This toolkit tells you about getting a personal protection order (PPO) against someone with whom you have or used to have a domestic relationship. This could be someone you dated, lived with, married, or who is a parent of your child. For general information about personal protection orders, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to ask the court for a personal protection order, use the Forms link to prepare your forms. The Checklists below have step-by-step instructions for asking the court for a personal protection order. Go to Courts & Agencies for information about the court or agency that will handle your case.
You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.
Common Questions
The abuser will see what you write in your petition. You must have a copy of your PPO petition and any attached documents served on the abuser. The petition and order and all attachments will also be kept in the court file. The court file is a public record anyone can view.
If you want to keep your address and phone number confidential, do not include them on your PPO forms. Instead, give the address of a relative or friend, or a P.O. Box where the court can contact you about your case.
Also make sure you don't file any attachments that have your address or phone number on them (like a police report or medical record).
Your PPO is enforceable anywhere in Michigan as soon the judge signs it. After you have the abuser served with the PPO, it can be enforced in other states as well.
Domestic Relationship PPO
To get a domestic relationship PPO, you must have a domestic relationship with your abuser. You have a domestic relationship with someone who is:
- Your current or ex-spouse
- Your child’s other parent
- Someone you live with now or used to live with
- Someone you have dated
A Domestic Relationship PPO can help you if someone assaulted or threatened you, or if you have a reasonable fear for your personal liberty or safety. To learn more, read Domestic Relationship Personal Protection Orders.
Nondomestic Stalking PPO
A nondomestic stalking PPO is used to protect you from stalking if you and the abuser don't have a domestic relationship. To get a nondomestic stalking PPO, you must show that there have been at least two incidents of stalking. Stalking is repeated behavior by someone else that scares or harasses you, and would scare or harass a reasonable person. This could include following you, calling or texting you, or showing up at your home or work.
To learn more, read Nondomestic (Stalking) Personal Protection Orders.
Nondomestic Sexual Assault PPO
A nondomestic sexual assault PPO is to protect you from someone you don't have a domestic relationship with who has:
- Sexually assaulted you
- Threatened to sexually assault you or
- If you are under 18, given you or attempted to give you obscene material
To learn more, read Nondomestic Sexual Assault Personal Protection Orders.