How to Get a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan
Michigan’s Personal Protection Order (PPO) process explained for survivors.
Understanding Michigan Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)
What is a Michigan Personal Protection Order?
A Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan is a civil court order that tells a person to stop specific harmful or threatening behaviours. It is sometimes called a “restraining order.” It is separate from criminal charges, but breaking a PPO can lead to criminal consequences.
There are several main types of PPOs in Michigan, including:
- Domestic Relationship PPO – for situations involving a current or former intimate partner, spouse, someone you have a child with, or certain close family or household relationships.
- Stalking PPO – for ongoing unwanted contact, following, monitoring, or harassment, even if there is no domestic relationship.
- Cyberstalking or Cyberbullying PPO – for harassment and stalking that happens mainly online or through electronic devices.
- Sexual Assault PPO – for situations involving sexual violence or threats of sexual violence.
Names and exact categories for PPOs can change over time. For current details, checking official Michigan court information or a local legal clinic can be helpful.
Who Can Apply for a Michigan PPO?
In broad terms, a person in Michigan can ask the court for a PPO if:
- They have experienced threats, violence, stalking, or harassment that fits one of the PPO categories, and
- The other person (the “respondent”) is in Michigan, or their actions affect someone in Michigan.
Domestic relationship PPOs usually involve:
- Current or former dating partners
- Current or former spouses
- Someone you share a child with
- Other qualifying family or household relationships as defined under Michigan law
Stalking or sexual assault PPOs generally do not require a family or dating relationship. They focus on patterns of behaviour like repeated unwanted contact, following, or threats.
Age, immigration status, or relationship status can affect what type of PPO is available. A local legal clinic or victim services worker in Michigan can help explain options without charge in many communities.
Filing for a PPO
To request a PPO, a person usually:
- Files written forms with a Michigan court describing the behaviour they want stopped
- Indicates which type of PPO they are asking for (domestic relationship, stalking, sexual assault, etc.)
- Lists the specific protections they are requesting (for example, no contact, staying away from home or work)
Courts may have self-help forms, and some areas have advocates who can help fill them out. There may be options to file in person or electronically, depending on the court.
This information is general and not legal advice. Court forms, fees, and processes can change, and some fees may be waived in safety-related cases.
Temporary (Ex Parte) PPOs
In some situations, a person can ask for a temporary PPO without the other person present. This is sometimes called an “ex parte” PPO. The judge reviews the written request and supporting details and decides whether immediate protection is appropriate.
If granted, a temporary PPO can take effect as soon as it is signed by the judge and properly served on the respondent. It usually lasts until a full hearing is held or until a set expiration date written in the order.
Serving the Respondent
For a PPO to be enforceable, the respondent generally needs to be given notice of the order. This is called “service.” Service is usually done by someone other than the person requesting protection, such as:
- Law enforcement (when available)
- A professional process server
- Another adult who meets court requirements
The server typically fills out proof of service, which is returned to the court. If the respondent is not served, the court may reschedule hearings or extend deadlines so service can be completed.
It is usually safer if the person asking for a PPO does not personally hand papers to the respondent. Local court staff can explain what service options exist in that area.
Full Hearing on a PPO
After a temporary PPO is issued, or when a temporary order is not granted, the court may schedule a full hearing. At this hearing:
- The person asking for the PPO can explain the situation, provide documents, or bring witnesses.
- The respondent can attend, respond to the claims, and bring their own evidence or witnesses.
- The judge decides whether to grant, change, or deny a longer-term PPO and what conditions it should include.
Sometimes the respondent can request a hearing to challenge a temporary PPO. The court will then set a date and notify both sides.
Protections a PPO Can Include
A Michigan PPO can be tailored to the situation. Common protections a person can ask the court to include are:
- No contact in any form (in person, phone, text, email, social media, messages through others)
- Staying away from a home, workplace, school, or other specific locations
- Stopping harassment, stalking, following, or monitoring
- Prohibiting the respondent from entering a shared residence (in some domestic cases)
- Restrictions on using, possessing, or purchasing firearms, when allowed by law
- Limits on posting about the protected person online or sharing their personal information
The judge decides which protections to include. It can help to clearly explain why each requested protection is linked to safety concerns.
How Long a PPO Usually Lasts
The length of a Michigan PPO depends on the type of order and what the judge decides. In general:
- Many PPOs are issued for up to about one year, although some may be shorter or longer.
- The order itself will state its expiration date.
- Before it ends, a person can usually ask the court to extend it if safety concerns continue.
To understand possible timelines and renewal options in a specific situation, it can be helpful to check with local court self-help services or a legal information clinic in Michigan.
If someone in Canada is affected by behaviour that started in Michigan or involves a Michigan PPO, it may be helpful to get information from both Michigan-based services and local Canadian supports. Additional support options across Canada can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.