Protection from Abuse (PFA) Procedures
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.
The PFA Filing Process is as Follows:
- Go to the Protection From Abuse Office located on the lower level (Room L113) of the Northampton County Courthouse. Filing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Motions Judges hears PFA cases at 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Once at the PFA Office, a staff 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.
- 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.
- 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 PFA's Must be Filed In Person at the PFA Office Lower Level of the Northampton County Courthouse