This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Domestic Violence and Protection From Abuse issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Find Legal Assistance to Get Protection from Domestic Violence
Click on the Find Legal Help tab above to locate a legal service provider to assist you in getting protection from domestic violence.
Find Your Local Domestic Violence Program - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Help centers across the state provide free, confidential counseling, shelter, legal, and economic services for domestic violence victims and their children. Locate a center near you using your city or zip code; or your current location identified by your mobile device or computer.
PCAR Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project provides free and confidential trauma informed legal advice and short-term legal representation to victims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. The project is designed to fill existing gaps where local community legal services are unavailable. Priority is given to victims of non-intimate partner sexual assault.
The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act
Information from the Pennsylvania Coalition on Domestic Violence about the Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act that went into effect on July 1, 2015. The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) Act applies to adults and minors (children younger than age 18) who are victims of sexual violence, harassment, stalking, and intimidation when the person who is abusing them is not a member of their family or household.
Custody and Visitation Guide for Self-Represented Survivors of Domestic Violence
If you’re a domestic violence survivor with children and don’t have a lawyer, this guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance can help you decide whether a divorce or custody case can help you. If so, it can help you follow the court rules and meet legal requirements, so you have the best chance at an outcome that is safe for you and your children. The guide contains general legal information applicable throughout Pennsylvania and specific information on procedures in Philadelphia.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2026)
Housing Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association discusses the federal housing rights of victims of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). August 2, 2011.
Live Free From Domestic Violence
This link will direct you to information on protection orders and other alternatives providing relief from domestic violence. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid merged with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023 to create Summit Legal Aid.
Megan's Law/Sex Offender Registration
Pennsylvania's Megan's Law requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who reside, or is transient, work/carry on a vocation, or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent of Certain Sexual Offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
Protection From Abuse (Central Pennsylvania)
Information from MidPenn Legal Services for victims of domestic violence on protection orders under a law called the Protection From Abuse Act.
Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA)
Domestic Violence/PFA Chapter of Family Law Handbook published by North Penn Legal Services. (2026)
Protection Orders
This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.
What is a Protection From Abuse Order (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, describes what a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is and how it can protect you and other family members. (August 2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Berks County Protection From Abuse Office
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Berks County. Protection From Abuse (PFA) is a civil order of the court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to cause bodily injury to the victim.
Bradford County Prothonotary: Court Administration Forms
Forms from Bradford County Prothonotary.
Bucks County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse in Bucks County. The Protection from Abuse Act is a state law which gives a court the power to issue a civil (non-criminal) order to protect certain people.
Butler County Family Court: Protection Orders
Information on the procedures for obtaining a Protection From Abuse or Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation Order in Butler County.
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Carbon Court Self-Service - Protection From Abuse Services
Information on how to get a Protection From Abuse order in Carbon County.
Dauphin County: How Can I Obtain a PFA
Information from the Dauphin County District Attorney on when you can get a Protection From Abuse Order and how to get one in Dauphin County.
Elk County Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District serving Elk and Cameron Counties.
Erie County - Protection From Abuse
Resources from the Erie County Office of Protection From Abuse on court procedures in Erie County, including Information on Protection From Abuse; Information on Protection From Intimidation; and Information on Protection From Sexual Violence.
Erie County - Protection From Abuse Information and Procedures
Information on the Protection From Abuse procedures in Erie County. Includes: Information and procedures on Protection From Abuse; Protection From Intimidation; and Protection From Sexual Violence.
Fayette County: Protection From Abuse Instructions
Instructions for pro se (unrepresented by legal counsel) individuals on obtaining a Protection From Abuse Order or a Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation (PSVI) Order in Fayette County. [PDF]
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages.
Franklin County: Civil Protection Orders for Victims of Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania has three different civil protection order options that offer victims relief from further harm from their perpetrator: Protection From Abuse (PFA), Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO) and Protection From Intimidation (PFI). Civil protection orders can be filed whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. Information on these options in Franklin County is provided here.
Fulton County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence
Information on services available to victims of domestic violence and on getting a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.
Huntingdon County: Forms
Forms for use in the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
Lancaster County: Protection Order Information in Lancaster County
Information on Protection Orders including the Protection From Abuse Order; Sexual Violence Protection Order; and Protection from Intimidation Order. It outlines the procedures for filing an action to obtain a protection order, including forms and instructional videos in English and Spanish/Español.
Lawrence County: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Coordinator/Lawyer Referral
The PFA Coordinator/Lawyer Referral is part of the Court Administration and is responsible for the processing of all Protection From Abuse Petitions, and is also the referral service for lawyers in Lawrence County.
Lehigh County: Protection From Abuse (PFA)
Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Family Court office in Lehigh County.
Lycoming County Forms
On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.
Monroe County: Protection From Abuse
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) is a civil order of the Court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to use physical force that would reasonably cause bodily injury to the victim. Information on how and where to File for a PFA Order in Monroe County.
Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County. To qualify for a Protection from Abuse order, there must be either a family relationship or an intimate relationship with the person from whom you want to file for protection. The Protection from Abuse Department is located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown.
Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information
Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage.
Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released a series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts. This video provides an overview of the new requirements. Follow the link to view the entire series of videos.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Family Law Forms - Philadelphia Bar Association
Here you will find links to printable documents relating to various areas of Family Law. These forms and instructions were prepared under the sponsorship of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order
You can pursue a violation of a Protection from Abuse Order by filing a Civil Petition for Contempt of the protection order. This form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia should be used to start a Contempt of Protection From Abuse action in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Extend Protection From Abuse Order
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This petition requests an extension of an existing Protection From Abuse Order.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This form is used to request a modification or change in an existing Protection From Abuse Order.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. (2015)
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Protection From Abuse Form
Forms from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in filing a Protection From Abuse petition in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.
Pike County: Pro Se Forms
Pro Se forms for use by unrepresented parties in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas. Click on "Filings" drop-down to see available forms.
Protection From Abuse (PFA) FAQS
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to get a PFA in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Countis in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders
This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.
Schuylkill County: Prothonotary Forms
Forms for use in the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties. Click on subject drop-down to view forms.
Westmoreland County Family Court - PFA (Protection from Abuse) and PSVI (Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation) Orders
Information about Protection From Abuse Orders and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Orders and the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland County: Frequently Asked Questions - Protection from Abuse Orders
Information about Protection From Abuse Laws and the the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.
York County Protection From Abuse Office
This web page provides general information about the York County Protection From Abuse (PFA) Office as well as information about protection orders. Protection Orders include a Protection From Abuse (PFA), Protection From Intimidation (PFI) and Sexual Violence Protection (SVP). The PFA Office is located at the York County Judicial Center at 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401.
Dependable Access for Victimization Expenses (DAVE) Online Claim Filing System
This Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims of crime in Pennsylvania with expenses related to a crime. You may use this site to file a claim for compensation.
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages.
Local Forms and Self-Help Information
For local forms and information for your county, click the category listing that apply to your case to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.
Custody and Visitation Guide for Self-Represented Survivors of Domestic Violence
If you’re a domestic violence survivor with children and don’t have a lawyer, this guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance can help you decide whether a divorce or custody case can help you. If so, it can help you follow the court rules and meet legal requirements, so you have the best chance at an outcome that is safe for you and your children. The guide contains general legal information applicable throughout Pennsylvania and specific information on procedures in Philadelphia.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2026)
Housing Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association discusses the federal housing rights of victims of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). August 2, 2011.
Is Domestic Violence A Problem For You? You Can Be Excused From Welfare Department Rules Because of Domestic Violence
Information and form to be used to request a waiver of Department of Human Services rules due to Domestic Violence.
Know Your Rights: Domestic Violence and Assisted Housing
This brochure prepared by the National Housing Law Project and provided through MidPenn Legal Services offers information on the rights provided under the Violence Against Women Act to residents of public housing, Section 8 housing, or supportive housing for the elderly or disabled.
Live Free From Domestic Violence
This link will direct you to information on protection orders and other alternatives providing relief from domestic violence. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid merged with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023 to create Summit Legal Aid.
Money! Money! Money! (Video)
Consumer Law Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Basic ideas about money management, some good ideas and some mistakes to avoid for anyone. (2011)
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
Protection From Abuse (Central Pennsylvania)
Information from MidPenn Legal Services for victims of domestic violence on protection orders under a law called the Protection From Abuse Act.
Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA)
Domestic Violence/PFA Chapter of Family Law Handbook published by North Penn Legal Services. (2026)
Protection From Abuse (PFA) FAQS
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to get a PFA in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Countis in Pennsylvania.
What is a Protection From Abuse Order (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, describes what a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is and how it can protect you and other family members. (August 2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
You Can Claim "GOOD CAUSE" Not to File For Child Support if You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
If you get welfare benefits, the welfare office will expect you to file for child support. This provides information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on when you have "good cause" not to file for support due to domestic violence.
Domestic Violence and TANF Support Requirements
Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association about the requirement that families who receive cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) apply for child or spousal support unless excused for good cause. [PDF] (December 2021)
Philadelphia County: Family Law Forms - Philadelphia Bar Association
Here you will find links to printable documents relating to various areas of Family Law. These forms and instructions were prepared under the sponsorship of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.
Protection from Abuse
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] If you have been threatened or assaulted, contact your local police department. If you need to file for a protection order and the courthouse is closed or a judge is not available, papers may be filed before a Magisterial District Judge or Municipal Court Judge. Filing procedures are different in every county. Please contact your county courthouse, domestic violence program or legal services office for more information on the filing procedures in your county. (February 2013)
Protection from Abuse
Information on the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act and how to obtain a Protection From Abuse Order in Erie County from the Erie County Bar Association. (June 2023)
Protection From Abuse in Philadelphia - Emergency Domestic Violence Orders
Information on the Philadelphia Emergency Domestic Violence site, which is responsible for issuance of Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders. It is located at the Criminal Justice Center, Room B-03 at 1301 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA (215-683-7280). The office is open daily after 5 p.m. (until 8 a.m. when Family Court re-opens). It is open 24 hours on weekends and holidays. [PDF] (October 2022)
Domestic Violence Publications and Resources - Women's Law Project
Resources for victims of domestic violence from the Women's Law Project.
Strangulation Law
Resource from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence about Strangulation and Pennsylvania's Strangulation Law. The law states that a person commits the offense of strangulation; if the person knowingly or intentionally impedes the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose and the mouth of the person.
The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act
Information from the Pennsylvania Coalition on Domestic Violence about the Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act that went into effect on July 1, 2015. The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) Act applies to adults and minors (children younger than age 18) who are victims of sexual violence, harassment, stalking, and intimidation when the person who is abusing them is not a member of their family or household.
Delaware County - Protection From Abuse Orders (Magisterial District Judges)
Information on Protection From Abuse proceedings in Delaware County, including emergency petitions.
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages.
Megan's Law/Sex Offender Registration
Pennsylvania's Megan's Law requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who reside, or is transient, work/carry on a vocation, or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent of Certain Sexual Offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released a series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts. This video provides an overview of the new requirements. Follow the link to view the entire series of videos.
Protection Orders
This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.
Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are three different civil protection order options that offer victims of certain crimes relief from further harm from their perpetrator. Civil protection orders can be filed whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. If you are considering filing a civil protection order, you may find it helpful to contact your local sexual assault or domestic violence advocacy program, legal services, and/or an attorney to thoroughly review your options. This will outline the different options and which one might be best for your situation. (2024)
Local Forms and Self-Help Information
For local forms and information for your county, click the category listing that apply to your case to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.
Protection From Abuse (PFA) FAQS
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to get a PFA in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Countis in Pennsylvania.
Adams County Self Help Center: Information for Representing Yourself in Court
Adams County Court of Common Pleas Self-Help Center. The Court, in conjunction with the Adams County Bar Association and its committees, has provided materials to help individuals represent themselves, pro se, in some legal proceedings. Included are materials on procedures in Family Law, Civil, Juvenile and Orphans Court.
Allegheny County Court Family Division - Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas offers answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in the area of Custody; Dependency & Related Services; Divorce; Juvenile Delinquency and Probation; Paternity; Protection From Abuse (PFA); and Support.
Berks County Protection From Abuse Office
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Berks County. Protection From Abuse (PFA) is a civil order of the court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to cause bodily injury to the victim.
Bradford County Prothonotary: Court Administration Forms
Forms from Bradford County Prothonotary.
Bucks County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse in Bucks County. The Protection from Abuse Act is a state law which gives a court the power to issue a civil (non-criminal) order to protect certain people.
Butler County Family Court: Protection Orders
Information on the procedures for obtaining a Protection From Abuse or Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation Order in Butler County.
Carbon Court Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Carbon Court Self-Service - Protection From Abuse Services
Information on how to get a Protection From Abuse order in Carbon County.
Dauphin County: How Can I Obtain a PFA
Information from the Dauphin County District Attorney on when you can get a Protection From Abuse Order and how to get one in Dauphin County.
Dauphin County Self Help Center
Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center. The Self-Help Center provides forms and instructions for various types of proceedings. The Self-Help Center was established in 2005 and is a collaborate effort between the Dauphin County Court and the Dauphin County Bar Association so that citizens of Dauphin County had access to certain forms and instructions.
Delaware County - Protection From Abuse Orders (Magisterial District Judges)
Information on Protection From Abuse proceedings in Delaware County, including emergency petitions.
Elk County Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District serving Elk and Cameron Counties.
Erie County - Protection From Abuse
Resources from the Erie County Office of Protection From Abuse on court procedures in Erie County, including Information on Protection From Abuse; Information on Protection From Intimidation; and Information on Protection From Sexual Violence.
Erie County - Protection From Abuse Information and Procedures
Information on the Protection From Abuse procedures in Erie County. Includes: Information and procedures on Protection From Abuse; Protection From Intimidation; and Protection From Sexual Violence.
Fayette County: Protection From Abuse Instructions
Instructions for pro se (unrepresented by legal counsel) individuals on obtaining a Protection From Abuse Order or a Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation (PSVI) Order in Fayette County. [PDF]
Franklin County: Civil Protection Orders for Victims of Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania has three different civil protection order options that offer victims relief from further harm from their perpetrator: Protection From Abuse (PFA), Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO) and Protection From Intimidation (PFI). Civil protection orders can be filed whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. Information on these options in Franklin County is provided here.
Fulton County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence
Information on services available to victims of domestic violence and on getting a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties. Click on subject drop-down to view forms.
Huntingdon County: Forms
Forms for use in the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
Lancaster County: Protection Order Information in Lancaster County
Information on Protection Orders including the Protection From Abuse Order; Sexual Violence Protection Order; and Protection from Intimidation Order. It outlines the procedures for filing an action to obtain a protection order, including forms and instructional videos in English and Spanish/Español.
Lawrence County: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Coordinator/Lawyer Referral
The PFA Coordinator/Lawyer Referral is part of the Court Administration and is responsible for the processing of all Protection From Abuse Petitions, and is also the referral service for lawyers in Lawrence County.
Lehigh County: Protection From Abuse (PFA)
Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Family Court office in Lehigh County.
Lycoming County Forms
On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.
Monroe County: Protection From Abuse
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) is a civil order of the Court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to use physical force that would reasonably cause bodily injury to the victim. Information on how and where to File for a PFA Order in Monroe County.
Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County. To qualify for a Protection from Abuse order, there must be either a family relationship or an intimate relationship with the person from whom you want to file for protection. The Protection from Abuse Department is located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown.
Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information
Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage.
Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Family Law Forms - Philadelphia Bar Association
Here you will find links to printable documents relating to various areas of Family Law. These forms and instructions were prepared under the sponsorship of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order
You can pursue a violation of a Protection from Abuse Order by filing a Civil Petition for Contempt of the protection order. This form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia should be used to start a Contempt of Protection From Abuse action in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Extend Protection From Abuse Order
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This petition requests an extension of an existing Protection From Abuse Order.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This form is used to request a modification or change in an existing Protection From Abuse Order.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. (2015)
Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Protection From Abuse Form
Forms from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in filing a Protection From Abuse petition in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County
Information from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.
Pike County: Pro Se Forms
Pro Se forms for use by unrepresented parties in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas. Click on "Filings" drop-down to see available forms.
Schuylkill County: Prothonotary Forms
Forms for use in the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms
Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties. Click on subject drop-down to view forms.
Westmoreland County Court Forms
Court Forms for use in the Westmoreland County Courts.
Westmoreland County Family Court - PFA (Protection from Abuse) and PSVI (Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation) Orders
Information about Protection From Abuse Orders and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Orders and the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland County: Frequently Asked Questions - Protection from Abuse Orders
Information about Protection From Abuse Laws and the the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.
York County Protection From Abuse Office
This web page provides general information about the York County Protection From Abuse (PFA) Office as well as information about protection orders. Protection Orders include a Protection From Abuse (PFA), Protection From Intimidation (PFI) and Sexual Violence Protection (SVP). The PFA Office is located at the York County Judicial Center at 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401.