English
EspañolStep 4: Service of process
The abuser must be “served,” or given papers that tell him/her about your domestic relationship PPO.
A police officer, a process server, or another adult must personally serve the respondent with the PPO and other court paperwork. You cannot serve the respondent yourself. The abuser may also be served by certified mail, return receipt requested. Check with the clerk to be sure of the proper instructions for service. If the abuser is a minor, his/her parent, guardian or custodian must also be served either personally or by certified mail.1
In most counties, there is no charge to have the authorities serve the abuser although some sheriff’s offices may charge a fee for service and mileage. You cannot serve the papers on the abuser yourself.
You can find more information about service of process in our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section, in the question called What is service of process and how do I accomplish it?
1 MCL § 600.2950(18)
