Apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO)

Personal Protection Order (PPO) Lawyers in Singapore

If you are experiencing family violence, a Personal Protection Order (PPO) may provide legal protection against further acts of violence. If a PPO application has been made against you, it is equally important to understand the allegations, your legal position and how to respond.

PKWA Law’s experienced family lawyers advise and represent both applicants and respondents in Personal Protection Order proceedings before the Family Courts.

A Leading Family Law Firm

For over 30 years, PKWA Law has advised clients on family law matters, including Personal Protection Orders and family violence proceedings.

Our family law practice has been consistently recognised by The Straits Times in its annual survey of Singapore’s Best Law Firms.

What Is a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

A Personal Protection Order is a court order intended to protect a person from family violence.

The Family Courts may grant a PPO where the legal requirements for making the order are satisfied and the court considers that an order is necessary to protect the person concerned.

A PPO can restrain a family member from committing further family violence against the protected person.

What Counts as Family Violence?

Family violence can take different forms and is not limited to physical injury.

Depending on the circumstances, it may include:

• Physical violence, such as hitting, slapping or causing injury
• Threats or conduct that places a family member in fear of being hurt
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse or coercion
• Wrongfully confining or restraining a family member
• Repeated harassment or other conduct that causes fear or distress

Whether particular conduct amounts to family violence for the purposes of a PPO will depend on the facts and evidence of each case.

Who Can Apply for a PPO?

PPOs are intended to protect persons from family violence involving certain family relationships.

Depending on the circumstances, protection may be available in relation to:

• A spouse or former spouse
• A child, including an adopted or stepchild
• A parent
• A parent-in-law
• A sibling
• Certain other relatives or persons whom the court considers should be regarded as a member of the family

Applications involving children or persons who are unable to make an application themselves may also be made by an appropriate family member or representative where permitted by law.

Additional Protection: Expedited Orders and Domestic Exclusion Orders

Depending on the circumstances, the court may make additional orders to provide more immediate or specific protection.

Expedited Order (EO)

Where urgent protection is required while a PPO application is being considered, the court may make an Expedited Order.

An EO provides interim protection before the PPO proceedings are finally determined.

Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO)

A Domestic Exclusion Order may exclude or restrict a person from entering all or part of the protected person’s residence.

A DEO may be appropriate where additional protection within the home is necessary.

The type of order that may be appropriate will depend on the individual circumstances of the case.

Evidence in a PPO Application

Evidence is often important in PPO proceedings.

Applicants should preserve and gather relevant evidence as early as possible. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Police reports
• Medical reports
• Photographs of injuries or property damage
• WhatsApp messages, text messages or emails
• Audio or video recordings
• Witness evidence
• Other documents relating to the alleged incidents

Keeping a clear record of incidents, including relevant dates and what occurred, may also be useful.

For respondents, it is equally important to preserve evidence that may provide context to the allegations or support your response to the application.

Responding to a PPO Application

If a PPO application has been made against you, you should not ignore the proceedings.

Being named as a respondent does not mean that the allegations have automatically been proven. You will have an opportunity to understand the allegations and respond through the court process.

Our family lawyers can review the application and supporting evidence, advise you on your legal position and represent you in the proceedings where necessary.

What Happens During the PPO Process?

The precise process will depend on the circumstances of the case.

Some matters may be resolved without a contested hearing, while others may require the court to hear evidence from the parties before deciding whether an order should be made.

The length of the proceedings can therefore vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the allegations, the evidence available and whether the application is contested.

Obtaining legal advice early can help you understand what to expect and prepare your case properly.

What Happens if a PPO Is Breached?

A Personal Protection Order is a court order and should be taken seriously.

A breach of a PPO or related protective order may result in legal consequences, including criminal penalties. Anyone subject to an order should therefore understand clearly what the order requires and comply with its terms.

If you believe an existing PPO has been breached, you should consider seeking appropriate assistance promptly.

PPOs and Divorce Proceedings

A Personal Protection Order and a divorce are separate legal proceedings.

The existence of a PPO does not by itself automatically determine the outcome of divorce proceedings. However, allegations or findings of family violence may be relevant to other family law proceedings depending on the circumstances.

If you are considering both a PPO and a divorce, our family lawyers can advise you on how the different proceedings may interact.

How Our PPO Lawyers Can Help

PPO proceedings can be stressful, particularly where they involve serious allegations or an ongoing family dispute.

PKWA Law represents both applicants seeking protection and respondents facing PPO applications.

Our family lawyers can assist with:

• Advising whether the circumstances may justify a PPO or related order
• Preparing or responding to a PPO application
• Reviewing and organising relevant evidence
• Advising on Expedited Orders and Domestic Exclusion Orders
• Representing clients in contested PPO proceedings
• Advising on related divorce and family law issues

Our aim is to provide clear and practical advice so that you understand your legal position and the options available to you.

Speak to a PPO Lawyer in Singapore

If you are considering applying for a Personal Protection Order, or have received notice of a PPO application against you, speak to one of our experienced family lawyers.

At PKWA Law, our experienced family lawyers can guide you through the process of a Personal Protection Order (PPO). Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you take the first step towards protection and security.