Pittsburgh Protection From Abuse Lawyers
PFA (protection from abuse) Orders are meant to help those who fear domestic abuse. However, the situation could become complex very quickly with numerous forms to complete and evidence that must be presented. Whether you are seeking protection or find yourself being falsely accused, you need a Pittsburgh PFA (protection from abuse) lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Our Pittsburgh PFA (protection from abuse) lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC have years of experience helping people handle domestic violence situations. Contact attorney Anthony Piccirilli today at (412) 471-5100 to find out how we can help you.
What Is a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA)?
Domestic violence is a term used to describe acts of abuse that are committed by certain people, such as family and household members. However, domestic violence can be committed by a range of individuals who are related to the victim in some way. A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania can provide protection from any of the following individuals:
- A person who lives in the victim’s home
- A family member, such as a parent, sibling, or child
- An intimate or sexual partner
- Someone the victim had a child with in the past
What Does a PFA Order Do?
A PFA in Pennsylvania is a legal decree issued by a judge. In most cases, this order forbids all contact. This means that the alleged assailant is forbidden from contacting the victim at their home, school, workplace, or place of business.
The person being accused of domestic abuse is not allowed to contact the victim through a third party, such as a friend or family member. In most circumstances, a judge will also forbid the accuser from making contact with the accused. These orders can last for up to three years.
Obtaining this court-issued protection has many steps, including filing a petition and attending a court hearing to prove that domestic violence is taking place. Fortunately, Protection from Abuse (PFA) advocates exist to help people understand their options.
What Is a PFA Advocate, and How Can They Help?
A PFA advocate is a legal professional that helps victims of domestic abuse obtain Protection from Abuse orders. They can be instrumental in helping you understand your options and decipher the basics of obtaining a protection order.
To obtain the assistance of a PFA advocate, a person simply needs to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or make a request through the court or your lawyer. In addition, the services of a PFA advocate are completely free.
However, to address the more complicated aspects of your civil case, you need the help of an experienced legal professional. An attorney can present you with legal strategies that may be effective in helping you obtain a PFA order.
We can help with all of the following:
PFA Orders for Children
When children are the victims of abuse, they need the help of adults to seek a protection order. We can assist you in obtaining the necessary protection that you need for a minor child who is in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Temporary PFA Orders
The process to obtain a final order can be lengthy. If you need a protection order immediately or you need more time before your protection order hearing, we can help you consider your options and do what is best for you and your loved ones.
Protection from Intimidation (PFI) Order
A Protection from Intimidation order is meant to protect minor children who are under the age of 18. They protect a child from intimidation, harassment, stalking, or other types of violence committed by an adult.
Protection from Sexual Violence (PSV) Order
If a minor or adult has experienced sexual violence, they may choose to pursue a Sexual Violence Protection Order. However, victims cannot seek this type of order if the offender is a familial or household member.
How to Obtain a PFA Order in Pennsylvania
The process for obtaining a PFA order in Pennsylvania usually begins with filling out and submitting a petition with a court of law. PFA advocates can be instrumental during this step, providing key insights related to what should and should not be included. Once this document has been submitted, a court hearing will be immediately scheduled. In fact, the law requires that a hearing for a protection order take place within 10 days of the petition being turned in.
What Happens at a PFA Hearing?
At the hearing, both sides will be allowed to make their case. The accuser is tasked with convincing a judge that domestic abuse is taking place, while the accused is allowed an opportunity to defend themselves. These proceedings are civil in nature, but they do resemble a criminal trial.
Potential Outcomes of a PFA Hearing
If a protection order is eventually issued by a judge, the victim may even choose to move forward with criminal charges. If the judge is convinced that abuse is taking place, they will finalize a protection order. This order offers protection throughout the United States, and is not bound to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Defending Against a Protection Order
PFAs serve a vital purpose in society; however, false accusations are not uncommon. If you find yourself defending against a PFA, you may face serious consequences, even criminal charges. Our Pittsburgh PFA defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and help you through this complicated situation.
Call Our Pittsburgh Protection from Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are dealing with a domestic violence situation, we can help. There are two sides to every story and we will compassionately listen to yours and make sure the court hears it. You may be worried about your future and unsure of what steps to take next. Let us help you understand your legal options and make the best decision in your situation.
Call Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC today at (412) 471-5100.