Restraining Orders

Your petition will be given to the judge. If the judge believes that you or your children are in immediate danger, they may sign a temporary protection from abuse (PFA) order. This order will stay in effect until the full hearing for a final PFA, which usually happens within ten business days.¹ 

You should receive copies of the temporary order and the petition you filed. You will need to give a copy of the paperwork to the sheriff so that it can be delivered (served) to the abuser right away.² You will also need to fill out the sheriff’s service form.

The court may help you send the paperwork to the sheriff or another law enforcement agency for serving it. The court clerk (prothonotary) can tell you what the process is in your county.²

Remember to keep a copy of the temporary order with you at all times.

¹ 23 Pa.C.S. § 6107(a)-(b)
² See 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(f)