To file a pfa

PFIs must be filed by an adult parent, guardian, or adult household member on behalf of the minor victim. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services.

This button will immediately open a browser window for weather. Human Trafficking. Below are blank copies of the PFAD orders. Toggle navigation PFAD. JavaScript Disabled. Affidavit of Probable Cause. Affidavit of Service. Attachment A for Petition. Attachment A for Temporary Order. Attachment A for Final Order. ICC Complaint.

Final PFA After a hearing in which you both have an opportunity to tell your side of the story through your testimony, evidence, and witnesses, a judge can grant you a final protection from abuse order PFA. A final PFA lasts up to three years and can be extended under certain circumstances. A protection from abuse order can offer the following protections for you and your children. It can:. Note: If the judge issues a final order after a trial , the order must include the protections in numbers 1, 6 and 7.

However, if the final order was a consent order where both parties agreed that the order would be issued, then those protections are not mandatory but they can be included. You can file a petition in the county where you live permanently or temporarily or work, in any county where the abuser can be served i. However, if you are going to be asking the judge to remove the abuser from the home you share, you MUST file the petition in the county where your home is located.

If you file, you may be granted an order on consent or the judge may find other circumstances that allow the order to be granted. You can read more about personal jurisdiction in our Court System Basics - Personal Jurisdiction section.

Note: If the judge in your state refuses to issue an order, you can file for an order in the courthouse in the state where the abuser lives.

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You are here Home » Legal Information » Pennsylvania. What is a protection from abuse order PFA? What types of protection from abuse orders are there? How long do they last? What protections can I get in a protection from abuse order? In which county can I file for a protection from abuse order?

Protection From Abuse PFA orders are still being issued but in most cases, county court operations and hours have been altered this will vary by county. If you are in need of a PFA, please contact your county court in advance to learn how their hours and procedures have been impacted.

A person can file for a PFA order from the court for themselves, or on behalf of their minor children. A PFA describes various types of protections for the victim. An abusers violation of a PFA may result in criminal charges.

A victim of abuse may file for a PFA order against an intimate partner or a family member, such as:. Learn about other types of Protection Orders. The general process follows:. The local domestic violence program has information about the PFA process in each county and the rights of victims of abuse and other crimes.

Advocates discussions with victims are confidential. While victims should absolutely seek help when they are ready, it is important to understand that this time can be especially volatile and dangerous.