Personal Protection Orders In The Context Of Michigan Family Law
In family law matters, things can quickly spiral out of control, leaving you and your family in a potentially dangerous situation. But there are options available to you to help protect and safeguard yourself and your children if necessary if things devolve into a divorce or other family law matter. Personal Protection Orders are court orders that can stop threats of violence against you and can help prevent injury, stalking, harassment or other abusive behavior. Attorney Sherri Bono can assist in these situations. She understands how these processes work and can help you secure a PPO if you are in a dangerous situation stemming from a family law issue.
Our firm, Bono Legal Group, PLLC, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, will stand by you and work to help secure your safety.
How Do I Get An Order Of Protection?
A Personal Protection Order, also sometimes known as a restraining order or order of protection, can be lifesaving in many cases. In order to get one, you must file a petition with the court. In this petition, you must prove that the person you are filing the order against, also defined as your abuser, is someone that you are afraid will harm you. In the order, you should outline what your abuser has done to you, what harm you have suffered already and that your abuser is likely to assault, threaten, harass or stalk you.
Detailing this experience can be difficult and overwhelming, but your attorney can assist with this process. Ms. Bono can walk you through the guidelines for filing a petition and help craft a compelling argument for the judge. She can also be there for you during the court hearing, which is the following step in obtaining an order of protection. During the hearing, both you and your abuser will speak with the judge. In many cases, you may need to call witnesses and provide additional evidence, much like a criminal court hearing. Ms. Bono has years of experience in family law and can stand up for you in court. Our firm is well-versed in these types of sensitive matters and has a long history of success in family law. Ms. Bono will be there for you as your ally and your advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Protection Orders
There is a lot of misinformation around where Personal Protection Orders are concerned. Here are some clear answers:
How long does a Personal Protection Order (PPO) last in Michigan?
In general, an “ex parte” PPO – the kind that is granted in emergency situations without a full hearing – will be valid for a minimum of 182 days. This is to allow both parties time to compile their cases to present to the court before a full order is granted. A standard PPO, if granted, will typically expire either at the six-month mark or in one year.
A petitioner may still fear for their safety once a PPO is set to expire. If so, the petitioner has until three days before the PPO’s date of expiration to file a motion to modify or extend it. Strong legal representation can be critical to obtain the court-ordered protections you need when family violence is an issue, whether an incident is recent or in the past.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan?
While you do not require a lawyer to file a PPO, having a lawyer can prevent you from making mistakes that could endanger you and your family.
Representing yourself in court and filing critical paperwork for a PPO can be challenging without an extensive understanding of Michigan law. By yourself, you may be expected to file paperwork, present evidence and respond to complicated legal questions. Having an experienced PPO attorney by your side can eliminate a significant amount of stress and anxiety during a difficult time and help you better obtain the outcome you hope to see by presenting careful, focused arguments on your behalf to the court.
What happens if the person violates the PPO after it is issued?
Once a PPO is signed by a judge, it typically can be enforced anywhere in Michigan. Violating a PPO is a serious matter. A judge may find the violating party in contempt of court, which can lead to criminal charges, jail time and fines. Furthermore, the PPO may be modified after a violation to include stricter terms to protect the petitioner.
If the subject of your PPO violates their order, call the police immediately to protect yourself from harm. Once you are safe, speak to an attorney to learn what you can do to make sure that the court is watching.
Get The Help You Need When Dealing With Family Violence
These situations are delicate and need to be handled with care as well as skill and experience. Attorney Sherri Bono can be there for you when filing an order of protection. If you fear you or your family are in danger, contact us today to set up an appointment. Learn more about how a PPO can help secure your safety and how we can help you obtain one. Call 248-266-4627 or use the online contact form to schedule a consultation. From our office in Bloomfield Hills, we help clients in Birmingham and throughout the entire metro Detroit area.