How to Get a Restraining Order in Philadelphia (2025)

Introduction

If you live in Philadelphia County and are facing abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment by a family or intimate partner, you can seek legal protection through a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order. This guide (2025) explains how the PFA process works in Philadelphia, how to file for emergency protection, what evidence to prepare, where to go, and how to enforce the order.

What Is a PFA in Philadelphia?

In Pennsylvania, the standard civil protective order for domestic / family violence is called a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order under the PFA Act (23 Pa. C.S. § 6101 et seq.). (Pennsylvania Courts)

In Philadelphia, a PFA is commonly called a “restraining order” by the public. The city refers to it as a PFA:
“A Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) is the same thing as a restraining order.” (City of Philadelphia)

Who Can Get a PFA?

You may file for a PFA if the person harming you is in one of these relationships:

• Current or former spouse or intimate partner

• Parent, child, or relative by blood or marriage

• Someone you live or lived with

• Someone who shares a child with you

• Others with a domestic/household / familial relationship (Philadelphia Courts)

If the harm comes from someone not in one of these relationships (a stranger, co-worker, neighbor, etc.), you may need to use a Protection from Sexual Violence Order (PSVO) or Protection from Intimidation (PFI) under Pennsylvania’s law. (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

What Does a PFA Order Do?

A properly issued PFA can do many things, including:

• Prohibit further abuse, harassment, stalking, threats (Philadelphia Courts)

• Order the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, school, or children’s school (Philadelphia Courts)

• Evict the abuser from a shared home, even if they own it, if you request exclusive possession. (Philadelphia Courts)

• Order the abuser to surrender firearms or weapons under “Attachment A” (firearm relinquishment) in cases where weapons are involved. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

• Temporarily address child custody, child support, or spousal support in limited instances (Philadelphia Courts)

• Require the abuser to pay for your losses or legal costs under certain circumstances (Philadelphia Courts)

A Final PFA (after hearing) in Philadelphia may last up to 36 months (3 years). (Philadelphia Courts)

Step-by-Step: How to Get a PFA in Philadelphia

Here’s how the process works, tailored to Philadelphia municipal practice.

Step 1: Decide Where to File & When

• You may file a PFA petition in Philadelphia County if:
   • You live in Philadelphia
   • The abuse happened in Philadelphia
   • The defendant can be served in Philadelphia
   • If you request exclusive possession of a home, the property must be in Philadelphia County (Philadelphia Courts)

• Normal filing hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Domestic Violence Intake / Filing Unit in the Family Court building. (Philadelphia Courts)

• Address: 1501 Arch Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA
   Domestic Violence / PFA Intake Unit (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

• If the court is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), you can file an Emergency PFA at the Criminal Justice Center, Room B-03 (1301 Filbert Street) during off hours. (Philadelphia Courts)

Step 2: Fill Out the PFA Petition & Forms

• The Domestic Violence Intake Unit staff can help you complete the petition even if you don’t have a lawyer. (Philadelphia Courts)

• You will be interviewed about your most recent abuse (“filing incident”) — date, time, location, what happened, witnesses. (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

• You must clearly state what protections you want: no contact, eviction, stay-away zones, firearms surrender, custody, etc. (Philadelphia Courts)

• If you need an interpreter, request it via the court’s interpreter form at the filing unit. (Philadelphia Courts)

• There is no filing fee for a PFA petition. (WomensLaw.org)

Step 3: Ex Parte (Temporary) PFA Hearing

• On the same day (if possible), the judge or magistrate may hold an ex parte hearing — only you appear, not the respondent. (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

• If the judge finds that immediate danger exists, they may issue a temporary PFA (also called a Temporary Protection Order), effective immediately. (Philadelphia Courts)

• The temporary order typically lasts 14 days before a full hearing. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

• That order may be extended in certain cases until the final hearing. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

Step 4: Service on the Respondent

• After the court issues the Temporary PFA, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office is notified to serve the respondent with the petition, temporary order, and hearing notice. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

• The Sheriff’s Office uses the Protection from Abuse Database (PFAD) to coordinate service. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

• If the defendant lives outside Philadelphia County, the sheriff will send the documents to that county for service. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

• If there is a firearm relinquishment (attachment A), the Sheriff or law enforcement may seize or demand the surrender of weapons. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

Step 5: Attend the Final Hearing (Plenary)

• The final PFA hearing is scheduled (usually soon after service) where both you and the respondent may appear. (Pennsylvania Courts)

• You present evidence, witnesses, your testimony; the respondent does the same. (Philadelphia Courts)

• The judge determines whether to grant a Final PFA based on the PFA Act criteria (abuse occurred or is likely, Relationship qualifies, protection needed). (Pennsylvania Courts)

• If granted, the Final PFA may last up to 36 months (3 years). (Philadelphia Courts)

Step 6: After the PFA — Enforcement, Renewal, Violation Handling

• Always carry a certified copy of the PFA with you, and share copies with your workplace, school, etc. (Pennsylvania Courts)

• If the respondent violates the PFA (contacts you, goes near you, etc.), call 911 and show them the order. Violations are criminal, could lead to arrest or contempt charges. (Pennsylvania Courts)

• If the violation is non-emergency, you can file a motion to enforce at Family Court. (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

• You may request extension or renewal before the order expires if danger persists. (Women's Law Project)

• If you move out of Philadelphia or cross state lines, your PFA may be enforced under VAWA’s reciprocity provisions. (Inquirer.com)

Evidence & Documentation: What Helps Your Case

To strengthen your petition or hearing, gather:

• A detailed written statement or affidavit describing each incident (dates, times, location, what happened, who else was present)

• Police reports / 911 call logs

• Medical or clinic records documenting injuries

• Photos / videos of injuries, damage, threats

• Texts, emails, voicemails, social media messages

• Witness statements or letters

• Prior protective orders or police history

• Documentation of relationship or shared residence (lease, mail, utilities)

• Any records of threats, stalking, harassment over time

Even if your evidence is mainly your testimony, corroborating documents or witnesses make a stronger case.

Philadelphia Local Resources & Contact Information

Timeline Overview

1. File petition / intake — same day (if early)

2. Temporary PFA hearing / order — immediately at filing or soon after

3. Service of respondent — within days by Sheriff’s Office

4. Final hearing — scheduled shortly after service

5. Final PFA (if granted) — lasts up to 36 months

6. Ongoing enforcement, renewal, or extensions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a cost to file a PFA?
No. You are not charged fees for filing a petition or getting service. (WomensLaw.org)

What if the abuser has weapons?
If your petition shows danger and firearm involvement, the order may include Attachment A, mandating the abuser to relinquish guns. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

Can the abuser return to the home?
If the judge issues eviction/exclusion relief, the abuser may be forced to move out, even if they own property. (Philadelphia Courts)

What happens if the abuser lives outside Philadelphia?
The sheriff will forward the PFA paperwork to the outside county for service. (Philadelphia Sheriff)

Do I need a lawyer?
No — you can file pro se. But having legal aid or an advocate helps. (Philadelphia Legal Assistance)

Is my address public?
You may request confidentiality of your address or use alternate safe addresses during the process.

Final Thoughts & Safety Advice

• Be specific and detailed when describing incidents (dates, times, actions)

• Bring all supporting evidence you can, even small things

• Arrive early to the Domestic Violence Intake Unit — there may be waiting lines

• Use advocates or legal aid offices to help you navigate the process

• Always keep a certified copy of your PFA with you

• If you feel unsafe at any point, call 911

• Remember, a PFA is one tool in a broader safety plan — coordinate with counselors, support networks, shelters, etc.