Papers DeliveredPersonal Protection Order Service in Michigan
A Michigan personal protection order is in effect once a judge signs it, and the respondent still has to be served. MCR 3.706(D) puts that duty on the petitioner, and because the petitioner is a party, someone else makes the delivery.
We serve the order, or the petition with its notice of hearing, on the respondent, so the petitioner never has to face that person. Then we return the signed proof for filing with the clerk of the issuing court.
PPO papers we serve
- Ex parte orders, served together with the petition
- Petitions with a notice of hearing
- Orders entered after a hearing
- Motions to show cause and orders, which MCR 3.708(B)(2) requires to be served personally at least 7 days before the hearing
How a PPO serve works
Send the papers and any hearing date
Some PPO papers carry firm deadlines tied to a hearing, so the date tells us how the attempts have to be planned.
Tell us if the respondent is a minor
When the respondent is under 18, MCR 3.706(D) also requires the order to be served on the parent, guardian or custodian if their whereabouts are known.
Delivery and a log of every attempt
The order is delivered personally, and each attempt is written down. Diligent attempts matter: under MCR 3.705(B)(5) the court can consider them if the respondent does not appear.
Proof back to you for the issuing court
The signed proof of service goes to the clerk of the court that issued the order. Under MCL 600.2950(19), the clerk’s receipt of that proof is what triggers notice to law enforcement.
PPO service questions
Why serve the order if it is already in effect?
Service lets the order be enforced outside Michigan, starts the respondent’s 14 days to ask for a change to an ex parte order under MCR 3.706(A)(7), and gives the clerk the proof that sets off the law enforcement notice.
Can I serve the PPO myself?
The petitioner is a party, and MCR 2.103(A) limits service to adults who are not parties. An adult who is not a party, or a process server, can make the delivery, and a police officer or court clerk may also serve the order in some situations.
Will you help me fill out the petition?
No. We are not a law firm and do not advise on petitions or court strategy. The court clerk, Michigan Legal Help, or an attorney can help with that. We serve the papers once they are issued.