Personal Protection Orders (PPO)
A PPO is a court order signed by a Circuit Court Judge intended to protect a Petitioner from a pattern of abuse or stalking by a Respondent.
Is a PPO right for your situation?
If your dispute involved any of the following, a PPO is likely not the appropriate action. Consider mediation or District Court instead:
Neighborhood Arguments
Property Disputes
Landlord/Tenant Issues
Small Claims Cases
Child Visitation/Support
Minor Child Behavior
Neighbor or non-violent disputes may qualify for a Peace Bond through the District Court.
Domestic Relationship
Requires one of the following connections to the Respondent:
- Current/Former Spouse
- Current/Former Dating Relationship
- Current/Former Housemate
- A Child in Common
Non-Domestic (Stalking)
No relationship required. Must establish a pattern of behavior including:
- At least two seperate stalking incidents.
- Evidendce that incidents caused you to feel terrorized, harassed, or threatened.
Prohibited Actions
A Judge may order the Respondent not to:
- Enter your property
- Assault or threaten you
- Contact you (via phone/email/mail)
- Purchase or possess a firearm
- Interfere with your employment
- Remove children (unless via Custody Order)
Penalty for Violation
Maximum 93 days in jail and/or a $500.00 fine.
Legal Disclaimer: The Court Clerk’s Office cannot provide legal advice regarding the merit of your PPO petition.
The Filing Process
1: Completion
Packets are available at the Clerk’s office. The Family Court Coordinator or Domestic Assault Advocate may assist with paperwork if available. No filing fee is required.
2: Judicial Review
The judge will either grant the order, deny it, or schedule a hearing.
3: Service
The Petitioner must arrange to have the Respondent served. Once service is confirmed (Proof of Service), the Sheriff’s Department is updated.