Michigan
Michigan Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Personal Protection Order
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 3 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Michigan, protective orders are called Personal Protection Orders (PPOs). Victims of domestic violence or dating-partner abuse may seek a Domestic Relationship PPO, while any victim of stalking or sexual assault may seek a Non-Domestic Stalking PPO regardless of relationship. A PPO is valid for a minimum of 182 days from the date of issuance.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help 24/7, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Types of Personal Protection Orders in Michigan
Michigan uses a unified term, "Personal Protection Order" (PPO), for all civil protective orders, but the statute divides them into two distinct tracks.
A Domestic Relationship PPO is issued under MCL 600.2950 and applies when the petitioner and respondent share or formerly shared a qualifying personal relationship. This track covers current and former spouses, dating partners, co-parents, and current or former household residents.
A Non-Domestic Stalking PPO is issued under MCL 600.2950a and applies when the respondent has committed or is likely to commit stalking (MCL 750.411h), aggravated stalking (MCL 750.411i), or posting threatening messages through an electronic medium (MCL 750.411s) against the petitioner. No prior relationship is required. A separate path under MCL 600.2950a(2) lets a petitioner proceed on a sexual-assault conviction, or an allegation of sexual assault or threatened sexual assault, with 'sexual assault' defined by reference to Michigan's criminal sexual conduct statutes (MCL 750.520b-750.520e and 750.520g). This sexual-assault path is long-standing law; MCL 600.2950a has not been amended since 2018.
Both types of PPO can prohibit the respondent from contacting or communicating with the petitioner, entering certain locations, purchasing firearms (if the court includes that provision), and other specified conduct.
Who can get a Personal Protection Order in Michigan?
For a Domestic Relationship PPO, the petitioner must have one of the following relationships with the respondent:
- Current or former spouse
- A person currently or formerly in a dating relationship (Michigan defines this as frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by an expectation of affectional involvement; casual or business relationships do not qualify)
- A current or former household resident
- A person who shares a child in common with the respondent
For a Non-Domestic Stalking PPO, no relationship is required. Any person who is a victim of stalking (MCL 750.411h), aggravated stalking (MCL 750.411i), electronic harassment or threatening messages (MCL 750.411s), or sexual assault (defined under MCL 750.520b-750.520e and 750.520g, via MCL 600.2950a(2)) may petition for this order. The petitioner must show that the respondent has engaged or is likely to engage in the prohibited conduct, or, for the sexual-assault path, that the respondent was convicted of or threatened the petitioner with sexual assault.
How to file for a Personal Protection Order in Michigan
Both types of PPO are filed in the Family Division of Circuit Court. The petitioner files a petition describing the abuse, stalking, or harassment and explaining why protection is needed. The petition may be filed as an independent action, joined to an existing family court case, or filed as a motion in a pending case.
Under Michigan court rules, the petitioner may omit their home address from the petition and other filings for safety reasons.
There is no filing fee for a Domestic Relationship PPO under the federal Violence Against Women Act, which bars states from charging filing or service fees for domestic-violence protective orders. The court processes the petition and, if the judge finds sufficient grounds, issues the ex parte PPO the same day or the next court day.
Local domestic-violence advocates and the court's self-help center can assist with completing the petition and navigating the process. Many domestic-violence organizations in Michigan provide court advocates who can accompany petitioners to the courthouse.
Temporary vs. final orders: how long they last
Michigan PPOs work differently from many other states. There is no separate short-term "temporary" order followed by a distinct "final" order in the traditional sense. Instead, the ex parte PPO issued at filing is immediately effective for a minimum of 182 days, and the court sets an expiration date on the face of the order.
| Order Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Ex parte PPO (issued at filing, without respondent present) | Minimum 182 days; court sets expiration date |
| Respondent's motion to modify or rescind | Must be filed within 14 days of service; hearing within 14 days |
| Extension | Petitioner may file to extend before expiration; no statutory maximum |
After the PPO is served on the respondent, the respondent has 14 days to file a motion to modify or rescind the order. If such a motion is filed, the court must hold a hearing within 14 days of the motion. At that hearing, the petitioner has the opportunity to present their evidence. The PPO remains in effect throughout this process unless the court modifies it.
Before the order expires, the petitioner may file a motion to extend it for additional time. There is no statutory maximum on the duration the court may set.
Firearms and a Michigan Personal Protection Order
Michigan courts have discretion to include a firearm-possession prohibition in a PPO. This is not automatic or mandatory under state law. If the court includes such a provision in the order, the respondent may not hold a concealed pistol license for the duration of the order, in addition to the firearm prohibition itself.
Separately, a qualifying final Domestic Relationship PPO triggers the federal firearm ban under 18 U.S.C. section 922(g)(8). Under federal law, a person subject to such an order may not possess any firearm or ammunition, regardless of whether the state order specifically addresses firearms.
Michigan also enacted a red-flag law in 2023 (MCL 691.1801 et seq.) that allows courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which require firearm surrender. ERPOs are a separate proceeding from PPOs, but both mechanisms can result in firearm removal.
If a respondent violates a firearm prohibition in a PPO, that violation is separate criminal conduct in addition to the PPO contempt violation.
What happens if someone violates the order?
Violating a PPO in Michigan is criminal contempt of court. Under MCL 600.2950(23), a respondent who is 17 or older and found to have violated the order faces up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. The court may also impose conditions, require supervision, or take other measures on a finding of contempt.
In addition to contempt proceedings, the conduct that constitutes the violation (for example, contacting the petitioner, trespassing, or stalking) may independently support separate criminal charges under Michigan's stalking, domestic violence, or harassment statutes.
Police can arrest a respondent on probable cause that a PPO has been violated. If the order is violated, the protected person should call 911 immediately, report the violation to the court, and document what happened, including the date, time, and nature of the violation.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and it is not a safety plan. Protective-order rules vary by state and change. If you are in danger, call 911. For help with your specific situation, contact your local court's self-help center, a domestic-violence advocate, or a licensed attorney.
Related
For a full overview of how protective orders work across every state, see the Restraining Order Laws by State hub. Michigan residents documenting stalking or harassment may also find the Michigan recording law page useful for understanding what may lawfully be recorded as evidence.
More Michigan Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a [restraining order](/us-laws/restraining-orders) in Michigan?
In Michigan, restraining orders are called Personal Protection Orders (PPOs). File a petition in the Family Division of Circuit Court in your county. A judge can issue the PPO the same day or the next court day without the other person present. The order is effective for a minimum of 182 days from issuance.
How long does a restraining order last in Michigan?
A Michigan PPO is valid for a minimum of 182 days from the date it is issued. The court sets the actual expiration date on the face of the order. There is no statutory maximum. Before the order expires, the petitioner may return to court to request an extension.
How much does a restraining order cost in Michigan?
Filing a Domestic Relationship PPO is free. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, courts cannot charge a filing or service fee for domestic-violence protective orders. Michigan does not charge a fee for the domestic PPO petition.
Can I get a restraining order without a police report?
Yes. You do not need a police report to petition for a PPO in Michigan. You describe the abuse, stalking, or harassment in a sworn petition submitted directly to the court. Police reports, photographs, or other documentation can strengthen your petition, but they are not required.
Does a restraining order take away gun rights in Michigan?
A Michigan PPO can include a firearm prohibition at the judge's discretion. If included, the respondent may not possess firearms or hold a concealed pistol license for the duration of the order. Separately, a qualifying domestic PPO automatically triggers the federal ban under 18 U.S.C. section 922(g)(8), which prohibits firearm and ammunition possession regardless of what the state order says.
What happens if the abuser violates the order?
Violating a Michigan PPO is criminal contempt of court. Penalties include up to 93 days in jail and a fine up to $500, plus possible additional conditions imposed by the court. The underlying conduct may also support separate criminal charges. Call 911 immediately if the order is violated and report the violation to the court.
What is the difference between a Domestic Relationship PPO and a Non-Domestic Stalking PPO in Michigan?
A Domestic Relationship PPO requires a qualifying personal relationship between the petitioner and respondent (spouse, dating partner, household member, or co-parent). A Non-Domestic Stalking PPO is available to any victim of stalking, aggravated stalking, or sexual assault, with no prior relationship required. Both are filed in the Family Division of Circuit Court and follow the same 182-day minimum duration.
Updates
Corrected the statutory basis for Michigan's sexual-assault-grounded Non-Domestic Stalking PPO (MCL 750.411s is a cyberstalking statute, not a sexual-assault statute; the real basis is MCL 600.2950a(2), and it was not added in 2023) and replaced a dead self-help citation link.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Michigan Compiled Laws
§ 600.2950Personal protection order; restraining or enjoining spouse, former spouse, individual with child in common, individual in dating relationship, or person residing or having resided in same household from certain conduct; respondent required to carry concealed weapon; omitting address of residence from documents; issuance, contents, effectiveness, duration, and service of personal protection order; entering order into law enforcement information network; notice; failure to comply with order; false statement to court; enforcement; respondent less than 18 years of age; ownership interest in animal; definitionsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (26) and (27), by commencing an independent action to obtain relief under this section, by joining a claim to an action, or by filing a motion in an action in which the petitioner and the individual to be restrained or enjoined are parties, an individual may petition the family division of circuit court to enter a personal protection order to restrain or enjoin a spouse, a former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, or an individual residing or having resided in the same household as the petitioner from doing 1 or more of the following: (a) Entering onto premises. (b) Assaulting, attacking, beating, molesting, or wounding a named individual. (c) Threatening to kill or physically injure a named individual. (d) Removing minor children from the individual having legal custody of the children, except as otherwise authorized by a custody or parenting time order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. (e) Purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 750.411h
Cited in 77 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- Hayford v. Hayford (Michigan Court of Appeals 2008, 279 Mich. App. 324)“…253 Mich App 694, 700-701 ; 659 NW2d 649 (2002); MCL 600.2950(30)(c). An abuse of discretion occurs w…”
- T.M. v. M.Z. (Michigan Supreme Court 2018, 501 Mich. 312)“…14, 626 N.W.2d 158 (2001). Two different statutes, MCL 600.2950 and MCL 600.2950a, provide for three ty…”
- Kampf v. Kampf (Michigan Court of Appeals 1999, 237 Mich. App. 377)“…d ex parte by his wife, petitioner Noell Kampf, pursuant to MCL 600.2950(4) and (12); MS 27A.2950(4) and (12). R…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.2950aPersonal protection order restraining or enjoining individual from engaging in conduct prohibited under MCL 750.411h, 750.411i, or 750.411s; facts alleging stalking; conduct; respondent required to carry concealed weapon; omitting address of residence from documents; reasons for issuing or refusing to grant order; mutual order prohibited; effectiveness, issuance, contents, and duration of order; duties of court clerk; entering order into L.E.I.N.; service; notice to law enforcement agency; enforcement; refusal or failure to comply; false statement to court; purchase or possession of firearm; person less than 18 years ; issuance to prisoner prohibited; definitionsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Except as provided in subsections (27), (28), and (30), by commencing an independent action to obtain relief under this section, by joining a claim to an action, or by filing a motion in an action in which the petitioner and the individual to be restrained or enjoined are parties, an individual may petition the family division of circuit court to enter a personal protection order to restrain or enjoin an individual from engaging in conduct that is prohibited under section 411h, 411i, or 411s of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.411h, 750.411i, and 750.411s. A court shall not grant relief under this subsection unless the petition alleges facts that constitute stalking as defined in section 411h or 411i, or conduct that is prohibited under section 411s, of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.411h, 750.411i, and 750.411s. Relief may be sought and granted under this subsection whether or not the individual to be restrained or enjoined has been charged or convicted under section 411h, 411i, or 411s of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.411h, 750.411i, and 750.411s, for the alleged violation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 750.411h, § 750.411i, § 750.411s, § 750.520b
Cited in 69 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- T.M. v. M.Z. (Michigan Supreme Court 2018, 501 Mich. 312)“…ors. Petitioner sought a *474 PPO against respondent under MCL 600.2950a(1), pointing to a variety of Facebook p…”
- TM v. MZ (Michigan Court of Appeals 2018, 326 Mich. App. 227)“…BLE LAW In this case, petitioner sought a PPO pursuant to MCL 600.2950a(1), which allows for "an independent ac…”
- Lamkin v. Engram (Michigan Court of Appeals 2012, 295 Mich. App. 701)“…in petitioned for the PPOs under the statutory authority of MCL 600.2950a. MCL 600.2950a(l) addresses the issuanc…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 691.1801Short titleIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
This act may be cited as the "extreme risk protection order act".
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 2 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- People of Michigan v. Joseph Matthew Morrison (Michigan Court of Appeals 2026)“…have a red flag law; the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, MCL 691.1801 et seq., became effective on February 1…”
- Swb v. Kjp (Michigan Court of Appeals 2026)“…d the provisions of MCL 600.2950, MCL 600.2950a, and MCL 691.1801 to MCL 691.1821, actions for personal p…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 750.411hStalking; definitions; violation as misdemeanor; penalties; probation; conditions; evidence of continued conduct as rebuttable presumption; additional penaltiesIn forcecited in 9 of our articles
(1) As used in this section: (a) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts evidencing a continuity of purpose. (b) "Dating relationship" means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context. (c) "Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. (d) "Harassment" means conduct directed toward a victim that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 122 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- McNEILL-MARKS v. MIDMICHIGAN MEDICAL CENTER-GRATIOT (Michigan Court of Appeals 2016, 316 Mich. App. 1)“…n from “stalking” plaintiff, as that term is “defined under MCL 750.411h and MCL 750.411i, which includes but is…”
- Hayford v. Hayford (Michigan Court of Appeals 2008, 279 Mich. App. 324)“…ion 411h or 411i of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328 , MCL 750.411h and 750.411Í. (j) Any other spec…”
- Nastal v. Henderson & Associates Investigations, Inc (Michigan Supreme Court 2005, 471 Mich. 712)“…that serves a legitimate purpose.” MCL 750.411h(1)(c). The circuit court conclud…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Laws on Recording in Public: First Amendment Rights and Limits (2026), Michigan Drone Laws (2026): Privacy Statute, Preemption, and Warrants, Michigan GPS Tracking Laws: Is It Legal to Put a Tracker on a Car? (2026)
§ 750.411iDefinitions; aggravated stalking; circumstances; violation as felony; penalty; probation; additional conditions of probation; effect of continued course of conduct; rebuttable presumption; additional penaltyIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(1) As used in this section: (a) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts evidencing a continuity of purpose. (b) "Credible threat" means a threat to kill another individual or a threat to inflict physical injury upon another individual that is made in any manner or in any context that causes the individual hearing or receiving the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of another individual. (c) "Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. (d) "Harassment" means conduct directed toward a victim that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 142 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- McNEILL-MARKS v. MIDMICHIGAN MEDICAL CENTER-GRATIOT (Michigan Court of Appeals 2016, 316 Mich. App. 1)“…plaintiff, as that term is “defined under MCL 750.411h and MCL 750.411i, which includes but is not limited to”…”
- Buchanan v. Crisler (Michigan Court of Appeals 2018, 922 N.W.2d 886)“…ted that Crisler stalked her as defined in MCL 750.411h and MCL 750.411i by approaching or confronting her in a…”
- IME v. DBS (Michigan Court of Appeals 2014, 306 Mich. App. 426)“…engaging in the conduct criminalized under MCL 750.411h or MCL 750.411i, which statutes prohibit what is common…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 750.411sPosting message through electronic medium; prohibitions; penalty; exceptions; definitionsIn force
(1) A person shall not post a message through the use of any medium of communication, including the internet or a computer, computer program, computer system, or computer network, or other electronic medium of communication, without the victim's consent, if all of the following apply: (a) The person knows or has reason to know that posting the message could cause 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts of unconsented contact with the victim. (b) Posting the message is intended to cause conduct that would make the victim feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested. (c) Conduct arising from posting the message would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested. (d) Conduct arising from posting the message causes the victim to suffer emotional distress and to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 42 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- T.M. v. M.Z. (Michigan Supreme Court 2018, 501 Mich. 312)“…nternet or a computer or any electronic medium, pursuant to MCL 750.411s." Respondent promptly appealed in the C…”
- TM v. MZ (Michigan Court of Appeals 2018, 326 Mich. App. 227)“…nternet or a computer or any electronic medium, pursuant to MCL 750.411s" On August 3, 2015, respondent moved to…”
- Buchanan v. Crisler (Michigan Court of Appeals 2018, 922 N.W.2d 886)“…and for a determination of whether Crisler's posts violated MCL 750.411s(1). In all other respects, we affirm.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 750.520bCriminal sexual conduct in the first degree; circumstances; felony; consecutive termsIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(1) A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree if he or she engages in sexual penetration with another person and if any of the following circumstances exists: (a) That other person is under 13 years of age. (b) That other person is at least 13 but less than 16 years of age and any of the following: (i) The actor is a member of the same household as the victim. (ii) The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the fourth degree. (iii) The actor is in a position of authority over the victim and used this authority to coerce the victim to submit. (iv) The actor is a teacher, substitute teacher, or administrator of the public school, nonpublic school, school district, or intermediate school district in which that other person is enrolled.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 2,112 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases:
- People v. Payne (Michigan Court of Appeals 2009, 285 Mich. App. 181)“…convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC I), MCL 750.520b(1)(f). 1 In Kent Circuit C…”
- People v. Solloway (Michigan Court of Appeals 2016, 316 Mich. App. 174)“…onvictions of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC I), MCL 750.520b(1)(a), and two counts of failing to com…”
- People v. Douglas (Michigan Supreme Court 2014, 496 Mich. 557)“…182 L Ed 2d 398 (2012). Ante at 597. MCL 750.520b(2)(b). Strickland v Washington,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Expungement Laws: How Conviction Set-Aside Works Under MCL 780.621, Michigan Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Explore the law
The laws cited above reference these related sections in their own text:
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520c — Criminal sexual conduct in the second degree; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520d — Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520e — Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree; misdemeanor view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520g — Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 762.11 — Criminal offense by individual between ages 17 and 24 before October 1, 2021 and 18 and 26 beginning October 1, 2021; assignment to status of youthful trainee; consent of prosecuting attorney; exceptions; employment or school attendance; electronic monitoring; definitions view in our statute record · read at the official source
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
Search our full record of US law — 2.1 million sections, every state + federal →
Sources and References
- MCL 600.2950, Domestic Relationship Personal Protection Order(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.2950a, Non-Domestic Stalking Personal Protection Order(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- Michigan Courts, Personal Protection Proceedings Forms(courts.michigan.gov).gov