Following is a list of basic questions and answers regarding Personal Protection Orders. The forms are available in the County Clerk’s Office. You do not need an appointment. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We do not close during the lunch hour. For further information, please call (517) 788-4268.


Q. Where do I go to file a P.P.O.?
A. County Clerk’s Office which is located on the first floor of the Jackson Court
Building, 312 S. Jackson St., Jackson, Michigan.

Q. Does it cost to file a P.P.O.?
A. No.

Q. What information do I need to file a P.P.O.?
A. You need an address, birthdate, and brief description (height, weight, eye & hair
color, race & sex) of the party to be restrained.

Q. Do I need a police report?
A. No, but we will include it if you do along with pictures and other documentation.

Q. Does the P.P.O. cover everyone in the household?
A. Only one name is listed on the P.P.O. for protection, but the judge can add other names as well.

Q. How do I get my P.P.O. served?
A. Either by: Registered/certified mail; process server or anyone over 18 years of age that is not a party to the situation.

Q. Can children get P.P.O.’s against their parents?
A. No. And parents cannot obtain P.P.O.’s against their minor children.

Q. What is the difference between stalking and domestic P.P.O.?
A. Domestic means the parties have had a relationship, dated, married, have a child in common or live together in the same house.

Q. Can minors file a P.P.O.?
A. Yes, but they need to have an adult present who is willing to sign as their “next friend”.

Q. How soon can I see a judge?
A. Usually right away or you might have to come back the next day, depending upon the assigned judge’s schedule.

If you do not fit into one of these categories, you will file a stalking P.P.O.