Facing or defending a PFA in PA? A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a civil court order designed to stop abuse by an intimate partner, family or household member, or a co‑parent. PFAs can prohibit contact, require a person to leave a shared home, set temporary custody terms, and—where ordered—require firearms relinquishment.
What a PFA can do in Pennsylvania
A judge can issue a temporary order the same day you file and, after a hearing, a final PFA for a fixed period not to exceed three years (extensions are possible in defined circumstances). Relief may include: no contact, stay‑away zones for home/work/school, exclusive possession of a residence, temporary custody/visitation terms, financial support, and firearm/weapon relinquishment with strict timelines and return procedures.
Enforcement matters. Violating a PFA can lead to arrest and contempt sanctions, including fines and up to six months’ incarceration. Call the police immediately if an order is violated.
Who can file & what counts as “abuse”
Under Pennsylvania law, “abuse” includes acts such as causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, and related conduct—when it occurs between family/household members, intimate partners, or persons who share biological parenthood.
The PFA process (for petitioners)
1) File the petition. You can file in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live (permanently or temporarily), where you work, where the abuse occurred, or where the defendant can be served. If you’re asking the court to remove the defendant from your shared home, you must file in the county where the home is located.
2) Temporary order review. After filing, a judge reviews your petition. A temporary order may be granted or denied; either way, a hearing date is set. The sheriff typically serves the petition, any temporary order, and the hearing notice on the defendant.
3) Final hearing—quick timeline. The court must hold a hearing within ten business days, where you must prove abuse by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). Bring witnesses, exhibits (texts, photos, call logs), and any police reports or medical records.
4) Final relief and duration. If granted, a final PFA can last up to three years. The order will spell out the relief granted, including any firearm restrictions and temporary custody terms; custody provisions are temporary and yield to later custody orders.
Emergency, after‑hours protection
If the courthouse is closed and you’re in immediate danger, an emergency PFA may be sought from an on‑call Magisterial District Judge (MDJ). Emergency orders are short‑lived and typically expire the next business day the Court of Common Pleas is available, at which point you may seek a temporary order at the courthouse.
Firearms and a PFA
Where ordered, defendants must relinquish firearms, other weapons, ammunition, and any applicable licenses—often within 24 hours—through approved methods (sheriff/law enforcement, licensed dealer, or approved third‑party safekeeping) with receipts and affidavits. Procedures for return are governed by statute and court rules. Do not delay; non‑compliance can lead to criminal consequences.
If you were served with a PFA (respondents)
Read the order immediately and follow it—no exceptions. If the order requires firearms relinquishment, meet the deadline. Your final hearing is soon; the court aims to hear these cases within ten business days. Gather witnesses, messages, photos, or other evidence. You may negotiate a consent agreement without admissions, seek a continuance to prepare, or proceed to a contested hearing. An attorney can help you weigh options and protect parallel issues like custody or housing.
Why SVMB Law
We guide both petitioners and respondents through filings, service, negotiation, and hearings across Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, and Carbon Counties. We focus on practical strategy and clear communication—no scare tactics, no unrealistic promises. Consultations are paid and used to identify goals, evidence, and next steps.
Local focus: Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe & Carbon
PFAs are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Each county sets its own intake hours and logistics, but Pennsylvania’s PFA Act and statewide rules guide the core process; after‑hours emergency requests route to the on‑call MDJ. At your consultation, we’ll discuss county‑specific filing windows, where to report for service, and how to prepare for the hearing venue in your county.
Family or household members, sexual or intimate partners, or co‑parents where “abuse” occurred as defined by statute.
Within ten business days of filing, the court holds a hearing on whether to grant a final order.
Up to three years; extensions are possible under the statute in certain circumstances.
Call police. Violations can lead to arrest and contempt sanctions, including fines and up to six months’ incarceration.
Yes. Emergency PFAs may be sought from the on‑call MDJ; they expire quickly and you must follow up at the courthouse.
If the court orders it, there are strict deadlines and approved relinquishment methods; non‑compliance can trigger criminal liability.
Yes. Custody terms in a PFA are temporary and yield to any later custody order.