Protection From Abuse Attorney Serving Montgomery and Bucks Counties

When a family situation becomes threatening or unsafe, it can be difficult to know what requires immediate court intervention and what should be addressed through a divorce or custody case.

Christina J. Corr, P.C. represents clients in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in Protection From Abuse matters. We assist people seeking protection as well as individuals who have been served with a PFA petition and need to respond.

Our approach is careful and fact focused. PFA orders are important legal protections, but they also carry serious consequences. The first step is understanding whether the circumstances meet Pennsylvania’s legal definition of abuse and what relief may be appropriate.

What Is a Protection From Abuse Order?

A Protection From Abuse Order, commonly called a PFA, is a civil court order intended to protect a person from abuse by certain family members, household members, intimate partners or others covered by Pennsylvania law.

Pennsylvania’s legal definition of abuse includes certain acts involving sexual assault, physical injury, threats creating a reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury, false imprisonment, child abuse and repeated conduct that creates a reasonable fear of bodily injury.

A difficult marriage, frequent arguments or controlling behavior may be serious concerns, but they do not automatically satisfy the legal requirements for a PFA. The particular facts matter.

What Can a PFA Order Do?

Depending on the circumstances, a PFA order may prohibit contact, exclude a person from a shared residence, restrict access to a home or workplace, address firearms and provide temporary protections involving children.

A PFA may also affect custody arrangements while the order is in place.

Because the consequences can be significant, both the person requesting protection and the person responding to a petition should understand exactly what is being alleged and what the a PFA order requires.

Temporary and Final PFA Orders

When a person alleges abuse, the court may Order temporary protection before the other party has an opportunity to respond.

A later hearing provides both parties with an opportunity to present evidence showing whether or not a final PFA Order should be entered. These proceedings can move quickly. Preparing witnesses and evidence before the hearing is important.

When Children Are Involved

PFA and custody cases frequently overlap. A temporary protection order may include temporary custody provisions.  If the parties have children together, a separate custody case should be filed if one doesn’t already exist. If children are the victims of abuse, an attorney for the children may be appointed by the Court. 

Responding to a PFA Petition

Being served with a PFA petition should be taken seriously.

A final order can restrict contact, exclude you from your home, effect custody and create other significant legal consequences. Ignoring the petition or violating a temporary order can make the situation substantially worse.

We help clients understand the allegations, comply with the temporary order and prepare for the hearing.

Not Every High-Conflict Situation Requires a PFA

Family disputes can involve anger, hostility and behavior that feels intimidating without necessarily meeting the legal requirements for a Protection From Abuse Order.

When the definition of abuse is not met, other remedies may be more appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, those may include custody, exclusive possession of the marital home, or other remedies. Choosing the right legal option is important to minimize conflict and preserve credibility with the Court.

Focus on Safety and Facts

PFA cases require calm, careful decisions when emotions are running high.

We help clients identify what happened, what evidence exists and what legal relief is available. When immediate protection is necessary, we act accordingly. When a different family-law remedy is more appropriate, we explain that as well.



Contact Christina J. Corr, P.C. to discuss a Protection From Abuse matter in Montgomery County or Bucks County, Pennsylvania.