LEARN YOUR DEFENSES
The Protection From Abuse Act statute in PA is enormously broad. It protects against most kinds of alleged “abuse” between former lovers and certain blood relatives. A lawyer experienced in PFA matters can quickly and accurately explain to you what this process involves.
TEMPORARY ORDER
A temporary PFA Order can be granted “ex parte,” meaning, it can be based on the testimony of the moving party, only. For this reason, the temporary order is not a true “finding” that the defendant is an abuser. Plus, the temporary order can be expunged from the civil record so long as the temporary never becomes “final.”
THE HEARING AND “FINAL” ORDER
The Protection From Abuse Act is very broad and it allows a judge to order support, custody, and other relief through the PFA proceedings.
THE “FINAL” ORDER
If you agree to a “final” order in PA (or if the court orders one following a hearing), then that counts as a finding of “abuse,” which can never be expunged from the civil record. It will remain on the docket for the world to see in person (or electronically during a background check) so long as there is a courthouse.
THE HEARING
Your testimony at a PFA hearing can haunt you for the rest of your life. If the judge finds you “guilty” of abuse, this finding is binding on you, meaning, you cannot later consest it unless you file an appeal to the Superior Court, which is time consuming, expensive, and relatively few trial court PFA decisions are overturned because the trial court has broad discretion.
THE COURT PROCESS
Your attorney can tell you when to settle your case and when a deal offered by the other side is truly a good opportunity. Overall, this is not a time to take chances in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Butler County, or Washington County, Pennsylvania.
OUR LAWYERS
Our Pittsburgh, PA family law lawyers are experienced in handling PFA case throughout Western Pennsylvania. We can tell you everything from how much preparation you need for your hearing and the ideas for settlement you should have in mind before you head into the hearing.
The initial consultation is
FREE.
Call TODAY!
