A Pennsylvania Temporary Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order is an emergency civil court order signed by a judge after you file a Petition for Protection From Abuse under 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6101–6122, and it shields you from an abuser until your final hearing within ten business days. You do not fill out the Temporary PFA Order itself, because the judge does that, but you do fill out the petition that asks the court to grant it, plus a supporting affidavit, a confidential information sheet, and any county-specific cover sheets.
Pennsylvania courts grant roughly 40,000 PFAs every year according to data tracked by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts reports that more than 70 percent of petitions result in a temporary order being entered the same day. Filing is free, but small mistakes on the petition can delay protection by hours or even cost you the order entirely.
- 🛡️ Step-by-step instructions for every box on the statewide AOPC PFA petition.
- 📝 Three real filer scenarios from spousal abuse to stalking to elder household harm.
- ⚖️ Plain-English breakdown of 23 Pa.C.S. § 6107 emergency relief, firearms relinquishment, and custody.
- 🚨 After-hours emergency PFA filing through a Magisterial District Judge.
- 📂 Pre-filing checklist of every document, photo, and ID number you should gather first.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Pennsylvania PFA process starts with the Petition for Protection From Abuse, a statewide form approved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and used in all 67 counties. The petition is filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where the victim lives, where the abuser lives, or where the abuse happened. The current statewide template carries a revision date printed in the bottom corner, and you should always download the newest version from the Unified Judicial System forms page before filing.
You must file this petition if you are an adult or emancipated minor seeking protection from a family or household member, a sexual or intimate partner, or a person with whom you share a child. The statute defines abuse broadly under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102 to include bodily injury, the threat of bodily injury, sexual assault, false imprisonment, child abuse, and a course of conduct that places someone in reasonable fear of bodily injury. A parent, adult household member, or guardian ad litem may also file on behalf of a minor child.
The Temporary PFA itself is signed by a Common Pleas judge after an ex parte hearing, meaning the abuser is not present. Once signed, the order can last up to ten business days until the final hearing, where a judge can issue a Final PFA lasting up to three years under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(d). The federal Violence Against Women Act gives Pennsylvania PFAs full faith and credit in every other state.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather your evidence before you walk into the Prothonotary’s office, because once you start writing, the clock to the same-day temporary hearing is already running. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence recommends working with a local advocate from your nearest domestic violence shelter, who can sit with you, help you write, and walk you through the courthouse safely.
- Photo ID for yourself. A driver’s license, state ID, passport, or work badge is enough; without ID, the Prothonotary may still accept the filing but verification slows down.
- Full legal name and addresses for the abuser. You need their home, work, and any other regular addresses so the sheriff can serve them.
- Date of birth, height, weight, race, and eye color of the abuser. The sheriff and the Pennsylvania State Police need a physical description for service and for the PFA Database.
- A written timeline of the abuse. Dates, locations, words used, weapons involved, injuries sustained, and witnesses present.
- Photos of injuries or property damage. Time-stamped phone photos work; bring printed copies if possible.
- Police incident report numbers. Even if no arrest happened, a CR number helps the judge believe you.
- Medical records or discharge papers. Hospital paperwork from any abuse-related visit is gold.
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of any minor children. Needed for the custody and child support relief boxes.
- A list of firearms the abuser owns. Make, model, and location if known, because the judge can order relinquishment under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8).
- Prior court orders. Any custody, support, divorce, or out-of-state protection orders that may overlap.
If you skip the firearms list, the judge may not order relinquishment in the temporary order, leaving you exposed for ten more days. If you forget the children’s full names, the custody section gets struck through and you have to come back.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Petition for Protection From Abuse is hosted on the Pennsylvania Courts forms portal as a fillable PDF. Most counties also keep paper copies at the Prothonotary’s window, and many domestic violence programs print pre-stocked packets that match their county’s cover sheets.
You can also pick the form up from your county’s Prothonotary, the family court self-help center, or the local Legal Aid office. Counties like Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery keep dedicated PFA intake rooms staffed by advocates from organizations such as Women Against Abuse or the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
After-hours, on weekends, or on holidays, you do not use the Common Pleas form at all. Instead, you go to a Magisterial District Judge or, in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Municipal Court and ask for an Emergency PFA under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110. That order lasts only until the next business day, when you must refile in Common Pleas.
A growing number of counties allow electronic intake through the PA Courts e-filing portal, but most PFA petitions still require an in-person hearing the same day, so plan to appear in person even if you submit the paperwork online.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Pennsylvania PFA Petition Line by Line
The petition is split into a caption, a parties section, a relationship section, an abuse narrative, a relief request, a verification, and a signature. Use the official field names exactly as printed on the AOPC form, and write in dark blue or black ink if you are filling out a paper copy.
Caption: Court of Common Pleas of ____ County
The caption tells the court system which county is hearing the case. Write the full county name on the line, such as Allegheny or Lehigh, and do not abbreviate. The Prothonotary will fill in the docket number and the judge assignment after you file.
For example, Maria Lopez writes Allegheny on the line because she lives in Pittsburgh. If you live in one county but the abuse happened in another, you can choose either, but pick the county where you feel safest going to court. The most common mistake is writing the city name instead of the county name, which sends the petition to the wrong clerk and forces a refile. A misconception people hold is that you must file where the abuser lives, but the statute lets you file where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the abuser can be served.
Plaintiff Information Box
This box asks for your full legal name, address, phone number, and date of birth. Write your name as it appears on your ID, format dates as MM/DD/YYYY, and use a phone number where the abuser cannot intercept calls. Pennsylvania law lets you keep your address confidential under Pa.R.C.P. 1905 by checking the confidential address box and filing a separate Confidential Information Form.
For instance, Carlos Rivera writes Carlos Daniel Rivera on the name line, 01/15/1990 in the date of birth box, and lists his sister’s house as a safe mailing address while checking the confidentiality box. A common edge case is when you have just fled to a shelter, in which case you should use the shelter’s mailing address or a P.O. Box, never the shelter’s street address. If you write your real address on a non-confidential form, the abuser receives a served copy with that address printed on it. A misconception is that the court will automatically hide your address; it will not unless you check the box and submit the confidential sheet.
Defendant Information Box
This box asks for the abuser’s full legal name, address, date of birth, Social Security number if known, and a physical description including height, weight, race, hair color, and eye color. Write the name exactly as it appears on official documents, and add any aliases in parentheses. The sheriff uses this information to serve the order, and the PFA Database uses it to flag the abuser for police statewide.
For example, Janet Park writes Michael James Park (a/k/a “Mickey”), lists his work address at the steel mill because he is rarely home, and notes 6‘1”, 220 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes. An edge case arises when the abuser is unhoused or moves frequently; list every place they sleep, including a relative’s couch, so service has multiple chances. If you leave the description blank, sheriffs may not be able to serve, and an unserved order cannot be enforced. A common misconception is that the abuser must be served before the temporary order takes effect, but the temporary order is enforceable the moment the judge signs it, even before service.
Minor Children Box
This box lists every minor child of the parties or any minor in the household who needs protection. Write each child’s full name, date of birth, and the relationship to both you and the abuser. The judge uses this to issue temporary custody under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(4).
For instance, Aisha Brown lists Jordan Brown, 04/12/2018, son of Plaintiff and Defendant and Tia Brown, 09/03/2020, daughter of Plaintiff and Defendant. The most common edge case is a stepchild or a child the abuser has threatened but is not biologically related to; list them anyway and explain the relationship in the narrative. A common mistake is leaving children off because they were not directly hit, even though witnessing abuse counts under Pennsylvania case law including Miller v. Walker. A misconception is that the PFA automatically gives you full custody forever, but temporary custody only lasts until the final hearing or a separate custody order replaces it.
Relationship of the Parties Box
This box asks how you and the abuser are connected, because Pennsylvania PFAs only cover certain relationships under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102. Check every box that applies, including spouse, former spouse, parent of a shared child, current or former sexual or intimate partner, family member by blood or marriage, or current or former household member.
For example, Lina Walker checks current spouse and parent of a shared child because she is married to the abuser and has a daughter with him. An edge case is the dating partner who has never lived with you; check current or former sexual or intimate partner and explain the relationship dates in the narrative. The most common mistake is checking only one box when several apply, which can limit the relief the judge believes you deserve. A misconception is that roommates qualify; mere roommates without a romantic, family, or sexual relationship do not, and those situations require a Sexual Violence or Stalking Protection Order instead.
Specific Acts of Abuse Narrative
This is the heart of the petition, and the judge reads it most carefully. Describe the most recent incident first, then earlier incidents in reverse chronological order, including dates, locations, words spoken, weapons used, injuries, witnesses, and any police involvement. Write in short, factual sentences and avoid speculation.
For instance, Marcus Lee writes On 05/18/2026 at approximately 9:45 p.m. at our home at 412 Maple St., Defendant punched me in the face with a closed fist, causing a bloody nose and a black eye. He said, “Next time I’ll kill you.” Officer Ramirez of Bethlehem PD responded, incident number 26-04412. An edge case is when the abuse is emotional or financial; tie it to fear of bodily injury under Commonwealth v. Snell so it fits the statute. The most common mistake is writing vague phrases like he is always abusive, which gives the judge nothing to anchor relief to. A misconception is that you must have police reports for every incident, but your sworn statement alone is enough evidence to grant a temporary order.
Requested Relief Checkboxes
This box lets you choose what protection you want, and you should check every option that applies. Options include ordering the abuser to stop abuse, evicting the abuser from a shared home, awarding temporary custody, awarding child support, prohibiting contact, prohibiting firearms possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8), and any other appropriate relief the judge may grant.
For example, Sofia Nguyen checks exclusive possession of the residence at 88 Oak Lane, no contact direct or indirect, temporary custody of minor children, and relinquishment of all firearms, ammunition, and license to carry. An edge case involves shared pets; Pennsylvania allows protection of companion animals under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(9), so check other relief and write in exclusive possession of the family dog, Rocky. The most common mistake is forgetting the firearms box, which leaves a dangerous abuser armed for the next ten days. A misconception is that you must already have a custody order to get temporary custody; the PFA judge has independent authority to grant it.
Verification and Signature
The verification is your sworn statement, made under penalty of perjury under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904, that everything in the petition is true. Sign with your full legal name, date the signature with the day you file as MM/DD/YYYY, and print your name below the signature line.
For instance, Carlos Rivera signs Carlos Daniel Rivera, dates 05/22/2026, and prints his name underneath. An edge case arises when an advocate or attorney is helping you; they do not sign the verification, only you do. A common mistake is signing before completing the form, because any blank field after signing can be challenged by the abuser at the final hearing as fabricated. A misconception is that lying on the petition has no consequences; perjury is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The following named filers show how the petition looks in practice. Each scenario is grounded in a different fact pattern frequently seen in PFA dockets across Pennsylvania.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Spousal Abuse with Children
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| County Caption | Allegheny |
| Plaintiff Name | Maria Elena Lopez, confidential address checked |
| Plaintiff DOB | 07/22/1988 |
| Defendant Name | Roberto Lopez, home address listed |
| Defendant Description | 5‘10”, 190 lbs, black hair, brown eyes |
| Minor Children | Diego Lopez 03/04/2016; Lucia Lopez 11/19/2019 |
| Relationship Boxes | Current spouse; parent of shared children; current household member |
| Abuse Narrative | On 05/19/2026 Defendant choked Plaintiff in front of children, prior incidents 04/02/2026 and 02/14/2026 |
| Relief Requested | No contact; exclusive possession of 145 Beech St.; temporary custody; firearms relinquishment; child support |
| Signature | Maria Elena Lopez, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 2: Devon Carter, Dating Partner Stalking
| Form Section | What Devon Enters |
|---|---|
| County Caption | Philadelphia |
| Plaintiff Name | Devon Marcus Carter |
| Plaintiff DOB | 11/30/1995 |
| Defendant Name | Tyrell Hayes |
| Defendant Description | 6‘2”, 210 lbs, dreadlocks, brown eyes |
| Minor Children | None |
| Relationship Boxes | Former sexual or intimate partner |
| Abuse Narrative | Course of conduct from 03/01/2026 to 05/20/2026 including 47 threatening texts, two appearances at workplace, GPS tracker found on car 05/15/2026, PPD incident 26-339182 |
| Relief Requested | No contact; stay 100 yards from home and workplace; firearms relinquishment; surrender of GPS device |
| Signature | Devon Marcus Carter, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 3: Eleanor Reyes, Adult Child vs. Abusive Adult Son
| Form Section | What Eleanor Enters |
|---|---|
| County Caption | Lancaster |
| Plaintiff Name | Eleanor Margaret Reyes |
| Plaintiff DOB | 02/08/1952 |
| Defendant Name | Daniel Reyes, son |
| Defendant Description | 5‘11”, 175 lbs, brown hair, green eyes |
| Minor Children | None |
| Relationship Boxes | Family member by blood; current household member |
| Abuse Narrative | On 05/18/2026 Defendant pushed Plaintiff into a wall causing bruised ribs, threatened “I’ll burn this house down,” prior incidents documented by Adult Protective Services case AP-26-118 |
| Relief Requested | Eviction from 22 Willow Rd.; no contact; firearms relinquishment; other relief: APS coordination |
| Signature | Eleanor Margaret Reyes, 05/22/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You file in the Court of Common Pleas Prothonotary or Family Court intake office of the county you chose. Filing is free under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b), no filing fee, no service fee, no sheriff fee.
- In person at the Prothonotary. Bring the original plus two copies, your ID, and your evidence; the clerk stamps and routes you to a judge for the ex parte temporary hearing the same day. Processing time is usually two to six hours, and you keep the time-stamped copy as proof of filing.
- By a Magisterial District Judge after hours. Walk in or call the on-call MDJ for an Emergency PFA under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110; the order is faxed to police and lasts until the next business day. No fee, no payment method needed, processing usually under one hour.
- By e-filing through the UJS Portal. A handful of counties accept electronic intake, but you must still appear for the temporary hearing the same day. Save the e-filing confirmation email as proof.
- In Philadelphia. File at the Philadelphia Family Court PFA Unit at 1501 Arch Street, Room 1108, Monday through Friday; after hours, go to the Philadelphia Municipal Court Emergency Room at 1301 Filbert Street.
After filing, keep multiple certified copies of the temporary order in your purse, your car, your child’s daycare file, and your workplace security desk. The sheriff serves the abuser at no cost to you under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6109.
What Happens After You File
The judge reads your petition the same day and holds a brief ex parte hearing where only you appear. If the judge finds an immediate and present danger of further abuse, they sign the Temporary PFA on the spot, and the order takes effect immediately.
The sheriff’s office then serves the abuser personally, usually within 24 hours, and enters the order into the Pennsylvania PFA Database and the federal NCIC Protection Order File. If firearms relinquishment was ordered, the abuser must turn over weapons within 24 hours to the sheriff, an attorney, or a licensed dealer under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.2.
A final hearing is scheduled within ten business days, where both parties appear and the judge decides whether to issue a Final PFA lasting up to three years. If the abuser violates the temporary order in the meantime, they can be arrested and charged with indirect criminal contempt under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6114, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine per violation. Pennsylvania case law including Ferri v. Ferri and Buchhalter v. Buchhalter confirms that even indirect contact through third parties counts as a violation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Listing the wrong county in the caption. The petition gets rejected and you start over.
- Leaving the defendant’s physical description blank. The sheriff cannot positively identify the abuser to serve.
- Forgetting to check the firearms relinquishment box. The judge may not order it on their own, leaving the abuser armed.
- Writing vague abuse narratives. Phrases like he hurts me without dates or facts give the judge nothing to grant relief on.
- Skipping the children’s section when kids witnessed abuse. You lose temporary custody protection.
- Failing to check the confidential address box. The abuser receives a served copy with your new address printed on it.
- Using the wrong relationship box. A roommate-only relationship is not covered, and a miscategorized intimate partner can get the petition dismissed.
- Filing a Common Pleas petition after hours. The Prothonotary is closed, so use a Magisterial District Judge instead.
- Signing before completing every box. The abuser’s attorney can attack any blank field as fabrication.
- Forgetting to bring photo ID. The clerk may delay the filing while verifying you, costing precious hours.
- Not asking for child support relief when entitled. You waive interim support until you file a separate complaint.
- Missing the final hearing. The temporary order dissolves automatically and you must start over.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do bring an advocate from your local domestic violence program because they know each judge’s quirks.
- Do keep multiple certified copies of the temporary order with you at all times.
- Do write the narrative in chronological order with dates because judges read fast.
- Do report any violation to 911 immediately, not just to the court.
- Do ask for firearms relinquishment in every petition because federal law backs it up.
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Do update your address with the court if you move during the ten-day window.
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Don’t contact the abuser to tell them you filed because that can compromise service.
- Don’t lie or exaggerate because perjury voids your credibility at the final hearing.
- Don’t post details on social media because the abuser’s attorney will screenshot it.
- Don’t skip the final hearing because the temporary order vanishes the moment you do.
- Don’t consent to a no-fault mutual order because it limits federal firearm protections.
- Don’t leave Pennsylvania without registering the order in your new state because enforcement may lag.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
- Pro of filing pro se: No attorney fee, and the form is designed for self-represented filers.
- Pro of filing pro se: You move faster because you do not have to wait for a lawyer’s schedule.
- Pro of filing with an advocate: Free help from organizations like PCADV and shelter advocates who know the judges.
- Pro of filing with an attorney: Better cross-examination at the final hearing, especially if custody is contested.
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Pro of filing with an attorney: Stronger appellate record if the abuser appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
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Con of filing pro se: You may miss strategic relief options like spousal support or pet protection.
- Con of filing pro se: Cross-examination by the abuser’s attorney can be brutal at the final hearing.
- Con of filing with an advocate only: Advocates cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
- Con of filing with an attorney: Cost can run $1,500 to $5,000 for a contested final hearing.
- Con of filing with an attorney: Scheduling can delay the ex parte hearing if the lawyer is unavailable.
Temporary PFA vs. Final PFA at a Glance
| Feature | Temporary PFA / Final PFA |
|---|---|
| Issuing standard | Immediate and present danger / Preponderance of the evidence |
| Hearing type | Ex parte, plaintiff only / Both parties present |
| Duration | Up to 10 business days / Up to 3 years, renewable |
| Firearms relief | Discretionary / Mandatory if abuse involved firearms |
| Custody relief | Temporary only / Up to length of order |
| Appeal rights | None directly / 30 days to Superior Court |
FAQs
Do I have to pay a filing fee for a Pennsylvania PFA?
No. Pennsylvania law under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b) bars any filing fee, sheriff service fee, or court cost for the plaintiff at any stage of a PFA case.
Can I file a PFA against a same-sex partner?
Yes. Pennsylvania PFAs cover any current or former sexual or intimate partner regardless of gender, and same-sex relationships have full protection under the statute.
Do I write my home address on the petition if I am hiding from the abuser?
No. Check the confidential address box, list a safe mailing address such as a P.O. Box or shelter mailing address, and file the separate Confidential Information Form.
What if I don’t know the abuser’s date of birth?
Yes, you can still file. Write unknown in that box, but provide as much physical description and address detail as possible so the sheriff can serve.
Do I check the firearms box if the abuser never threatened me with a gun?
Yes. Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) bars firearm possession by anyone under a qualifying PFA, so check the box regardless of weapon use.
Can I list my pet in the relief section?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows pet protection under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(9); use the other relief line and write the pet’s name and species.
Will my Pennsylvania PFA work if I move to another state?
Yes. The federal Violence Against Women Act gives full faith and credit to Pennsylvania PFAs in every state, territory, and tribal land.
Do I need a police report to get a temporary PFA?
No. Your sworn petition alone is enough evidence; police reports help but are not required by law.
Can I file on behalf of my elderly parent?
Yes. Adult household members and guardians may file for incapacitated adults, though Adult Protective Services involvement is recommended.
What happens if I miss the final hearing?
No order remains in place. The temporary PFA dissolves and the case is dismissed, forcing you to refile from scratch.
Can the abuser cross-examine me directly at the final hearing?
Yes, if the abuser is pro se, but you can request the judge limit questioning under courtroom decorum rules and Pennsylvania trauma-informed practice guidelines.
Do I write the children’s Social Security numbers on the public petition?
No. Put SSNs only on the confidential information sheet, never on the public petition that the abuser will receive.
Can I get child support through the PFA?
Yes. The judge can order temporary support under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(5), but you should still file a separate support complaint for long-term relief.
What if the abuser violates the temporary PFA before the final hearing?
Yes, you call 911 immediately. Police can arrest without a warrant under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6113, and indirect criminal contempt charges follow.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Order of Protection + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Civil Cover Sheet (Common Pleas) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Final Protection from Abuse Order + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Petition for Protection from Abuse + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Praecipe for Writ of Summons + FAQs
- How to Fill Out a New Jersey Temporary Restraining Order + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form DV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs