Protection from Abuse Lawyer Pittsburgh, PA

Legal Services with Compassion, Understanding & Respect

Protection from Abuse - Protect yourself, know the law.

Need more info? Call 412.303.9566 or E-Mail us today.

WHO CAN OBTAIN A PFA?

We will be there for you

Under the Protection from Abuse Act, A temporary Protection from Abuse Order may be obtained by a current or former intimate partner, against the other if the person seeking the petition is in reasonable fear of bodily harm. In the event that a person is physically assaulted or threatened with bodily harm, they can proceed to file a petition for Protection from Abuse.

HOW & WHERE TO OBTAIN A PFA?

A temporary Order for Protection from Abuse or “PFA” can be obtained in Allegheny County by filing a Petition that is available at the court. An emergency protection from abuse "EPFA" may be obtained at night court, from a local magistrate or at some hospitals. An emergency or temporary PFA will preclude the defendant from having any contact with the plaintiff. The defendant will also be evicted from the residence and excluded from the business location of the plaintiff. The victim may also request that the defendant relinquish any firearms. Following the entry of a temporary PFA, a hearing for a Final PFA will be scheduled.

WHAT HAPPENS AT COURT?

At the Final Hearing time there are a number of options for resolving the matter. This includes the entry of a Final Protection from Abuse Order for as long as 36 months. During this time the defendant may not have any contact with the victim in any way or through any third parties. The defendant will also be evicted from the residence where the plaintiff resides. The defendant will also be barred from going to the plaintiff’s place of employment. At the final hearing, the court may also address child custody and may make an interim ruling on child support. The parties also have the option to resolve the matter via a consent order with any number of terms. Some examples include: a PFA for less than three years; a civil no-contact order; a continuance for several months with a rescheduled final hearing; or the PFA may be vacated altogether.

OUR VIEW

We take all cases involving domestic violence very seriously, and believe that no one should be a victim of violence or threats of violence. At the same time, unfortunately we also often encounter false claims of violence made in an effort to impact a divorce proceeding or custody matter. Regardless of the circumstances, we will fight hard for you; either to protect you or to avoid having false accusations appear on your record.

DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR MY PFA?

We have handled numerous PFA matters involving various types of abuse, harassment, threats, and violence perpetrated by both men and women against both men and women. We have handled cases invloving married couples, engaged couples, unmarried parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, same sex couples, parent and child. We have handled cases involving custody issues and property issues where exclusive possession is sought. We understand the interplay between a PFA and an existing or impending custody or divorce, and will explain how a PFA can impact related matters of custody and divorce. We can also dispel common myths about PFA Orders and explain situations where a PFA is not appropriate, or where further intervention through criminal court is warranted. We have represented both new and existing clients on both sides of cases through the final hearing process. We have also been repeat volunteers, providing pro bono representation to plaintiffs through a local agency.

NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PFA IN PENNSYLVANIA?

We can help if you have filed a PFA and need an attorney to represent you at a hearing. We can also assist if you need representation at a hearing to defend against a PFA filed against you which is unwarranted. For more information about Protection from Abuse in Pennsylvania, call Scott L. Levine at 412.303.9566.

Hartley Rose Building | 425 1st Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412.303.9566 | www.pghdivorce.com | Fax: 412.774.2168
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The material provided on pghdivorce.com is provided as general information only and in no way does it constitute legal advice or establish any attorney-client relationship. No one should rely on this information when making important decisions about a legal matter. If you are in need of legal assistance you should contact a lawyer who practices in the jurisdiction where you live.

425 1st Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | Phone: (412) 303-9566 | Fax: (412) 774-2168 | pghdivorce.com

We offer legal services for Family Law matters including: Contested Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Custody, Partial Custody, Shared Custody, Full Custody, Legal Custody, Child Support, Modifications to Child Support, Spousal Support, Modifications to Spousal Support, Alimony, APL, Protection From Abuse, PFA, Marital Settlement Agreements, Separation Agreements, Equitable Distribution of Property, Name Change, Paternity & Pre-Nuptial Agreements. We handle court hearings, conferences, litigation, motions, settlements and negotiations. We draft and prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, petitions for special relief, petitions for contempt, divorce complaints and custody complaints. We offer estate planning services, including the drafting of wills, living wills, health care power of attorney documents, HCPOA, advance directives, power of attorney, POA and simple wills. We offer reasonable rates and fees, and have flexible payment options. We accept cash, check, money orders, debit cards, credit cards, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We offer hourly billing and flat fee agreements depending on the circumstances.

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