How to Get a Protection From Abuse Order in Pennsylvania
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Pennsylvania · Last updated September 17, 2026
In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you, issued under the Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61). You seek one when a family or household member, an intimate or sexual partner, or a relative has abused, threatened, stalked, or harassed you. You start by filing a Petition for Protection from Abuse with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the person you want protection from can be served. No plaintiff is charged any filing or service fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). A judge can grant a temporary PFA the same day, without the other person present, if your petition shows an immediate and present danger of abuse (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)). That temporary order stays in effect until your final hearing, which the court must hold within ten business days of filing (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). At the hearing the judge decides whether to issue a final PFA, which can last for a fixed period not to exceed three years and can be extended (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d) and (e)). If the court is closed, a magisterial district judge can issue an emergency PFA that lasts until the next business day (23 Pa.C.S. 6110). If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
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How do I get a PFA order in Pennsylvania?
File a Petition for Protection from Abuse with the Court of Common Pleas in your county. No plaintiff is charged a filing fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). A judge can grant a temporary PFA the same day if your petition shows immediate and present danger, and a final hearing follows within ten business days.
How long does it take to get a PFA in Pennsylvania?
A judge can issue a temporary PFA the same day you file, without the other person present, if your petition shows an immediate and present danger of abuse (23 Pa.C.S. 6107). If the court is closed, a magisterial district judge can issue an emergency PFA that lasts until the next business day.
How long does a PFA order last in Pennsylvania?
A temporary PFA stays in effect until your final hearing, which the court must hold within ten business days of filing (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). After the hearing, a final PFA can last for a fixed period not to exceed three years, and you can ask the court to extend it before it expires (23 Pa.C.S. 6108).
Which court handles PFA orders in Pennsylvania?
You file in the Court of Common Pleas, in the county where you live, where the abuse occurred, or where the person you want protection from can be served. Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System provides Protection From Abuse information and local court contacts to help you file without a lawyer.
Pennsylvania PFA order law at a glance
In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order protects you from abuse by a family or household member, an intimate or sexual partner, or a relative, under the Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61). You ask for one by filing a Petition for Protection from Abuse with the Court of Common Pleas, and no plaintiff is charged a filing or service fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). A judge can grant a temporary PFA the same day, without notice to the other person, if your petition shows an immediate and present danger of abuse (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)). That temporary order stays in effect until your final hearing, held within ten business days (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). A final PFA can last up to three years and can be extended (23 Pa.C.S. 6108).
Getting a Pennsylvania PFA order after threats from an ex-partner
In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order can stop an abusive partner the same day you file. Suppose your former partner has been showing up at your home and sending threatening messages. You complete a Petition for Protection from Abuse, describing the threats with dates, and file it with the Court of Common Pleas at no cost (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). That afternoon, a judge reviews your petition and signs a temporary PFA because it shows an immediate and present danger (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)), setting a final hearing within ten business days. The county sheriff serves your ex. At the hearing you bring screenshots and testify, and the judge grants a three-year PFA ordering no contact (23 Pa.C.S. 6108). You keep a copy with you and calendar the expiration to extend before it ends. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
23 Pa.C.S. 6107 (temporary order and hearing within ten business days)
Provides that within ten business days of the filing of a petition a hearing shall be held before the court, and that in cases of immediate and present danger the court may enter an ex parte temporary order that remains in effect until modified or terminated by the court after notice and hearing.
23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b) (no filing fee for the plaintiff)
Provides that no plaintiff seeking relief under this chapter shall be charged any fees or costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration or service of a petition, motion, complaint, order or any other filing.
23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d) and (e) (duration and extension of the order)
Provides that a protection order or approved consent agreement shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed three years, and allows an extension after notice and a hearing where the defendant committed further abuse or engaged in a pattern indicating continued risk of harm.
23 Pa.C.S. 6110 (emergency relief when court is unavailable)
Authorizes a hearing officer or available magisterial district judge to issue an emergency protection from abuse order when the Court of Common Pleas is unavailable, providing immediate protection until the plaintiff can file for a temporary order.
Regional Variances
Pennsylvania PFA order rules at a glance
Order name
Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, issued under the Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61). A separate order covers abuse by someone outside a family, household, or intimate relationship.
Where to file
The Court of Common Pleas, in the county where you live, where the abuse occurred, or where the person you want protection from can be served. No plaintiff is charged a filing fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)).
Emergency and temporary orders
When the court is closed, a magisterial district judge can issue an emergency PFA lasting until the next business day (23 Pa.C.S. 6110). A judge can issue a temporary PFA the same day you file, lasting until your final hearing (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)).
Final order duration
After a hearing, a final PFA can last for a fixed period not to exceed three years and can be extended before it expires if the defendant reoffends or shows continued risk (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d) and (e)).
Main form
The Petition for Protection from Abuse, a standardized statewide form. The Court of Common Pleas, self-help staff, and local domestic violence programs provide the current petition at no charge.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the Petition for Protection from Abuse
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out the Petition for Protection from Abuse, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Pennsylvania uses a standardized statewide petition, and county court staff and domestic violence programs can help at no charge. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your petition with the Court of Common Pleas
Same day you finish the petition days after startingFile the petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live, where the abuse occurred, or where the other person can be served. No plaintiff is charged a filing fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your temporary order.
Get and carry the temporary PFA
Same day the judge signs it days after startingIf the judge grants a temporary PFA (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your final hearing, which the court must hold within ten business days of filing. Note your hearing date.
Confirm the sheriff serves the defendant
Before the hearing days after startingThe county sheriff serves the defendant with your petition, the temporary order, and the notice of the final hearing at no charge to you (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). Service is required before the judge can issue a final PFA. Confirm service was completed with the court.
Attend the final hearing with your evidence
Within ten business days of filing days after startingGo to the final hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). Both sides can testify, and you must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge decides whether to issue a final PFA (23 Pa.C.S. 6108).
Track the expiration and extend if needed
Before the order expires (up to 3 years out) days after startingA final PFA can last up to three years (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d)). Calendar the expiration date and file to extend before it ends. A court can grant an extension if the defendant reoffends or shows a continued risk of harm (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(e)).
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Petition for Protection from Abuse | Fill out the Petition for Protection from Abuse, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Pennsylvania uses a standardized statewide petition, and county court staff and domestic violence programs can help at no charge. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your petition with the Court of Common Pleas | File the petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live, where the abuse occurred, or where the other person can be served. No plaintiff is charged a filing fee (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your temporary order. | - | Same day you finish the petition |
| Get and carry the temporary PFA | If the judge grants a temporary PFA (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(b)), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your final hearing, which the court must hold within ten business days of filing. Note your hearing date. | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Confirm the sheriff serves the defendant | The county sheriff serves the defendant with your petition, the temporary order, and the notice of the final hearing at no charge to you (23 Pa.C.S. 6106(b)). Service is required before the judge can issue a final PFA. Confirm service was completed with the court. | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the final hearing with your evidence | Go to the final hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). Both sides can testify, and you must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge decides whether to issue a final PFA (23 Pa.C.S. 6108). | - | Within ten business days of filing |
| Track the expiration and extend if needed | A final PFA can last up to three years (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d)). Calendar the expiration date and file to extend before it ends. A court can grant an extension if the defendant reoffends or shows a continued risk of harm (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(e)). | - | Before the order expires (up to 3 years out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pennsylvania does not charge a plaintiff any filing fee for a PFA. Section 6106(b) states that no plaintiff seeking relief under this chapter shall be charged any fees or costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, or service of a petition, motion, complaint, order, or any other filing.
When the court is closed, you can seek an emergency PFA through a magisterial district judge, usually by contacting local police (23 Pa.C.S. 6110). The emergency order provides immediate protection and lasts until the next business day, when you go to the Court of Common Pleas to file a temporary PFA.
A PFA is for abuse by a family or household member, a current or former spouse or intimate partner, a co-parent, or a person related to you by blood or marriage. A parent or guardian can file for a child. For abuse by someone outside those relationships, Pennsylvania offers a separate protection order.
You file a Petition for Protection from Abuse, the standardized statewide form prescribed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. The Court of Common Pleas, its self-help staff, and local domestic violence programs provide the current petition and instructions at no charge, and many petitioners complete it without a lawyer.
At the final hearing, held within ten business days of filing, both you and the defendant can attend, present evidence, and testify (23 Pa.C.S. 6107(a)). You must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The judge then decides whether to issue a final PFA and what protections to include.
Yes. A final PFA lasts for a fixed period not to exceed three years (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(d)). Before it expires, you can petition to extend it. A court can grant an extension if the defendant committed further abuse or engaged in a pattern that shows a continued risk of harm (23 Pa.C.S. 6108(e)).
Violating a PFA order is a crime in Pennsylvania. Call the police, who can arrest the defendant for indirect criminal contempt, and the court can impose penalties. Keep a copy of your order with you at all times and report every violation. Active PFA orders are entered in a statewide registry.
No. Pennsylvania courts are set up for people to request a PFA on their own, with a standardized petition, self-help resources, and local domestic violence advocates. Many petitioners file without a lawyer, especially for a temporary order. Legal help can be useful if the case is contested or the defendant has an attorney.
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