What is a Protection from Abuse Order in Pennsylvania?

A Protection from Abuse Order is a legal order that protects people in abusive relationships or who have been victimized by violence. It can be requested by victims, criminal defendants, and law enforcement to prevent abuse. Pennsylvania is a “full faith and credit” state which means it will recognize and enforce any valid PFAO issued anywhere in the United States. With a PFAO, the abuser must stay away from the victim, stop threatening them with bodily harm, not commit crimes against them; towards their property or children; show up for court-ordered appointments; respect their personal property; not illegally marry them so as to circumvent the order of protection. 

You can seek the legal assistance of a protection from abuse lawyer in PA to file or obtain a PFAO. If you are in an abusive relationship and would like to file for a protection from abuse order, a victim advocate may be able to assist you. A PFAO is usually only valid for 6 months and does not grant any specific rights against an abuser; it only prohibits him or her from committing acts of abuse during the period and even then it is limited to the specified circumstances.

When to Obtain a Protection from Abuse Order?

A protection from abuse order should be sought as soon as possible. The longer a person is subjected to an abusive relationship, the less likely he or she will have the strength to come forward and make such a request. It is important to seek out assistance as soon as possible; after all, not everything can be dealt with in the courts of law by persons who are not experienced in dealing with the intricacies of domestic violence cases. Although some people may ask themselves whether they should obtain a protection from abuse order immediately upon recognizing that they are being abused, it may in fact be best to delay receiving one until after they become stronger and more prepared for such an endeavor.

The typical time period for which a protection from abuse order is valid is 6 months. After that, the victim goes back to the normal court system to request a longer order of protection. If you have any questions about obtaining such an order, it is best to consult with an experienced PA protection from abuse lawyer or attorney PA so that you can be fully informed and make an informed decision on whether or not you should pursue legal action.

A choose then critiques the petition and may additionally have some extra questions for the plaintiff. At this time, a choose might also supply or deny a brief PFA. A date for a closing listening to will be scheduled inside 10 enterprise days. If a transient PFA is granted, it offers safety for the sufferer via the date of the closing hearing.
Next, the nearby sheriff’s workplace will supply a reproduction of the petition, brief PFA order and observe of the ultimate listening to to the defendant. At the time of the last PFA hearing, the plaintiff/victim and defendant/abuser each have the possibility to come earlier than the judge. Both are allowed to have attorneys characterize them at the hearing.