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Legal Information: Michigan

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 18, 2023

If I don't register my protection order, will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

Neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your protection order for it to be enforced. However, if your order is not entered into the state registry and you do not have a copy of it with you, a Michigan law enforcement officer will have to try to verify the order in some other way, such as contacting the state that gave you the order.1 This process can take time, meaning it might take longer to have your order enforced, and if the official cannot verify your order, it might not be enforced.2

If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Michigan. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in Michigan, go to our MI Advocates and Shelters page.

1 MCL § 600.2950l(5)
2 MCL § 600.2950l(7)