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How to Get a PPO in Oakland County: What Michigan’s New PPO Bills Could Change

When someone’s behavior has made you feel unsafe, you need to take action. But what are the next steps? You may know you need some protection, but you may not know where to start or what a court can actually do to help.

In Oakland County, Michigan, a Personal Protection Order (PPO) may be an option. It can place legal restrictions on someone whose behavior has made you fear for your safety. 

And now, proposed legislation in Michigan could make one part of the PPO process a little easier. Here’s what you should know about getting a PPO in Oakland County and what Michigan’s new PPO bills could change.

What Is a PPO in Michigan?

A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a court order that protects someone from threatening, abusive, or unwanted behavior. In these situations, it can prohibit another person from contacting, threatening, stalking, harassing, or approaching you.

Along with that, it may also prohibit someone from entering your home or workplace or engaging in other conduct identified in the order.

In Michigan, there are different types of PPOs, including:

  • Domestic Relationship PPOs
  • Nondomestic Stalking PPOs
  • Nondomestic Sexual Assault PPOs

The type of PPO you need will depend on your relationship with the person and the conduct you are experiencing.

How Do You Get a PPO in Oakland County?

If you believe you need a PPO, you need to complete a petition. Your petition should explain what happened and why you believe court protection is necessary. This means providing specific information about what the person did, when it happened, and how the behavior has affected your safety.

You may also need to have evidence that supports your request. That could include text messages, emails, voicemails, photographs, social media messages, police reports, or information from witnesses.

What Happens After a PPO Is Issued?

Getting a PPO signed by a judge is an important step, but it is not necessarily the end of the process. The person who is subjected to the PPO needs to be served with the order. Proof of service may also need to be filed with the court.

Service gives the respondent formal notice of the order and the restrictions they must follow. If the person violates the PPO after being properly served, the violation can have legal ramifications.

However, for someone seeking protection, the cost and logistics of service can create another hurdle. Michigan lawmakers are now exploring this issue.

What Could Michigan’s New PPO Bills Change?

The bills are House Bills 5120, 5121, and 6033. And they could change how certain PPO-related documents are served.

The legislation would eliminate certain service costs for people who seek PPO protection. The bills also address how law enforcement agencies could be compensated for serving PPO-related documents.

For someone seeking a PPO, they are already dealing with a stressful situation. Adding another expense or logistical problem makes an already difficult situation even harder. By removing these service costs, it could make it easier for people to complete the steps necessary to put a PPO into effect.

Are the New PPO Bills Already Law?

Not yet. The Michigan House passed HB 5120, HB 5121, and HB 6033 in September 2026. The bills were sent to the Michigan Senate and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety.

While the legislation could change the PPO process in Michigan, Oakland County residents should not assume the proposed changes are already in effect. Until the bills become law, people seeking a PPO should follow the current court procedures and requirements.

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When Should You Talk to an Attorney?

If you’re searching for how to get a PPO in Oakland County, chances are you’re dealing with a situation you never expected to find yourself in. At the Law Office of Melissa M. Pearce, PLC, we know that seeking a PPO can be an emotional and stressful process. We are ready to help you understand your rights and walk you through your options.

If you’re concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you love, reach out to us today. You deserve to know your options, and you deserve to feel heard.