued. The judicial hearing is the Respondent's first opportunity to contest the PPO.

 

The issuance of a PPO is a very serious matter.  Associated with it are potential criminal consequences, as well as possible professional, personal, and social ramifications.
 

Sterling Law Office has a great deal of experience in representing Respondents and Petitioners in PPO cases. 

 

Call Sterling Law Office at 231-486-0559 for a free PPO phone consult.  We follow up phone consults with a Case Evaluation.

 

At a Case Evaluation, we meet with you either in-person or video conference. After an intake interview, we listen to your story and your goals so that we can help you understand your legal rights. We end our Case Evaluations with a Plan of Action that identifies your next steps in your legal journey. Case Evaluations have a flat fee of $100.00, and for that fee you receive valuable information, insight, and relief as you navigate your case. 

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After a Case Evaluation, if you feel your Plan of Action is best served with an attorney by your side, you may want to hire our firm to represent you. If so, we will prepare a contract and accept a deposit for your future legal expenses so that our legal team can get to work on your case.