Protection from Abuse Orders
An Emergency Protection from Abuse Order (EPFA) is a court order signed by a judge that tells the abuser they can’t have any contact with the victim. These orders are issued for incidents of violence/threats that happen when the courts are closed. If the judge grants the EPFA, it is only good for a limited amount of time (until the end of the next court business day).
A Temporary Protection from Abuse Order (TPFA) is obtained at the courthouse in the county that a victim resides in. These orders can last up to 7-10 business days. If the order is granted by the judge, a final hearing will be set. A Final order can be issued for up to 3 years.
Where to Apply for a P.F.A.
(Protection From Abuse)
Allegheny County
Emergency PFA’s can be filed at the Municipal Courts Building, 660 First Avenue, in Pittsburgh between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. They also can be filed at the individual’s local magistrate from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Emergency PFAs are only valid until the next business day, which is 5:00 p.m.
Applications for a Temporary PFA (valid until the permanent hearing date) are accepted every Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with the temporary hearing being held that day. Temporary PFA’s can be filed at the Family Court Building, 440 Ross Street (the location of the old county jail), Room 3030, in Pittsburgh. This is a
half day process, so please plan on staying at the courthouse for most of the day. Free child care is available, however, space is limited. If a Temporary PFA is granted, a hearing for the Permanent PFA (up to 3 years of protection) will be scheduled at that time.
*PFA office phone number is 412-350-4441
Westmoreland County
Emergency PFA’s can be obtained at the person’s local police department between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. An Emergency PFA is only valid until the next business day. Applications for a Temporary PFA (valid until the permanent hearing date) are accepted every Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The court breaks for lunch between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Temporary hearings are heard on that day.
PFAs can be filed at the Greensburg Court House, 2 North Main Street,
Room 401–4th Floor- in Greensburg. If a Temporary PFA is granted, a hearing for the Permanent PFA (up to 3 years of protection) will be scheduled at that time.
