If someone close to you is hurting, threatening, stalking, or frightening you, it can be hard to know what to do next. A Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse order (PFA) is a court order that may help protect eligible people from abuse by certain family or household members or intimate partners.
You do not have to hire a lawyer to file a PFA petition, and Pennsylvania courts say there is no filing fee. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 rather than waiting for court paperwork.
What is a Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse order?
A Protection From Abuse order is a civil court order intended to protect someone from abuse by a person who falls within the relationships covered by Pennsylvania law. Depending on the case and what the judge orders, protections may include no contact, staying away from a home or workplace, or other conditions allowed by law.
A PFA is not the same as every type of restraining or protection order. Pennsylvania has separate options for certain cases involving sexual violence or intimidation by someone who is not a qualifying family member or intimate partner. The Pennsylvania Courts protection-orders guide explains the different types.
Who can ask for a PFA?
PFAs generally cover abuse involving certain family or household members, current or former intimate partners, and people who share a child. The exact relationship and the facts matter. If the person threatening you is a stranger, coworker, or someone who does not fit the PFA relationship rules, ask the court or a victim advocate whether a different protection order may apply.
Pennsylvania court guidance describes abuse that may qualify as including bodily injury or attempted injury, fear of imminent serious bodily injury, sexual assault, stalking, abuse of a child, and repeated acts that place a person in fear of bodily injury. Whether conduct meets the legal definition depends on the facts and the applicable statute.
How do you file for a PFA order in Pennsylvania?
The statewide court process generally involves these steps:
- Go to the county courthouse. Contact your local Court of Common Pleas or courthouse to find where PFA petitions are accepted and what hours apply.
- Complete the petition. You will be asked for information about you, the other person, anyone else who needs protection, and what happened. Be as specific and accurate as you can.
- Explain why protection is needed. The paperwork is reviewed by a judge, who decides whether to grant a temporary order.
- Arrange service. If a temporary order is granted, law enforcement generally serves the other person with the paperwork and hearing information.
- Attend the final hearing. Be prepared to explain what happened and provide relevant evidence. The judge will decide whether to issue a final order.
Use the official Pennsylvania Courts instructions and check your county court’s current procedures before going. Court staff and advocates may help with paperwork and referrals, but they do not replace legal advice.
What if you need protection when the courthouse is closed?
If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911. Pennsylvania provides an emergency process for certain situations outside regular court hours. Contact local law enforcement or the local victim-services program for instructions on reaching the on-call judicial officer. Emergency relief may be temporary, and you may need to return to court when it reopens to continue the process.
Do not delay seeking emergency help because you are unsure which form to use.
What happens at the temporary hearing?
A judge reviews your petition and decides whether the legal requirements for temporary protection are met. If the judge grants a temporary PFA, it generally remains in effect until the final hearing. The other person must be served as required by the court process.
If the judge does not grant a temporary order, the court may still schedule a final hearing. Follow the paperwork and court instructions carefully, and ask the court or an advocate to explain the next date and required steps.
What happens at the final hearing?
Pennsylvania court guidance says the final hearing is generally scheduled within 10 business days of the temporary-order hearing. At the final hearing, both sides may have the opportunity to appear and present their positions. You may bring relevant evidence, witnesses, a lawyer, or a victim advocate.
If the judge issues a final PFA, it can last for up to three years, depending on the order. Read the signed order carefully so you understand what it requires, when it expires, and any restrictions or arrangements it includes.
What evidence should you bring?
Only collect or preserve evidence when doing so is safe. Depending on your situation, useful records may include:
- Texts, emails, voicemails, or social-media messages
- Photos of injuries or property damage
- Medical records or police incident information, if available
- Dates and descriptions of incidents
- Names of witnesses who personally saw or heard relevant events
- Copies of prior court orders or relevant documents
Do not put yourself at risk to obtain evidence. If the other person monitors your phone or accounts, use a safer device or ask an advocate about digital safety.
How much does it cost?
Pennsylvania Courts states that there is no cost to file a protection order. You do not need to hire a lawyer just to start the process. A domestic-violence advocate may help you understand the process, plan for safety, and find legal assistance.
What if the other person violates the order?
If the person violates the order or you are in immediate danger, contact law enforcement. Keep a copy of the order accessible if it is safe to do so, and document suspected violations when you can do that without increasing the risk to yourself.
Do not assume that you must personally confront the other person or try to enforce the order yourself.
Where can you get confidential help?
You can contact a local domestic-violence program for safety planning, shelter referrals, counseling, and help navigating court. Pennsylvania’s official victim-services pages provide links to support resources and local programs. For more Pennsylvania legal information, visit our Pennsylvania state laws page. You can also read our guides to Pennsylvania small claims court and Pennsylvania power of attorney requirements.
- Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services — Domestic Violence
- Pennsylvania Courts — Protection Orders
- Pennsylvania — Request a Protection Order
If you are not safe at home, consider making a safety plan with an advocate. Use a safe phone or computer if you think your internet activity is being monitored.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer to get a PFA?
No. Pennsylvania Courts says people can file without a lawyer. You may still choose to speak with an attorney or victim advocate, especially if children, housing, or other court matters are involved.
Is there a fee to file?
No. Pennsylvania Courts states that there is no filing fee for a protection order.
How long does a final PFA last?
A final PFA may last up to three years. The length and specific protections depend on the order issued by the judge.
Can a PFA protect my children too?
You can identify children or other eligible people who need protection in the petition. The judge decides what protections to include based on the facts and law.
What if the person is not a family member or partner?
A PFA may not be the right type of order for every relationship. Pennsylvania has separate protection-order options for some sexual-violence and intimidation situations. Check the official court guide or speak with a victim advocate.
Bottom line
A Pennsylvania PFA can provide important court-ordered protection for eligible people experiencing abuse. The process generally starts at the county courthouse, includes a review for temporary protection, and continues to a final hearing. There is no filing fee, and advocates can help you understand the process. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Legal information and safety disclaimer: This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Eligibility and available protections depend on the facts and current law. Court procedures may vary by county. Prioritize immediate safety and consult Pennsylvania Courts, a victim advocate, or a qualified attorney for help with your circumstances.
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