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Filing and Obtaining a PFA Order
To obtain a PFA order in Pennsylvania, the petitioner files a petition under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6106 in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where either party lives, where the abuse occurred, or where the accused can be served. Filing is free regardless of income. A judge can grant a temporary order the same day based on the petition alone, without the accused present, and a hearing on a final order is then scheduled within ten business days.
The Filing Process, Step by Step
| Step | What Happens | Timeframe |
| File the petition | Complete the PFA petition at the courthouse’s PFA office, describing the abuse and the relief sought | Same day, no filing fee |
| Judge reviews for emergency relief | A judge reviews the petition and can issue a temporary order without the accused present | Same day or next available judge |
| Accused is served | Sheriff or constable serves the petition and any temporary order on the accused | Before the hearing date |
| Final hearing | Both parties appear, present evidence and witnesses, and can be represented by counsel | Within 10 business days of filing |
| Final order entered | Judge grants, denies, or the parties reach a consent agreement | At the hearing |
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What You’ll Need to File
Pennsylvania courts do not require an attorney to file, but having the right information ready makes the petition stronger and the hearing smoother.
Documents and Information to Bring
- Completed PFA petition form — available at the courthouse’s PFA office at no cost
- Government-issued photo ID — to confirm the petitioner’s identity when filing
- Specific dates, locations, and descriptions of each incident — the more detail, the stronger the petition
- Identifying information for the accused — full name, address, workplace, and vehicle description, needed for service
- Any existing custody or support orders — relevant whenever minor children are involved
- Supporting evidence, if available — texts, photos, medical records, or police reports
What a Temporary Order Can Do Right Away
A temporary order takes effect as soon as the accused is served, and can include:
- Immediate no-contact protection — bars contact with the petitioner pending the hearing
- Temporary exclusive possession of the home — can remove the accused from a shared residence the same day
- Temporary custody arrangements — interim custody and visitation terms pending the hearing
- Firearm relinquishment — can require surrender of firearms before the final hearing in some cases
Filing in Lackawanna and Luzerne County
Petitions in Lackawanna County are filed at the Family Court Center in Scranton, and petitions in Luzerne County are filed at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Attorney Shane Scanlon is the former District Attorney of Lackawanna County, giving him direct familiarity with how that courthouse’s PFA office and judges handle these filings. For courthouse-specific logistics, see the dedicated PFA in Scranton, PA and PFA in Luzerne County pages. For what happens if the accused ignores the order after it is filed, see enforcement of a PFA order and legal consequences for the accused.
FAQ
Does it cost money to file for a PFA in Pennsylvania?
No. Filing fees are waived by law for all PFA petitions, regardless of income, and there is no cost to the petitioner at any stage of the process.
Can I file for a PFA without a lawyer?
Yes. Self-representation is permitted, and court staff can help with the paperwork. An attorney can still help build a stronger petition and prepare for the hearing, especially when custody or firearms are involved.
What if I need protection outside of court hours?
Call 911 or local police. An on-call judge can issue an emergency order after hours, which stays in effect until the end of the next business day the Court of Common Pleas is open.
Why Choose Shane Scanlon Law?
Attorney Shane Scanlon is the former District Attorney of Lackawanna County, giving him insider knowledge of how local courts and prosecutors handle PFA filings from both sides. The firm assists with PFA matters across the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas in Scranton and the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas in Wilkes-Barre.
Ready to File for a PFA?
Schedule a confidential consultation or call (570) 676-2381 to talk through your options before you file.
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Call 1.833.722.6566 or submit the contact form below.
