Family Law
Protection From Abuse Orders in Pittsburgh
A Protection From Abuse order, commonly called a PFA, is a court order that can restrict contact, remove someone from a home, and affect custody or employment on an expedited schedule. Temporary orders may be entered quickly and a final hearing is usually scheduled within days.
Lebovitz & Lebovitz represents individuals who have been served with a PFA and need to prepare for the hearing, and we advise petitioners in appropriate circumstances. Because the hearing creates the record the court will rely on, preparation matters.
A PFA order can require immediate surrender of firearms, removal from your home, and restricted contact with children.
Most hearings occur within days of service. Without proper preparation, temporary restrictions often become final orders in effect for months or years. Call 412-351-4422 or contact our office before the hearing date.
What Happens After a PFA Is Filed
Courts frequently issue a temporary order based on the petition and schedule a final hearing shortly afterward. At the hearing both sides may testify and present evidence, and the judge determines whether a final order will be entered.
Because hearings occur quickly, respondents are sometimes served shortly before the court date. Early preparation allows counsel to evaluate the allegations, prepare witnesses if necessary, and decide whether to contest the allegations or negotiate terms.
Consent Orders and Final Orders
Some cases resolve through a consent order entered without admission of wrongdoing. Other cases proceed to a full hearing where the court determines whether abuse occurred under the statute. Each path carries different legal consequences and should be evaluated carefully before decisions are made.
Firearms and Other Consequences
Protective orders may require surrender of firearms during the duration of the order and can affect housing, custody arrangements, and employment. Anyone considering a consent order should understand these consequences before agreeing to terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a PFA order last?
A final PFA order can last up to three years. Temporary orders remain in effect until the final hearing, which typically occurs within ten days of filing. The court may extend or modify orders based on circumstances presented at the hearing.
What happens to my guns if I get served with a PFA?
You must surrender all firearms immediately upon service of a temporary PFA order. The court will specify where and when to surrender weapons. Failure to comply is a separate criminal offense that can result in arrest and additional charges.
Can I be kicked out of my own house with a PFA?
Yes, a PFA order can exclude you from your residence even if you own or lease the property. The court considers safety factors rather than property rights when making exclusion decisions. This applies to shared residences regardless of whose name appears on documents.
Do I have to admit wrongdoing to resolve a PFA case?
No, you can enter a consent order without admitting any wrongdoing. Consent orders allow you to agree to certain restrictions while maintaining your position that no abuse occurred. This option should be carefully evaluated against the consequences of the proposed terms.
Will a PFA show up on background checks?
Yes, PFA orders appear in most background checks and can affect employment, housing applications, and professional licenses. The order remains visible even after it expires. This is true for both contested orders and consent agreements.
How much time do I have to prepare for a PFA hearing?
Hearings are typically scheduled within ten days of filing, though some occur sooner. You may receive service only days before the court date. Pennsylvania law requires minimal advance notice, making immediate preparation essential for effective representation.
Additional questions about PFA procedures are addressed during consultation.