Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order

A Protection From Abuse (PFA) is a special type of restraining order given by the court. Those who currently are or have been in a relationship with someone who has or is threatening to be physically abusive and the abuse has occurred recently, may qualify to get a Protection From Abuse Order. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage. The Act does not cover emotional or mental abuse. Under The Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6102), the following is considered abuse for which a PFA may be granted:

  • Causing or attempting to cause bodily injury
  • Placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
  • Repeatedly committing acts which place an individual in fear of bodily injury
  • Rape or sexual assault
  • Physically or sexually abusing a child
  • Interfering with an individual’s freedom of movement (i.e. false imprisonment)
  • Stalking

The PFA Filing Process:

1. Go to the Protection From Abuse Office located on the lower level (Room L113) of the Northampton County Courthouse. Filing hours are 8:30 am to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Motions Judges hear PFA cases at 9:00 am and 2:30 pm Monday through Friday.

2. Once at the PFA Office, a staff member will take your petition with the allegations of abuse. You will be escorted to the Motions Judge’s chambers or courtroom to speak with the Judge, who will decide on granting or denying your petition. If a temporary order is granted, you will return to the PFA Office for a copy of the order, and you will be assigned a hearing date.

3. This hearing date is within ten (10) business days of the temporary order. The County Sheriff’s Department will attempt to serve the defendant with notice of the temporary PFA and the hearing date. It is important that the petitioner provides an address of residency, employment, etc., to the PFA Office so that the Sheriff can effect service upon the defendant.

4. The petitioner must appear promptly for the hearing, as scheduled, to avoid having the case dismissed. If the defendant has not been served prior to the hearing, the Court will grant an extension order. This extension order will be issued for a period of up to three (3) years. If an extension order is issued, the defendant may request a hearing by contacting the PFA Office.

All PFAs Must be Filed In Person at the PFA Office in the Lower Level of the Northampton County Courthouse:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am–2:00 pm
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042

Other forms of restraining orders

For other forms of restraining orders, please direct questions to the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley at 610-437-6611. These include:

  • Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO): Applicable to victims of sexual violence, intimidation, and stalking who do not qualify for a PFA.
  • Protection from Intimidation (PFI): Applicable to minors being harassed or assaulted by an adult. Orders must be filed on behalf of the minor by the parent.