Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Michigan
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Michigan calls its civil protection order a Personal Protection Order, or PPO. A domestic relationship PPO is authorized under Michigan Compiled Laws 600.2950. It covers people abused by a spouse, a family member, someone they live with, or a co-parent. Michigan also has a non-domestic PPO under MCL 600.2950a for stalking that doesn't involve that kind of relationship. Neither one requires a filing fee. A Michigan court can grant an ex parte PPO the same day if the danger is immediate. An order issued after a hearing can require no contact, order the respondent out of a shared home, and set temporary custody terms for shared children.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how protective orders works under Michigan law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Michigan paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who qualifies for a domestic relationship PPO
MCL 600.2950 covers current and former spouses, and people related by blood or marriage. It also covers people who currently live together or lived together in the past. People with a child in common, or a current or former dating relationship, qualify too. Someone without one of these connections can look at Michigan's non-domestic stalking PPO under MCL 600.2950a, which covers repeated harassing conduct regardless of relationship.
Ex parte orders and the full hearing
A petitioner who shows immediate and irreparable harm can get an ex parte PPO the same day, without the respondent present. That order takes effect once entered. The respondent can request a hearing to contest it. Michigan law directs the court to hold that hearing within 14 days of the request. A PPO in Michigan generally lasts up to a year unless the court sets a different date, and it can be extended.
Exact scheduling depends on the court's calendar. Confirm the hearing date and any local paperwork with the circuit court clerk in the filing county.
Filing is free, and where to file
Michigan does not charge a filing fee for a PPO petition. Petitions are filed in the circuit court, generally the family division, of the county where the petitioner lives, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. Michigan courts provide self-help resources along with the standard petition forms for filing without an attorney.
Firearms provisions
Michigan law bars a respondent from buying or possessing a firearm while a domestic relationship PPO is in effect. The order includes notice of this restriction. Federal law separately restricts firearm possession for a person subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Violating a Michigan PPO is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest.
PPOs and divorce or custody cases
A PPO in Michigan is a separate case from a divorce or custody case. A petitioner does not need either one open to request a PPO. The PPO can still set temporary custody and parenting time terms for shared children while it is active. If a divorce or custody case is already open, tell that court about the PPO. The same family division often oversees both, so the two cases can be handled together.
Sources: Michigan Compiled Laws 600.2950, Michigan Legislature, Michigan Courts, One Court of Justice, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, VOICES4 helpline (517) 347-7000
Not independently confirmed
- Exact hearing scheduling window can vary by circuit; confirm with the filing court clerk.
- Whether the MCEDSV helpline number functions as a live crisis line versus an office line; confirm current routing on their site before relying on it in a crisis.
Protective Orders in Michigan: frequently asked questions
What is a Personal Protection Order in Michigan?+
It is Michigan's civil protective order. A domestic relationship PPO under MCL 600.2950 covers spouses, family and household members, and co-parents. A separate non-domestic PPO under MCL 600.2950a covers stalking that doesn't involve that kind of relationship.
Where do I file for a PPO in Michigan?+
File in the circuit court, generally the family division, of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. Michigan courts provide self-help resources along with the petition forms needed to file without an attorney.
Does it cost money to file in Michigan?+
No. There is no filing fee for a PPO petition in Michigan.
How fast can I get protection in Michigan?+
A judge can grant an ex parte PPO the same day if you show immediate and irreparable harm, without notifying the other person first. The respondent can then request a hearing, which Michigan law requires the court to hold within 14 days of that request.
How long does a PPO last in Michigan?+
A PPO generally lasts up to a year in Michigan unless the court sets a different expiration date. It can be extended if the petitioner still needs protection when it is set to expire.
Can a PPO affect custody in Michigan?+
Yes. It can include temporary custody and parenting time terms for children the parties share, even without a separate custody case open. If a divorce or custody case already exists, tell that court about the PPO.
This page is general information about protective orders in Michigan, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Michigan's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Michigan. Virdix does not prepare or file Michigan divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Michigan.
More Michigan divorce guides
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Michigan, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
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