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Legal Information: Pennsylvania

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 15, 2023

Can a minor or incapacitated adult file for a protection from sexual violence or intimidation order?

Yes, if you are an emancipated minor, you can file for a protection order (an emancipated minor is someone who has gone through the court process to become legally recognized as an adult). If you are under the age of 18 and not emancipated, a parent, adult household member, or guardian ad litem can file for a protection order on your behalf. A guardian of an incapacitated adult (as decided by a judge) can file for a restraining order on behalf of the adult.1

1 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A05(a)