Does the respondent have to be at the hearing to be issued a PPO?

Does the respondent have to be at the hearing to be issued a PPO?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only if the judge requests

Answer: (B)

Protective orders can be issued without the respondent being present when there is an immediate risk. A judge can grant a temporary or ex parte protective order based on the petition and supporting statements, taking urgent safety needs into account. This order takes effect right away and is served on the respondent with notice of a forthcoming hearing. At that hearing, the respondent has the opportunity to contest the order and present their side, and the judge decides whether the order stays in place, is modified, or ends. So the respondent does not have to be at the hearing for the initial order to be issued.

Protective orders can be issued without the respondent being present when there is an immediate risk. A judge can grant a temporary or ex parte protective order based on the petition and supporting statements, taking urgent safety needs into account. This order takes effect right away and is served on the respondent with notice of a forthcoming hearing. At that hearing, the respondent has the opportunity to contest the order and present their side, and the judge decides whether the order stays in place, is modified, or ends. So the respondent does not have to be at the hearing for the initial order to be issued.