Unfortunately, residents in Pennsylvania are often subject to domestic abuse from a person that they once trusted. These situations can result in lifelong emotional and physical burdens. Ilkhanoff & Silverstein is committed to assisting all clients who are the victims of abuse in finding safety. Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act is a powerful tool that our attorneys are well-versed in utilizing when it matters most. If you are the victim of domestic violence, please do not hesitate to contact our firm as soon as possible.
What is the Protection from Abuse Act?
The Protection from Abuse Act (PFA) is state legislation designed to protect individuals and their children from abuse. It is a civil order that is filed to prevent domestic violence such as physical threats, intimidation, sexual assault, false imprisonment, sexual abuse, and stalking.
It is important to note that you can file for protection under the act if the abuser is:
- A domestic partner
- A spouse or former spouse
- A parent
- A child
- A family member or persons related by blood
- A girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancé or someone with whom you are sexually intimate
The Act does not cover abuse by a stranger or mental, emotional, or verbal abuse. The first step in the PFA process is to submit a petition to the court requesting protection under the Act. The petition contains information regarding the abuse and the abuser, and the type of protection that is being requested.
If you are seeking a PFA, contact a family law attorney for immediate assistance. A competent lawyer can help you prepare your petition and provide skilled legal representation at your petition hearing.
Help from Our York & Lancaster Family Law Attorney
Under the PFA, you can ask the court for various types of protection, including court orders to stop the abuse and/or have the abuser evicted from your home. You can also request that your personal information is kept confidential and ask for temporary custody of your children as well as temporary spousal or child support. Other forms of protection include an order preventing the abuse from contacting you at home, work or school.
Ilkhanoff & Silverstein is an experienced family law firm that can assist you with the PFA process. Our firm can be relied on for prompt legal aid, and professional and compassionate representation. If you are the victim of abuse, it is essential that you act quickly to protect yourself and your family. Our firm understands how delicate these situations are and is committed to helping you find the safety and security you deserve. These matters are very serious and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, retaining an experienced attorney that will act quickly and effectively is crucial. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.
