Prepare your documents for Personal Protection Order in Michigan

This website helps prepare the forms required for Personal Protection Order in Michigan.

Start

HOW IT WORKS

1. Take Screening

Begin with a brief online screening to determine if you are eligible to file for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan. This will also help you identify which type of PPO against an adult or a minor is most appropriate for your situation.

2. Prepare Documents

Rather than handling complicated court forms by yourself, our system will guide you through preparing your Personal Protection Order (PPO) filing documents for Michigan. You will answer a series of questions organized by topic, using clear, plain, and non-legal language. Your responses will automatically populate the correct sections of the Michigan PPO forms, making the process simpler and more accurate.

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You can choose to consult a domestic violence or victim advocate for guidance and support related to your Personal Protection Order (PPO) case in Michigan. An advocate can help you understand the PPO process, explain your options, review your documents, connect you with local resources, and assist you in preparing for your court hearing.

4. File with the Clerk

You can start your Personal Protection Order (PPO) case in Michigan by filing a Petition for PPO with the Circuit Court in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse or threat occurred.

PPO cases in Michigan generally do not require a filing fee. You may file your petition in person at the court clerk’s office during regular business hours. If the court is closed and you are in immediate danger, you can contact local law enforcement to request assistance in obtaining an emergency (ex parte) PPO from a judge.

Process

Step 1

You: Take Online Screening

Begin your Personal Protection Order (PPO) process in Michigan by taking the screening on LegalAtoms. Enter your ZIP code in the top right corner of the homepage, then answer a few questions about your situation and experiences. This screening helps determine whether you are eligible to file for a PPO (against an adult or minor) and identifies the type of protection order that best fits your circumstances. LegalAtoms will guide you through the process according to your county’s circuit court rules and filing procedures.

Before starting, gather any evidence, documents, or records that support your request for protection.

Step 2

You: Gather Evidence and Prepare to File Your PPO

ction Order in Michigan, such as:

Police or incident reports
Text messages, emails, or letters showing threats, harassment, stalking, or abuse
Photos, videos, or medical records documenting injuries or property damage
Witness statements from people who saw or heard the abuse

Next, confirm that your situation qualifies for a PPO. In Michigan, you may file a PPO against an adult or a minor to protect yourself, a family member, or a household member from physical harm, stalking, harassment, or sexual abuse.

Complete the Petition for PPO and file it with the Circuit Court in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred.

Keep copies of all documents and evidence, as you will need them for your hearing and to serve the respondent. Contact your county Circuit Court clerk for the correct forms, filing instructions, and information about court locations and procedures.

Step 3

You: Consider Immediate Filing or Next Steps

Before filing a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan, consider whether you need immediate court protection. If you are in danger or fear for your safety, you can file right away and request an ex parte PPO, which provides temporary protection until your full court hearing.

If the situation is not urgent, you can take steps to protect yourself—such as avoiding contact, creating a safety plan, speaking with a domestic violence or victim advocate, and documenting any incidents. Keep records of threats, harassment, stalking, or abuse, as this evidence may support your petition.

If the abuse continues, escalates, or you feel unsafe, you may proceed by filing a Petition for PPO with the Circuit Court in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred.

Step 4

You: Create Your Personal Protection Order Case on LegalAtoms

Log into your LegalAtoms account, or create one if you don’t already have an account. From your dashboard, select Start New Case, choose Michigan as the state, and select Personal Protection Order (Adult or Minor) as the case type. The platform will guide you step by step through entering:

The respondent’s full name and identifying information
A detailed description of the abuse, stalking, harassment, or threats
Any supporting evidence, such as police reports, messages, photos, medical records, or witness statements

LegalAtoms will automatically prepare the required Petition for PPO and any other Michigan Circuit Court forms based on your answers and your county’s requirements.

Review all documents carefully, then digitally sign them within the platform. If e-filing is available in your county, you may be able to submit your forms electronically. Otherwise, download the complete packet to print and file in person with the Circuit Court Clerk in the appropriate county.

Step 5

You: Serve the Respondent with Your Petition for a Personal Protection Order

After you file your Petition for PPO in Michigan, the court will issue a Summons along with a copy of your petition for the respondent. You are responsible for ensuring the respondent is properly served. Service can usually be completed by:

The sheriff in the county where the respondent lives
A private process server authorized to serve legal papers
Certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), if the court allows it

If you use the sheriff or a private process server, you will need to provide copies of your court documents and pay any required service fees (or request a fee waiver if you qualify). If serving by certified mail, your county Circuit Court clerk can often assist with preparing and mailing the documents.

Once the respondent is served, you must file proof of service with the court—such as the sheriff’s return, affidavit of service, or certified mail receipt—to confirm that the respondent was properly notified of your PPO case.

Step 6

You: Wait for the Respondent’s Response

After the respondent is served with your Petition for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan, they are not required to file a written response. Both you (the petitioner) and the respondent must appear in court on the scheduled hearing date listed on the Summons.

During this time, the respondent may:

Contact you or a court-appointed advocate to discuss resolving the matter before the hearing (though this is uncommon in PPO cases)
Gather evidence, witnesses, or documentation to present their side to the court

This waiting period allows both parties time to prepare their evidence and ensures that the court hearing provides a fair opportunity for each side to present their case.

Step 7

You: Obtain Final Order and Enforce the Court’s Decision

At the end of your PPO hearing in Michigan, the judge may issue a Final Personal Protection Order if they find that abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats occurred. This order may include protections such as:

Prohibiting the respondent from contacting or approaching you
Ordering the respondent to stay away from your home, workplace, school, or other specified locations
Granting temporary custody, visitation restrictions, or child-related protections, if applicable
Requiring the respondent to surrender firearms, if applicable

The Final PPO is legally enforceable. If the respondent violates any part of the order, you can contact law enforcement immediately. Violations can result in arrest or other legal consequences for the respondent.

Enforcement in Michigan focuses on protecting your safety and ensuring compliance with the court’s order. The respondent may request a hearing to modify or contest the order within the timeframe allowed by Michigan law.

FAQs

What is a PPO Case?

What is a valid reason for filing a PPO case in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can file a Personal Protection Order (PPO) case if you (or someone you are seeking to protect, like a child) are experiencing abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats of harm from another person.

Valid reasons include:

Physical abuse or threats of physical harm
Stalking or repeated unwanted contact
Harassment, intimidation, or threats
Sexual abuse or assault
Damage to property or interference with custody/parenting

Essentially, a PPO is meant to protect anyone at risk of imminent danger or ongoing harm from a family member, household member, intimate partner, or another adult/minor.

What is the PPO process in Michigan?

In Michigan, the Personal Protection Order (PPO) process begins with determining your eligibility and gathering evidence, such as police reports, messages, photos, medical records, or witness statements. You then file a Petition for PPO with the Circuit Court in the county where you, the respondent, or the abuse is located. If you are in immediate danger, you can request an emergency (ex parte) PPO. Once filed, the respondent must be formally served with the petition and a court Summons, and you must file proof of service with the court. Both parties prepare for the scheduled court hearing, where evidence and witnesses can be presented. If the judge finds that abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment occurred, they may issue a Final PPO, which can include protections such as prohibiting contact, stay-away orders, custody or visitation restrictions, and surrender of firearms.

The PPO is legally enforceable, and any violations can lead to criminal consequences for the respondent. The respondent may request a modification or contest the order within the timeframe allowed by Michigan law.

How long does the PPO process take in Michigan?

In Michigan, the length of the Personal Protection Order (PPO) process depends on whether you request an emergency (ex parte) PPO or a regular PPO:

Ex parte (emergency) PPO: If you are in immediate danger, the court can issue a temporary PPO the same day or within 24 hours of filing. This order provides protection until the full hearing.
Full PPO: The full court hearing is usually scheduled within 14 days of filing the petition. After the hearing, if the judge grants the PPO, it becomes the final order.

Overall, from filing to obtaining a final PPO, the process can take anywhere from a few days (for emergency protection) to a few weeks for the complete order.

What happens if my filing is rejected?

In Michigan, if your PPO filing is rejected, it usually means the court found that your petition was incomplete, did not meet the legal requirements, or lacked sufficient information. The court will typically provide instructions on what needs to be corrected or added so you can refile.

You have the right to fix any issues and submit a new petition. If you need help, a domestic violence advocate or court clerk can guide you on completing the forms correctly. Rejection does not prevent you from filing again, and you can still seek protection once the petition meets the court’s requirements.

When will I hear back about my filing?

In Michigan, after you file a Personal Protection Order (PPO) petition, the court typically schedules a hearing within a few days to about two weeks, depending on your county and whether you requested an emergency (ex parte) PPO.

If you requested an ex parte PPO, you may receive a temporary order the same day or within 24 hours. For a regular PPO, the court will send a Summons with the hearing date to both you and the respondent, which is when you’ll know when your case will be heard.

Are there fees associated with filing a PPO case in Michigan?

Where Can I Get Help with PPO Issues in Michigan?

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your PPO court documents and file your case.

Core Forms

Petition for Personal Protection Order

Personal Protection Order

Notice of Hearing on Petition for Personal Protection Order

Proof of Service Oral Notice Regarding Personal Protection Order