A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a civil court order in Pennsylvania that protects victims of domestic violence from an intimate partner, family member, or household member. Filing is free and begins at the county Court of Common Pleas, where a judge can grant an ex parte temporary PFA the same day. A final hearing follows within ten business days, and a final PFA can last up to three years. We explain the filing steps, who qualifies, and what to expect at each stage below.
A Protection From Abuse order, commonly called a PFA, is a civil court order available to victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. It is separate from a criminal case, which means a victim does not need charges filed against an abuser to request one. If you are dealing with abuse from a partner, spouse, or family member and are considering family law options, understanding how the PFA process works is often the first step toward safety.
What Is a Protection From Abuse Order in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Protection From Abuse Act, found at 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6101 through 6122, allows a victim to petition the court for protection from abuse committed by a household member, intimate partner, or relative. Abuse under the statute includes physical injury, the threat of physical injury, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and stalking. A PFA can order the abuser to stay away from the victim, vacate a shared home, and, in many cases, address temporary custody of shared children.
Who Can File for a PFA in Pennsylvania
You may request a PFA against someone with any of the following relationships to you:
- A current or former spouse
- A current or former intimate partner, including someone you dated
- A parent, child, sibling, or other family member, including step and in-law relationships
- A current or former household member
- The other parent of your child, even if you never lived together
A PFA generally cannot be filed against a neighbor, coworker, or stranger unless one of these relationships exists.
The Three Types of PFA Orders in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania recognizes three stages of protection, and knowing the difference helps set expectations for how quickly protection takes effect.
Emergency PFA. Available when the courts are closed, such as nights, weekends, or holidays. An on-call judge can issue this order, which lasts only until the next business day.
Ex Parte Temporary PFA. Filed during business hours at the county courthouse. Because it is ex parte, the abuser is not present or notified before the judge decides. If granted, it remains in effect until the final hearing.
Final PFA. Issued after both parties appear before a judge and present evidence. A final PFA can last up to three years and may be extended depending on the circumstances.
How to File a PFA in Pennsylvania Step by Step
While each county handles certain details differently, the general filing process follows the same statewide sequence under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6107.
- File a petition at the county courthouse. You can file in the county where you live, where the abuser lives or works, or where the abuse occurred. The prothonotary’s office provides the petition forms, and filing is free for the person requesting protection.
- Attend an ex parte hearing the same day. A judge reviews your petition and may ask questions. If the judge finds you or your children are in danger, a temporary PFA is signed on the spot.
- The sheriff serves the abuser. Once a temporary PFA is granted, the sheriff’s office delivers a copy of the petition, the temporary order, and the date of the final hearing to the abuser.
- Attend the final hearing. This is scheduled within ten business days of the initial filing. Both sides may testify, present evidence, and call witnesses.
If a temporary PFA is not granted, the petition does not disappear. You still receive a final hearing date where you can present your full case with the abuser present.
What Happens at the Final PFA Hearing
At the final hearing, the person requesting protection must show that abuse occurred using the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning it is more likely than not that abuse took place. This is a lower burden of proof than in a criminal case. If the judge is satisfied, a final PFA is issued for up to three years. If the abuser does not appear, the judge may grant the final order in their absence or reschedule the hearing.
An abuser who violates a PFA, whether temporary or final, can face a charge of indirect criminal contempt, which is heard separately from the underlying civil PFA case.
PFA Filing Statistics in Pennsylvania
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
| New PFA orders filed statewide, 2024 | Increased less than 1% from 2023 | Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System |
| Domestic violence homicide victims, 2024 | 106 (71 women, 35 men) | PCADV Annual Fatality Report |
| Domestic violence homicides involving a firearm, 2024 | 66%, down from 77% in 2023 | PCADV Annual Fatality Report |
| Pennsylvanians served by PCADV member programs annually | Approximately 90,000 | Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence |
| National domestic violence hotline | 1-800-799-7233 | National Domestic Violence Hotline |
These numbers show that PFA filings remain steady year over year across Pennsylvania, and that the stakes involved in domestic violence cases remain serious. A PFA is often one of the few immediate legal tools available to reduce risk while a broader family law matter, such as a divorce or custody case, moves forward.
Filing a PFA in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland
Each county in our service area, including Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, York, and Lebanon counties in Pennsylvania and Washington County in Maryland, handles PFA intake through its own Court of Common Pleas or Family Court office. Office hours and paperwork requirements can vary slightly by county, so calling ahead or working with an attorney familiar with the local process can help avoid delays when protection cannot wait.
Do You Need a Lawyer to File a PFA
A lawyer is not required to file a PFA in Pennsylvania, and the process is designed to be accessible without one. That said, representation is strongly recommended, particularly at the final hearing, where evidence rules apply, and the outcome can affect custody, housing, and firearm possession for the abuser. An attorney can also help you understand how a PFA may interact with an ongoing or upcoming divorce or custody matter.
If you have questions about a PFA already in place, our related guide on custody and Protection From Abuse orders covers how a PFA can affect parenting time and legal custody.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to file a PFA in Pennsylvania?
No. Filing a PFA petition is free for the person requesting protection under Pennsylvania law.
How long does a temporary PFA last?
An ex parte temporary PFA remains in effect until the final hearing, which is generally scheduled within ten business days of filing.
How long does a final PFA last in Pennsylvania?
A final PFA can last up to three years and may be extended in some circumstances.
Can a PFA affect child custody?
Yes. A judge can address temporary custody within a PFA order if the abuse involved the parties’ children, and a final PFA can influence custody arrangements in a later family court case.
What happens if someone violates a PFA?
Violating a PFA is treated as indirect criminal contempt and is handled as a separate legal matter from the original civil PFA case.
Do I need to hire an attorney to get a PFA?
An attorney is not required, but legal representation is recommended, especially at the final hearing, since the outcome can affect custody, housing, and other rights.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse and needs help understanding the PFA process in Pennsylvania, contact Mooney Law for guidance from an attorney experienced in family law matters across Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
