Emergency Family-Law Resources in Michigan

Temporary orders involving children

Michigan does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim custody filing. Ex parte orders are rare and only granted when waiting for a hearing would cause harm that could not be undone, or giving notice would cause the other party to do harm before the judge could act. Use the Family Division of the Circuit Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim custody through the Family Division procedure. For an immediate threat, a Personal Protection Order (PPO) petition is a separate, faster route.

Personal Protection Order (PPO)

A Michigan Personal Protection Order is issued under MCL 600.2950 (domestic relationship) or MCL 600.2950a (non-domestic stalking) — no filing fee. A judge can issue a PPO ex parte; an ex parte order is valid for at least 182 days. A respondent served with an ex parte PPO has 14 days to file a motion to terminate or modify it (MCR 3.707). Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.

Michigan child protective (MDHHS/CPS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 855-444-3911 (24/7); call 911 for an immediate emergency. A report can lead to a Children's Protective Services (CPS) investigation. An unfounded/expunged report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parenting time.