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HB 5120

Civil procedure: service of process; cost for service of process for personal protection orders; eliminate. Amends secs. 2559 & 2950 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2559 & 600.2950). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5121'25, HB 6033'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 47 co-sponsors

Michigan eliminates filing and service fees for personal protection orders to remove financial barriers for domestic violence survivors and abuse victims seeking court protection.

referred to second reading
#civilprocedure:personalprotectionorders #civilprocedure:serviceofprocess
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Bill Summary · HB 5120

Legislative bill overview

HB 5120 eliminates the cost that plaintiffs must pay for service of process when filing for personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. Currently, individuals seeking PPOs must cover the expenses of serving the defendant with legal documents; this bill would remove that financial barrier by making the service free.

Why is this important

Personal protection orders are critical legal tools for domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, and others facing threats or abuse. Eliminating service costs removes a financial barrier that may prevent vulnerable individuals—often with limited resources—from accessing court protection. This could increase PPO accessibility and potentially enhance safety outcomes for at-risk populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost responsibility: Who bears the service costs if not plaintiffs? The bill transfers expenses to the court system/state budget, which could increase county judicial administrative costs.
  • Workload implications: Courts may face administrative burden increases if more PPOs are filed without cost barriers, potentially affecting case processing times.
  • Scope questions: The bill applies specifically to PPOs but not other civil actions; some may argue this creates inconsistent cost treatment across civil litigation types.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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