Philadelphia PFA Defense
Defending Against a Protection From Abuse Petition
I represent respondents named in Protection From Abuse petitions and orders in Philadelphia Family Court. If you have been served with a temporary order or have an upcoming evidentiary hearing, the first step is understanding exactly what is being requested and what the court will consider.
30+
Years of legal experience
Philadelphia
Primary county of practice
Preparing for Court
Preparing for Your Evidentiary Hearing
A temporary order is not the final word. Preparation for the evidentiary hearing, the testimony of witnesses, and cross-examination shapes how the Family Court evaluates the petition.
Temporary Orders
Review the petition and any temporary order served on you, including the terms that take effect before the final hearing and the deadlines that apply.
Witnesses and Testimony
Prepare for the testimony of the petitioner and any witnesses, and plan how the evidence presented will be examined and questioned in court.
Consequences of a Final Order
Understand how a final PFA order may affect custody, firearm rights, and living arrangements, and what each of those effects means for your situation.
Scope of the Statute
Defense Versus Filing a Protection Order
This page addresses representation of respondents facing a PFA petition. Individuals seeking a protection order as plaintiffs are represented through a separate Filing a PFA practice area.
Protection From Abuse matters are heard in Philadelphia Family Court under Pennsylvania's Protection From Abuse Act. The statute defines the relationships and conduct covered, and the details of each petition determine the available relief.
