Understanding a Michigan Personal Protection Order (PPO)

A Michigan Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a legal order designed to protect individuals from abuse, stalking, harassment, or domestic violence. It helps survivors obtain court-ordered restrictions against someone who has caused or threatened harm. Michigan PPOs broadly cover situations involving domestic relationships, stalking incidents, and other forms of harassment to ensure personal safety and peace of mind.

Who Can Apply

Anyone experiencing or threatened by harm from a family member, household member, intimate partner, or stalker in Michigan may apply for a PPO. This includes spouses, former spouses, dating partners, relatives, or people living in the same home with the respondent.

Filing and Court Process

Applicants start by filing a PPO petition at their local district court. After filing, the court may issue a temporary PPO without the respondent present to ensure immediate protection. The respondent must then be formally served with the order and a hearing notice.

The full hearing is scheduled within 14 days, where both parties can present evidence and testimony. The judge considers the facts before deciding whether to grant a full PPO with longer-term protections.

Protections Survivors Can Request

• Prohibiting the respondent from contact or communication
• Restricting the respondent from coming near the survivor’s home, school, or workplace
• Ordering the respondent to leave a shared residence
• Limiting possession or use of firearms by the respondent
• Other safety-related provisions tailored by the court to the survivor’s situation

Duration of a PPO

Full Michigan PPOs typically last up to two years but can be extended or modified in certain cases. Temporary PPOs remain effective until the full hearing, usually within two weeks.

For additional guidance and support, survivors can visit dv.support, a reliable network dedicated to domestic violence resources across Michigan and beyond.