A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a legal order issued by a court to protect a person from abuse or threats by someone with whom they have a close relationship, such as a spouse, former spouse, intimate partner, family member, or someone with whom they share a child
. The order directs the abuser to stop the abusive behavior and may include additional provisions such as:
- Prohibiting the abuser from contacting, harassing, threatening, or abusing the victim and their children
- Ordering the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school
- Granting temporary custody of children or possession of property
- Requiring financial support or child support payments
Abuse under a PFA can include physical violence, threats that cause immediate fear of injury, stalking, harassment, emotional harm, or destruction of property
. There are different types of PFA orders, including:
- Emergency PFA orders, which provide immediate but short-term protection until the court opens
- Temporary PFA orders, which last until a full court hearing can be held (usually within 10 business days)
- Final PFA orders, which are issued after a court hearing where both parties can present evidence and last up to three years
Violating a PFA order is a criminal offense, and law enforcement can intervene if the abuser disobeys the order
. You do not need to be divorced or have a criminal case to file for a PFA, and you can often file without an attorney
. The order is designed to provide civil legal protection to victims of domestic violence or abuse and is enforceable across states
. In summary, a PFA order is a court-issued restraining order intended to protect victims from abuse by legally restricting the abuser’s actions and contact with the victim
