What is a protection from abuse (PFA) order?

A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a type of legal order that is issued in Pennsylvania to protect an individual from abuse or harassment from someone they have a relationship with. It can be issued against a family member, an intimate partner, a household member, or even someone who is not related. A PFA order is issued by a court and it provides protection from physical abuse, threats, stalking, harassment, and other forms of abuse. Depending on the specific circumstances, it can order the abuser to stay away from the victim, move out of the house, stop communicating with the victim, and not possess firearms or other weapons. In extreme cases, it can also grant the victim custody of children and may require the abuser to pay financial support. The court can also order the abuser to leave the home, to stay away from the victim’s job or school, and to attend counseling or drug and alcohol treatment. The court can also grant the victim exclusive use and possession of the home or other property. In order to get a PFA order, an individual must fill out a complaint form and file it with the court. The court will then review the petition and may call for a hearing to determine if a PFA order is necessary. Once issued, the PFA order is enforceable by law and if the abuser violates the order, they may be subject to criminal penalties.

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What is a protection from abuse (PFA) order?

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