If you fail to follow the required steps, the order you get from the court could be ineffective and you could remain unprotected. The instructions in this Self-Help Center apply generally to all the circuit courts, but there can be differences in local practice. For example, some courts will provide more help or will complete portions of the forms for you. You should contact the court where you intend to file your petition for information about these local practices.
Court forms are available for use in personal protection proceedings. These forms follow the procedures stated in the Michigan Compiled Laws and Michigan Court Rules and can be used without the assistance of an attorney.
When using forms, you are required to provide the total number of copies for use by the court, the parties, and any other person or organization that must receive the form. See the upper-right hand corner of each form to determine the mandatory number of copies and who must receive those copies. When completing a form on-line, you must print the number of copies you will need for filing with the court and service on the parties.
Otherwise, you will have to photocopy the proper number of copies before filing the form with the court. If you do not provide the court with the correct number of copies, the court might reject the form for nonconformance under the authority of Michigan Court Rule 8.119(C). Unless specifically required by court rule or statute, the court is not responsible for making copies of forms for you.
Depending on your situation, there are different petition and order forms. Select the forms you need from the list below. The instructions with the forms will help you decide what forms you need. Instructions for completing and processing a form are provided with each form and can be read online. Make sure you read all the instructions and follow them carefully. Although forms are available for use in personal protection proceedings against a minor (someone under age 18), only the forms for use in proceedings against adults are included in this Self-Help Center.
