Restraining Orders

You may be eligible to file a domestic relationship PPO against:

• your current or former spouse;
• someone with whom you have a child in common;
• someone you are dating or used to date; or
• anyone who lives in your home or has lived in your home.¹

If you do not qualify for a domestic relationship PPO, you may qualify for Non-Domestic Stalking Personal Protection Orders or a Non-Domestic Sexual Assault Personal Protection Order.

If your children are being abused, you should know that:

• Unemancipated children are not eligible to file for a domestic relationship PPO against a parent.²
• A minor can file for a domestic relationship PPO with the help of a “next friend,” an adult who can file on behalf of the minor.³
• If your child is experiencing abuse but you do not qualify for a domestic relationship PPO, you may want to consider speaking with an advocate at your local domestic violence organization and/or talking to a lawyer to understand all options that may be available to you. Go to our MI Finding a Lawyer page for legal referrals.

¹ MCL § 600.2950(1)
² MCL § 600.2950(27)(b)
³ MCR 3.703(F)(2)