A personal protection order (PPO) is an order from the court that restrains a named individual from certain actions. A petition must be filed with the Family Division of the Circuit Court. A PPO is effective when signed by the judge and is enforceable anywhere in the United States by any law enforcement agency until the expiration date which is included in the order. A PPO takes precedence over any existing custody or parenting time order until the PPO expires, or is amended or terminated.

PPO Coordinator:

The court's PPO Coordinator is available at the Gull Road Courthouse to assist petitioners seeking personal protection orders. The PPO Coordinator interviews petitioners to assess their needs, assists with processing paperwork, and will oftentimes refer petitioners to local agencies for assistance with various needs.

PPO Coordinator (269) 385-6081
Gull Road Courthouse - 1400 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (noon to 1:00 p.m. by appointment)

Types of PPOs:

Domestic Relationship: A petitioner in a domestic relationship with the named individual - a spouse, a former spouse, an individual with whom he/she has had a child in common, an individual with whom he/she has or has had a dating relationship, or an individual residing or having resided in the same household as the petitioner.

Non-Domestic Relationship: A petitioner that is not in a domestic relationship with the named individual.

Using Approved Forms:

Only state and locally approved forms for obtaining a PPO may be used. This ensures conformity with statutes, avoids interpretation issues, and provides uniformity for all law enforcement agencies. Approved forms may be obtained from the PPO Coordinator at the Gull Road Courthouse, at no charge.

Filing a Case:

PPO cases are designated by case endings PP for domestic, PH for non-domestic and PJ for juvenile. A PPO is a separate action and will not be filed in conjunction with any other action.

No fee is required to file a petition for PPO, although the petitioner is responsible for the cost of serving papers and for copies of previous judgments or orders.

If the petitioner is 13 years of age or younger, the court will appoint a Next Friend. If the petitioner is 14 years of age through 17 years of age and wishes to proceed through a Next Friend, the court will appoint a Next Friend; and Form 9CC-0401, Order Appointing Next Friend for Minor Plaintiff, must be used.

For protection purposes, the petitioner may request that addresses and telephone numbers be kept confidential. The petitioner will need to complete Form 9CC-0400, Confidential Information.

Expiration Date:

All PPOs must contain an expiration date, which is not less than 182 days after entry. Ex-parte PPOs will not exceed one year unless the judge concludes a longer period is necessary.

Notification for LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network):

Upon entry of a PPO or an order for modification, dismissal or termination of a PPO, the PPO Coordinator will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of entry or changes to LEIN.

Violation:

Violation of a PPO subjects a respondent to immediate arrest and to the civil and criminal contempt powers of the court, which may include up to 93 days and/or a fine up to $500.00.

There are two ways in which a respondent may be brought before the court for violating a PPO:

1. A law enforcement officer may make a warrantless arrest when probable cause is shown that the PPO has been violated.
2. The petitioner may file form 9CC-0407, Motion and Order to Show Cause for Violating PPO, and a show cause hearing will be scheduled.

Modification/Extension/Termination:

To modify, extend or terminate a PPO, the moving party must complete form 9CC-0413, Motion to Modify, Extend or Terminate PPO, and schedule a hearing. The form and procedural instructions may be obtained from the PPO Coordinator.