What Happens When You’re Served with a PFA in Pennsylvania?

Being served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order can be frightening and confusing — especially if the allegations are false or exaggerated. In Pennsylvania, PFA orders are civil court actions meant to protect someone from abuse, but violating a PFA can lead to serious criminal charges. Understanding what happens next is essential for protecting your rights.

Mark D. Hauser

7/30/20253 min read

What Is a PFA?

A PFA is similar to a restraining order. It is typically filed by a spouse, ex-partner, family member, or household member who claims they’ve been abused, threatened, or harassed. A judge can issue a temporary PFA the same day the petition is filed — often without any prior notice to you.

Once you’re served with the temporary PFA, you must follow every term exactly, even if you believe it’s unfair. Violating the order — such as contacting the plaintiff or returning to a shared residence — can result in criminal charges, arrest, and jail time.

Key Terms of a Temporary PFA

Most temporary PFA orders prohibit you from:

Having any contact with the petitioner (in person, by phone, text, social media, etc.)
Visiting their home, workplace, or school
Possessing firearms
Contacting children (in some cases)

The Final Hearing

You’ll receive a court date — usually within 10 days — for a final PFA hearing. This is your one chance to appear before a judge, present evidence, and contest the allegations.

You should never attend this hearing without a defense attorney. If the judge grants a final PFA against you, it can remain in place for up to three years. It may also influence any related custody, divorce, or criminal matters.

How a Defense Attorney Helps

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can:

Review the PFA petition for inconsistencies or weaknesses
Help you prepare evidence and witnesses
Represent you at the final hearing
Protect your rights in any related criminal investigation

If you’ve been accused of abuse, time is critical. A strong legal defense can help prevent long-term consequences.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.

Blog Article 2: Can False PFA Allegations Be Challenged in Pennsylvania?

Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders are powerful legal tools intended to protect victims of domestic violence. But what happens when someone files a false or exaggerated PFA for personal gain — such as revenge, leverage in a custody battle, or to gain control of a shared home?

If you’ve been wrongly accused, you are not alone — and you are not without options.

Why False PFAs Are Filed

While many PFA petitions are legitimate, false allegations can and do occur. Common motives include:

Gaining an advantage in divorce or child custody proceedings
Forcing someone to move out of a shared residence
Retaliation after a breakup or argument
Seeking attention or sympathy

Unfortunately, even a temporary PFA can have immediate and severe consequences — including eviction, separation from children, loss of firearm rights, and reputational harm.

The Importance of the Final Hearing

If a temporary PFA has been filed against you, you will have the opportunity to challenge the claims at a final PFA hearing — usually scheduled within 10 business days. This hearing is your chance to tell your side of the story and present any evidence that proves the allegations are untrue or misleading.

Possible evidence includes:

Text messages or emails that contradict the accusations
Witnesses who can testify on your behalf
Surveillance footage or photos
Past communications showing no history of abuse

A judge will review both sides and determine whether to dismiss the petition or issue a final PFA, which can last up to three years.

How We Fight Back Against False Accusations

Defending against a false PFA requires careful preparation, legal strategy, and experienced representation. As your attorney, we will:

Investigate the facts and identify inconsistencies in the complaint
Subpoena relevant evidence and witnesses if needed
Cross-examine the petitioner in court
Highlight any ulterior motives or contradictions

In some cases, we may also assist with filing a countersuit, or working to have the PFA expunged from your record if it was dismissed.

Don’t Wait — Take Action Now

False PFA allegations can damage your life, even if they’re eventually dropped. A skilled attorney can help protect your freedom, your record, and your reputation.