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All Laws Decoded

How to Get a Restraining Order in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania these are called Protection From Abuse (PFA) order; also Protection From Sexual Violence (SVP) and Protection From Intimidation (PFI) orders. A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Here is how to ask for one, what happens next, and where to get free help — each rule linked to the statute or official court page.

Quick answers for Pennsylvania

Cost
There is no cost to file. Petitioners cannot be charged any fees for filing, issuing, serving, modifying or withdrawing a PFA, or for appeals. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b)-(c); UJS Protection Orders page
Emergency / temporary orders
If you show immediate and present danger, the court holds an ex parte (one-sided) proceeding and can issue a temporary PFA that lasts until the full hearing. 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6107(b), 6110(a)-(b)
How long an order lasts
A final PFA order or consent agreement lasts for a fixed period of up to 3 years. It can be extended after notice and a hearing if there were new acts of abuse or a pattern showing continued risk; 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(d)-(e)
Where to ask
Temporary and final PFA petitions are filed at your local county courthouse (court of common pleas). UJS Protection Orders page; 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6103(b), 6110

Last verified: 2026-10-25

Safety first

Getting an order

Types of ordersPennsylvania has three civil protection orders: the Protection From Abuse (PFA) order (abuse by an intimate partner, dating partner or family member); the Protection From Sexual Violence (SVP) order (sexual violence by someone you did not have an intimate relationship with); and the Protection From Intimidation (PFI) order (protects a minor from harassment or stalking by an adult with no intimate relationship).
Source: Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, Protection Orders page; 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61
Who can ask for an orderA PFA covers abuse between family or household members: current or former spouses, people who live or lived as spouses, parents and children, other relatives by blood or marriage, current or former sexual or intimate partners, and people who share a child. An adult or emancipated minor can file for themselves; a parent, adult household member or guardian ad litem can file for minor children; a guardian can file for an incapacitated adult.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6102(a), 6106(a)
Where to askTemporary and final PFA petitions are filed at your local county courthouse (court of common pleas). When the court is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), emergency petitions are filed in the minor courts (magisterial district judges). Leaving your home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to relief.
Source: UJS Protection Orders page; 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6103(b), 6110
CostThere is no cost to file. Petitioners cannot be charged any fees for filing, issuing, serving, modifying or withdrawing a PFA, or for appeals. If an order is granted, fees and costs are assessed against the defendant (unless waived).
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b)-(c); UJS Protection Orders page

Emergency orders and the hearing

Emergency / temporary ordersIf you show immediate and present danger, the court holds an ex parte (one-sided) proceeding and can issue a temporary PFA that lasts until the full hearing. After hours, a hearing officer in the minor courts can issue an emergency order (no abuse, exclusion from the home, no contact, or pet protection); it expires at the end of the next business day the court is open, when you can ask the court for a temporary order.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6107(b), 6110(a)-(b)
Serving the orderThe court orders the sheriff or an appropriate law enforcement agency to serve the petition and order on the defendant, and orders are also sent to local police. There is no charge to the petitioner. If you believe your safety is at risk, the court can have police accompany you to get belongings or while the order is served.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(a.3), (b), (f)-(g)
The court hearingA hearing must be held within 10 business days after the petition is filed. You must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant is told of the right to a lawyer, to present evidence and witnesses, and that firearms may be ordered relinquished.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6107(a)
How long an order lastsA final PFA order or consent agreement lasts for a fixed period of up to 3 years. It can be extended after notice and a hearing if there were new acts of abuse or a pattern showing continued risk; it is also extended while a contempt charge is pending, and can be extended when the defendant is being released from incarceration within 90 days.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(d)-(e)

What the order does

What an order can requireA PFA can order the defendant to stop the abuse; give you possession of the home by evicting the defendant; set temporary custody or visitation (with limits if children are at risk); order temporary support, health coverage and rent or mortgage payments (you must file a support complaint within two weeks); bar contact, including at your work or school; bar stalking and harassment; pay for losses caused by the abuse; give you temporary ownership of a companion animal; and grant other appropriate relief.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)
FirearmsThe court can prohibit the defendant from having firearms and order firearms, other weapons, ammunition and gun licenses turned over to the sheriff (or to a third party or dealer for safekeeping) during a temporary order, and must apply the firearm provisions in any final order. Relinquishment is due within 24 hours of service of a temporary order or entry of a final order (or by the next business day if the sheriff's office is closed).
Federal law may also prohibit firearm possession by people subject to certain protection orders.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6107(b)(3)-(4), 6108(a)(7), 6108(a.1)(1)
If the order is violatedPolice can arrest without a warrant on probable cause that the order was violated, even if they did not see it. Violating a PFA is indirect criminal contempt, punishable by a fine of $300 to $1,000 plus up to 6 months in jail or up to 6 months of supervised probation. Other crimes may also be charged.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6113(a), 6114(a)-(b)

Children and privacy

Minors and childrenA parent, adult household member or guardian ad litem can file a PFA on behalf of minor children; an emancipated minor can file for themselves. A separate Protection From Intimidation order protects a minor from harassment or stalking by an adult.
Source: 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106(a); UJS Protection Orders page
Keeping your address privateThe Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) runs the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which provides an alternative address for survivors. You can apply online, through a local victim service program, or by calling OVA at 800-563-6399.
Source: OVA Address Confidentiality Program page

Forms and help in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania protective order FAQ

What kinds of protective orders are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has three civil protection orders: the Protection From Abuse (PFA) order (abuse by an intimate partner, dating partner or family member); the Protection From Sexual Violence (SVP) order (sexual violence by someone you did not have an intimate relationship with); and the Protection From Intimidation (PFI) order (protects a minor from harassment or stalking by an adult with no intimate relationship).
Who can get a restraining order in Pennsylvania?
A PFA covers abuse between family or household members: current or former spouses, people who live or lived as spouses, parents and children, other relatives by blood or marriage, current or former sexual or intimate partners, and people who share a child. An adult or emancipated minor can file for themselves; a parent, adult household member or guardian ad litem can file for minor children; a guardian can file for an incapacitated adult.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Pennsylvania?
Temporary and final PFA petitions are filed at your local county courthouse (court of common pleas). When the court is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), emergency petitions are filed in the minor courts (magisterial district judges). Leaving your home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to relief.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Pennsylvania?
There is no cost to file. Petitioners cannot be charged any fees for filing, issuing, serving, modifying or withdrawing a PFA, or for appeals. If an order is granted, fees and costs are assessed against the defendant (unless waived).
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Pennsylvania?
If you show immediate and present danger, the court holds an ex parte (one-sided) proceeding and can issue a temporary PFA that lasts until the full hearing. After hours, a hearing officer in the minor courts can issue an emergency order (no abuse, exclusion from the home, no contact, or pet protection); it expires at the end of the next business day the court is open, when you can ask the court for a temporary order.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Pennsylvania?
A hearing must be held within 10 business days after the petition is filed. You must prove the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant is told of the right to a lawyer, to present evidence and witnesses, and that firearms may be ordered relinquished.
How long does a restraining order last in Pennsylvania?
A final PFA order or consent agreement lasts for a fixed period of up to 3 years. It can be extended after notice and a hearing if there were new acts of abuse or a pattern showing continued risk; it is also extended while a contempt charge is pending, and can be extended when the defendant is being released from incarceration within 90 days.
What can a protective order do in Pennsylvania?
A PFA can order the defendant to stop the abuse; give you possession of the home by evicting the defendant; set temporary custody or visitation (with limits if children are at risk); order temporary support, health coverage and rent or mortgage payments (you must file a support complaint within two weeks); bar contact, including at your work or school; bar stalking and harassment; pay for losses caused by the abuse; give you temporary ownership of a companion animal; and grant other appropriate relief.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Pennsylvania?
The court can prohibit the defendant from having firearms and order firearms, other weapons, ammunition and gun licenses turned over to the sheriff (or to a third party or dealer for safekeeping) during a temporary order, and must apply the firearm provisions in any final order. Relinquishment is due within 24 hours of service of a temporary order or entry of a final order (or by the next business day if the sheriff's office is closed).
How is a restraining order served in Pennsylvania?
The court orders the sheriff or an appropriate law enforcement agency to serve the petition and order on the defendant, and orders are also sent to local police. There is no charge to the petitioner. If you believe your safety is at risk, the court can have police accompany you to get belongings or while the order is served.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Pennsylvania?
Police can arrest without a warrant on probable cause that the order was violated, even if they did not see it. Violating a PFA is indirect criminal contempt, punishable by a fine of $300 to $1,000 plus up to 6 months in jail or up to 6 months of supervised probation. Other crimes may also be charged.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Pennsylvania?
A parent, adult household member or guardian ad litem can file a PFA on behalf of minor children; an emancipated minor can file for themselves. A separate Protection From Intimidation order protects a minor from harassment or stalking by an adult.
Can I keep my address confidential in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) runs the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which provides an alternative address for survivors. You can apply online, through a local victim service program, or by calling OVA at 800-563-6399.

Protective orders in other states

More Pennsylvania law

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.