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Protection Order Information for Adams County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.adamscounty.us/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.adamscounty.us/Dept/VictimWitness/Pages/ProtectionfromAbuse.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
YWCA/Safe Home
(717) 637-2125
Courthouse Hours
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Interpreter Services
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Same day as filed at 2:30 PM.
Online: Yes
In Person
YWCA/Safe Home
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: No, Legal Services is
involved after the temporary
hearing. If they have no conflicts
they will represent the Plaintiff at
the final hearing.
Available: In Person
Judge
Appears: In Person
YWCA/Safe Home
Call 911
24/7
As needed
Online: Yes
In Person
YWCA/Safe Home
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Video
Final
Nikki Lyons
(717) 337-9848
24/7
Wednesday at 8:30 AM
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: No
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: MDJ on-call uses Skype or
Face Time to connect with the victim
and advocate.
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until date hearing is scheduled to
take place.
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Petitioner
In Person
Video
No
In Person
Court/MDJ location
PFA hearings are
held in the
Courthouse.
Court/MDJ location
PFA hearings are
still held in the
Courthouse.
Protection Order Information for Adams County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
Sheriff
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Either by
the
person if
they
didn't
want to
go
through
the victim
advocate
or by the
advocate.
In Person
from the
advocate
who
accompani
es them to
the filing
office.
Victim
advocate
emails to
Judge's
executive
assistant,
victim
witness
PFA staff
person
and court
Admin..
Petitioner
From MDJ
if an
advocate
is not with
them or
from the
advocate
as forms
are faxed
back and
forth from
MDJ office
to
advocates
office.
Final
A Respondent
appears in
person if not
incarcerated. If
incarcerated, the
Respondent will
be heard via
video
conference.
Yes - Unless
incarcerated
Witnesses must appear in person.
Depending
on the
Judge
either by
victim
advocate
w/Plaintiff
or by
Court
Admin..
From
attorney if
they have
one or in
person
from the
advocate
who
accompani
es them to
the filing
office.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Allegheny County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/Home/Default.aspx
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/downloads/Family/PFA%20Procedures%203.25.20.pdf
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Beth Keenan
(412) 660-1147
Beth Keenan
(412) 287-4400
Beth Keenan
(412) 660-1147
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mon-Fri 2:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Sat-Sun - 24 hours
Mon-Fri 2:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Sat-Sun - 24 hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Online: Yes
File Paperwork
In Person
Online: Yes
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Petitioner needs to appear at the
Pittsburgh Municipal Court Building.
Petitioner needs to appear at the
Pittsburgh Municipal Court Facility.
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
ASSISTANCE
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: Volunteer attorneys are
available by phone to assist with
filing. Advocate follows-up by phone
the next day.
Available: Advocates are not available
on site for petitioners.
Available: Volunteer attorneys are
available by phone to assist in filing.
Available: Legal services providers are
not available for emergency PFAs.
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears: Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: Volunteer attorneys are
available by phone to assist with
filing. Advocate follows-up by phone
the next day.
Available: Plaintiff can apply by
phone for representation at Final
hearing.
Available: By Phone
Appears: By Phone or Video
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Yes - Temporary 15
days after the end of the judicial
emergency is over.
Protection Order Information for Allegheny County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
In Person
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner must
appear in person
for video hearing
and to receive
hard copies and
written
instructions.
Respondent
Witnesses
Judges are holding limited Final
Hearings based on emergency need,
legal representation and ability to
conduct phone/video conference
settlements or hearings.
Petitioner is
required to come
in for the
hearing.
By Phone or
Video
No
By Phone or
Video
By Phone or Video for Final PFA
hearings
No
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
In person
at court
Police
In person
at court
Police
Email or
U.S. mail
Email or
U.S. mail
Fax to
police
departme
nt.
Email to
Dept of
Court
Records
Data entry
to State
Police
PFAD.
Fax to
police
depts. or
Email to
Dept of
Court
Records
Data entry
to State
Police
PFAD.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Armstrong County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://www.accourts.com/
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
After 4:30 PM - weekends any time
After 4:30 PM - weekends any time
Contact
Brandi Toy
(724) 548-3284
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: No
In Person
Interpreter Services Available: No
Advocate
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Brandi Toy
Online: No
In Person
ASSISTANCE
Available: No
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Brandi Toy
(724) 548-3284
Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Court Administration or HAVIN
On Call MDJ or HAVIN
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: Video
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Pending further
hearing.
Appearance
In Person
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Yes
In person hearings for Final PFAs
Court
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
Petitioner
P. handed
a copy in
person.
Petitioner
P. handed
a copy in
person.
Petitioner
P. handed
a copy in
person.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Protection Order Information for Beaver County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.beavercountypa.gov/Depts/Courts/CCP/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.beavercountypa.gov/Depts/Courts/DR/Pages/Protection-AbuseOrder.aspx
Contact
Garrett Harper
(724) 770-4669
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Garrett Harper
Garrett Harper
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
MDJ is available 24/7
MDJ is available 24/7
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
MDJ is available 24/7
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Online: Yes
In Person
Online: No
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Court Administration
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: Petitioners are given the
contact information for Legal
Services at the time of filing
Temporary PFA.
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
During business hours, Petitioner can
contact MDJ office. After hours,
Petitioner can contact 911 or law
enforcement who will refer to the on-
call MDJ.
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: Legal services have no
involvement with Emergency PFAs
but presumably would be available by
phone.
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears: In Person
Final Hearings are held every Friday
at 8:00 AM.
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until the Final PFA hearing is
scheduled.
Protection Order Information for Beaver County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner is
required to go to
the Courthouse
to file for
Temporary PFA.
In Person
Petitioner is
required to go to
the MDJ office to
file for
Emergency PFA.
PFA parties may
participate by
phone or video at
Judge's
discretion.
Petitioner may
participate by
phone or video at
Judge's
discretion.
Appearance
Petitioner must
be in the
Courthouse but
speaks with
Judicial staff and
Judge via video.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Police
Court
Admin.
staff files
paperwork
with
Prothy.
Court
Admin.
staff hand
delivers
copies to
Petitioner.
MDJ staff
files
paperwork
with
Prothy.
and
provides
copy to
Court
Admin.
MDJ staff
hand
delivers
copies to
Petitioner.
Respondent may
participate by
phone or video at
Judge's
discretion.
Witnesses may testify by phone or
video at Judge's discretion.
Respondent may
participate by
phone or video at
Judge's
discretion.
Judge's
staff files
paperwork
with
Prothy.
Judge's
staff hand
delivers
copies to
Petitioner.
Respondent
Judge's
staff hand
delivers
copies to
Resp. if
present.
Prothy
mails copy
if Resp.
not
present.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Bedford County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://www.bedfordcountypa.org/
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Contact
Your Safe Haven
(814) 623-7664
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Tuesday - 9:00 AM
Online: No
Your Safe Haven
(814) 623-7664
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
By Phone through Your Safe Haven
By Phone through Your Safe Haven
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: E-mail
Available: By Phone
Available: No
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: No
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: No
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
E-mail
Petitioner
Your Safe
Haven
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Sheriff
E-mail
Sheriff
Court Staff U.S. Mail
U.S. Mail
Petitioner
Your Safe
Haven
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until Judicial Emergency ends.
Appearance
In Person
In Person
Court/MDJ location
No
Yes
Protection Order Information for Berks County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Courts/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Courts/FamCourt/Pages/ProtectionFromAbuse.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
PFA Office
(610) 478-6208
PFA Office
Family Court Administration
(610) 478-6208
Courthouse Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Available nights, weekends and
holidays.
Available nights, weekends and
holidays.
PFA Schedule
Mon - Fri 9:00 - 11:30 AM and
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Mon -Fri 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM and
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Weeknights from 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Sr. MDJs and 3:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Emergency MDJ on call - weekends
and Holidays 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM Sr.
MDJs, 3:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Emergency
MDJ on call, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Emergency MDJ
Online: No
ASSISTANCE
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: Safe Berks is operating
remotely to assist PFA filers by phone.
Forms/instructions
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person
Walk-in to PFA Office, 1st Floor
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
In Person
On Call MDJ
Interpreter Services Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: Safe Berks is operating
remotely to assist PFA filers by
phone.
Advocate
Legal Services
Available:
Available:
Court Staff
Judge
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Appears: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In Person, By Video or By
Phone
Available: In Person or by Phone
Available: Safe Berks is operating
remotely to assist PFA filers by
phone.
Available: Safe Berks is operating
remotely to assist PFA filers with legal
representation.
Available: In Person
Appears: Final cases are scheduled to
be in person, but the Court may use
Protection Order Information for Berks County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
In Person
In Person
Filers come to
the Courthouse.
In Person unless
the Court orders
otherwise.
Filers go to the
Courtroom of the
assigned Judge.
Court/MDJ location
Filers come in
person to the
PFA Office, then
go to the
Courtroom.
Respondent
Witnesses
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Police
Court
Filer takes
paperwork
to the
Prothy.
who takes
the
paperwork
under the
door, time
In person
in
Courtroo
m and
then
docketed
and time
stamped
MDJs
generate
and keep
the
Emergenc
y PFA
paperwork
In person
at
Courthous
e
phone or video on a case-by-case
basis.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary at
the discretion of the assigned Judge.
In Person unless
the Court orders
otherwise.
The Respondent
is noticed to go
to the Courtroom
of the assigned
Judge, unless the
Court orders
otherwise.
Only the Petitioner and Respondent
come to the Courthouse. The Judge
will determine at the time of the Final
hearing if a witness will participate in
person or by phone or video.
Court
Electronic
ally sent
from
Court to
Prothy.
and
mailed to
the
parties.
In person
if they are
in the
courtroom
and by
mail.
In person
if they are
in the
courtroom
or by mail.
Page 2
Emergency
Final
Protection Order Information for Berks County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
from
Prothy.
Parties
also get a
copy if
they are in
the Ctrm.
stamps
and scans
it, keeps a
copy for
the
Sheriff's
office to
serve on
the Def.,
and
returns
the
stamped
paperwork
under the
door to
the filer.
The filer
drops a
copy off at
their local
PD unless
it is PSP
(electronic
) or
Reading
PD (left
with
Prothy.).
Page 3
Protection Order Information for Blair County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.blairco.org/Dept/CourtAdmin/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.blairco.org/Dept/CourtAdmin/Documents/Emergency_Protection_Orders.pdf
http://www.blairco.org/Dept/CourtAdmin/Documents/EmergencyJudicialDeclaration_PFA.pdf
http://www.blairco.org/Dept/CourtAdmin/Documents/PFATemporaryInterviewsandFinalPFAHearings.pdf
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Local Police Department
Local Police Department
PFA Office
(814) 693-0130
Courthouse Hours
Per 4/14/2020 Order, Blair CP Court
is unavailable for the filing of PFAs.
Per 4/14/2020 Order, Blair CP Court is
unavailable for the filing of
Emergency PFAs.
Per 4/14/2020 Order, Blair CP Court is
unavailable for the filing of
Emergency PFAs.
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
E-mail
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM – Ex parte review
and/or ACT (Advanced
Communication Technology)
Online: No
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM by the MDJ having
Jurisdiction or after 4:00 PM with the
On-Call MDJ
Online: No
Thursdays at 8:30 AM at the
Courthouse by ACT
To Initiate Filing
Blair County PFA Office/Family
Services of Blair County
On Call MDJ - Call the police
department to access
E-mail
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Legal Services
Available: By Phone
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Court Staff
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
(MidPenn Legal Services)
Available: In Person
Appears: By Phone - In the courtoom
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until a final hearing.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Blair County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
By Phone
In Person
Court/MDJ location
No
No
A separate time is scheduled to hear
from witnesses.
Petitioner
E-mail or
U.S. Mail
Respondent
U.S. Mail
Paperwork/Orders
Fax
E-mail
Sheriff
Fax
E-mail
Sheriff
Sheriff
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Protection Order Information for Bradford County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://bradfordcountypa.org/about-us/
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
Court Administration
(570) 265-1707
Court Administration
(570) 265-9101
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
On Call MDJ
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Tuesdays and Fridays
Online: Yes
Ex Parte - Mon - Fri
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person. Willing to do by phone
In Person. Willing to do by phone
Court Administration.
On Call MDJ.
Final
Court Administration
(570) 265-1707
On Call MDJ
Tuesday and Thursdays
Interpreter Services Available: Yes - By Phone
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM;
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
ASSISTANCE
Available: Yes - By Phone
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM;
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: By Phone or ZOOM
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person.
Yes
In Person or By
Phone
Yes
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Available: Yes - By Phone;
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM;
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
Available: By Phone, In Person or
ZOOM.
Appears: By Phone or In Person. Final
PFA hearings: Yes; Extending order?
Yes Temporary 14-30 days
By Phone or
ZOOM
In Person, By
Phone or ZOOM
Currently, witness would be required
to be by phone or ZOOM unless they
appear with petition for support.
No
Protection Order Information for Bradford County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Petitioner
Respondent
Emergency
Petitioner
Respondent
Final
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
In Person.
Sheriff.
In Person.
Court
In Person,
Fax or
Email.
Court
In Person,
Fax or
Email
Court
In Person,
Fax or
Email.
Respondent
In Person,
Fax or
Email.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Bucks County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://buckscounty.org/Courts/CommonPleas
http://buckscounty.org/Courts/ProtectionFromAbuse
Contact
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Prothonotary - Family Court
(215) 348-6822
Prothonotary - Family Court
Prothonotary - Family Court
(215) 348-6822
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MDJ offices: Mon-Fri 2:00 PM - 8:00
AM - all day Sat-Sun
MDJ offices: Mon-Fri 2:00 PM - 8:00
AM - all day Sat-Sun
MDJ offices: Mon-Fri 2:00 PM - 8:00
AM - all day Sat-Sun
Final Order hearings are not being
held during the COVID-19 judicial
emergency.
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: Yes
In Person
Prothonotary, Family Court
Online: Yes
By Phone
Local MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services Available: Yes – all methods
Available: By Phone and Online
Advocate
Available: Petitioners may be
referred to advocate services located
in close proximity to the Courthouse.
Available: Petitioners are referred to
advocate services using telephone
and email
Legal Services
Available: Yes – all methods
Available: Yes – all methods
Court Staff
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Generally in person, ACT as
necessary.
Appears: By Phone
Available: N/A -Due to Final Hearings
not being held at this time.
Available: Petitioners may be
referred to advocate services located
in close proximity to the Courthouse.
Available: N/A -Due to Final Hearings
not being held at this time.
Available: N/A -Due to Final Hearings
not being held at this time.
Appears: N/A -Due to Final Hearings
not being held at this time.
Final PFA hearings: No
Protection Order Information for Bucks County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Generally in
person, ACT as
necessary.
Court/MDJ location
Petitions must be
filed in person
with the
Prothonotary.
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Phone
No
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
through June 3, 2020.
Court/MDJ location
N/A -Due to Final
Hearings not
being held during
this time.
N/A – Due to
Final Hearings
not being held
during this time.
Appearance
N/A - Due to
Final Hearings
not being held
during this time.
N/A- Due to Final
Hearings not
being held during
this time.
Court of Common Pleas (Temp) -
Generally in person and ACT, as
necessary.
MDJ's - By phone
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Court Staff
In person
or via
email
E-mail
Other
In person
or via
email
By means
auth. by
applicable
state rule.
Respondent
In person
or by
means
auth. by
applicable
rule.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Butler County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.butlercountypa.gov/
https://www.butlercountypa.gov/337/Protection-Orders
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
PFA Office
(724) 284-5181
PFA Office
(724) 284-5181
PFA Office
(724) 284-5181
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Mon-Fri 10:30AM - 4:30PM
Mon-Fri 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 11:30 AM
Mon-Fri after 1:00 PM
Forms/instructions
Online: No
File Paperwork
In Person
Online: No
In person at the MDJ, at the police
department, or via the PFA Office.
To Initiate Filing
Domestic Relations Section, PFA
Office
PFA Office, Local Police, or On call
MDJ
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available:
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at
8:45 AM
Judge
Appears: Polycom
Appears: Polycom or telephone
Petitioner
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Needs to be filed
in person
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Needs to be filed
in person
In person or by
telephone
No
Appears: Polycom, Telephone and In
Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary at
the discretion of the Court.
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Protection Order Information for Butler County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Yes - unless
instructed
otherwise.
In person,
telephone (if
represented) or
via Polycom.
The Judge determines if a witness
needs to be called. Witnesses are
required to stay outside of the
building until instructed to enter.
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Prothy.
and Sheriff
In person
by the PFA
Office
Sheriff
Police
In person
by Prothy.
In person
by the
Court staff
In person
or by U.S.
mail
MDJ
coordinate
s with
local
police
departme
nt and
MDJ faxes
the
Emergenc
y PFA to
the PFA
office.
Depends
on where
the MDJ is
and where
the
Petitioner
is.
Respondent
Witnesses
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Centre County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://centrecountypa.gov/355/Judiciary
http://centrecountypa.gov/2058/Protection-From-Abuse-PFA
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Court Administration
(814) 355-6727
Court Administration
(814) 355-6727
Court Administration
(814) 355-6727
8:30am-5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
8:30am-5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
8:30am-5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Between 8:30am-5:00pm -
Between 8:30am-5:00pm -
Between 8:30am-5:00pm -
Online: No
In Person.
Online: No
In Person.
Court Administration.
Court Administration.
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services Available: Yes - In PersonBy Phone
Advocate
Available: N/A
Available: Yes - In Person
Available: N/A
Available: Yes -
Available: N/A
Legal Services
Court Staff
Not provided by the court.
Available: Only provides paperwork,
can not assist with completion.
Not provided by the court.
Available: Only provides paperwork,
can not assist with completion.
HEARING INFORMATION
Not provided by the court.
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person.
In Person.
In Person
In Person.
In Person
In Person.
Appears: In Person; Final PFA
hearings: No; Extending order? Yes,
the Emergency Order is extended and
is dependent on judicial emergency
orders in place.
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person.
In Person.
If a witness is present for a hearing,
the court may have the witness
adress the court.
Protection Order Information for Centre County
as of 4/30/20
Paperwork/Orders
Court
In Person -
Sheriff.
Temporary
Petitioner
Respondent
Prothy.
Prothy.
Court
In Person -
Sheriff
Emergency
Petitioner
Court
Admin.
Respondent
In Person -
Sheriff
Court
Respondent
Final
Petitioner
E-mail.
Prothy.
Prothy.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Chester County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.chesco.org/1333/County-Court-of-Common-Pleas
https://www.chesco.org/3655/Protection-from-Abuse
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Suzie A. Marker
(610) 344-6405
Suzie A. Marker
(610) 344-6405
Suzie A. Marker
(610) 344-6405
Courthouse Hours
8.30-4.30 M-F
PFA Schedule
11a.m. and 3 p.m. daily
Forms/instructions
Online: YES
Petitioners should go to the on call DJ
court in the evening for emergency
protection.
Petitioners should go to the on call DJ
court in the evening for emergency
protection.
after 7 p.m. week days all day on
weekends
Online: NO
Mondays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 1
p.m.
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person. In certain circumstances,
we offer by phone/video/email
submission of petitions.
Court Administration. Family Court
Administration on the 5th floor of the
Justice Center.
In Person.
On Call MDJ.
Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: YES - In Person, By phone
Available: In Person. Advocates on-
site from the local domestic violence
center.
Available: Other. Legal Aid will assist.
Petitioners must call and make
arrangements.
Available: In Person.
Legal Services
ASSISTANCE
Available: YES - In Person, By phone
Available: YES - In Person
Available: Phone. Local DV advocates
assist over the phone in the evenings.
Available: Advocates on-site from the
local domestic violence center.
Available: Other. Legal Aid will assist.
Petitioners must call and make
arrangements.
Available: In Person.
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person; Final PFA
hearings: YES; Extending order? YES,
Court Staff
Judge
Protection Order Information for Chester County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
In Person.
In Person
Yes
In Person
Yes
Court/MDJ location
YES Petitioners
must appear at
all hearings in
person.
the Temporary Order is extended.
This is decided by a judge on a case
by case basis. The norm is 30 days or
less.
In Person
YES Respondents
can appear in
person to testify
in their own
defense.
Most witnesses appear in person; we
do allow telephone testimony of
witnesses on a case by case basis.
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
In Person -
Sheriff.
In Person -
Sheriff
In Person -
Sheriff
In Person -
Sheriff
In Person -
Sheriff
The court
will give
Petitioner
a copy.
The court
will give
Petitioner
a copy.
The court
will give
Resp. a
copy.
The
Prothy.
gives
petitioner
a copy.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Clarion County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
http://www.co.clarion.pa.us/Dept/Courts/Common-Pleas/Pages/default.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Courthouse Hours
8:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Not handled at Court House
Not handled at Court House
SAFE
(814) 226-8481
As needed
Online: No
In Person
SAFE
(814) 226-8481
As needed
Contact
SAFE
(814) 226-8481
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: No
In Person
SAFE (814) 226-8481
SAFE (814) 226-8481
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: Legal Services is not
brought in until the final hearing.
Available: In Person
Legal Services
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: Legal Services does not
handle Emergency PFAs.
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Could do by phone but have
been able to hold in person.
Appears: In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Appears: Could do by phone but have
done in person or continued.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? When necessary we
will hold them by phone or by ZOOM.
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
In Person
Yes
In Person
Yes
Court/MDJ location
If needed, we
could possibly do
by phone but
documents
would have to be
filed.
Respondent
In Person
Yes
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
Protection Order Information for Clarion County
as of 4/30/20
Witnesses
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
Sheriff
Sheriff
Either in person or by phone during
closure of courts.
Sheriff
provided
before
leaving
court
Provided
before
leaving
court
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Clearfield County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://clearfieldco.org/
Temporary
Emergency
Final
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
Crossroads
(814) 768-7200
Crossroads
(814) 768-7200
Crossroads
(814) 768-7200
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Upon receipt or Thursdays at 8:45
AM
Immediate upon receipt
Monday and Tuesday
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: No
In Person.
Victime Advocate. Crossroads
Victim Advocate. Crossroads
Online: No
In Person.
Interpreter Services Available: Yes - In PersonIn Person
Advocate
Available: In Person.
Available: In Person. If person
qualifies
Available: In Person.
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: Yes - In Person
Available: In Person.
Available: In Person. If person
qualifies
Available: In Person.
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Available: Yes -
Available: In Person.
Available: In Person. If person
qualifies
Available: In Person.
Appears: In person - With certain
witnesses being heard by phone at
the discretion of the Judge.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes Temporary Until
the next regularly scheduled date.
Generally Final
PFA Hearings are not continued. Only
would be a rare
occasion.
Protection Order Information for Clearfield County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
In Person.
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
Prothonot
ary.
Sheriff.
Prothonot
ary
Sheriff.
Prothonot
ary.
In person
by
Crossroad
s.
In person
by
Crossroad
s.
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Yes All Final
Hearings are
done in person
for all parties.
In Person
Petitioner must appear. Other
witnesses are generally heard in
person unless there is some
circumstance for which they need to
appear and testify. The COVID -19
situation may change this to remote
appearance by Zoom or other
platform.
In person
by
Crossroad
s.
Respondent
In person
by
Crossroad
s unless
they did
not
appear
then by
Sheriff.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Clinton County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.clintoncountypa.com/
http://www.clintoncountypa.com/court_services/county_courts/forms/Protection%20from%20Abuse%20Packet%209-18-13.pdf
Temporary
Prothonotary
570-893-4007
8 AM to 5 PM
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Prothonotary
911 or (570) 748-2936
24/7/365
Final
Judy Coder, ADCA
570-893-4016
24/7/365
Every business day during business
hours
Online: Yes
Conducted by on-call MDJ all hours,
all days
Online: Yes
Every business day during business
hours
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
E-mail. Phone: 570-893-4070
E-mail. Phone: DES contacts on-call
MDJ
To Initiate Filing
Other. Prothonotary
On Call MDJ.
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: Video.
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: Phone. Local Women's
Center provides counseling and
direction
Available: In Person
Available: Video.
Legal Services
Available: Phone.
Available: Phone.
Court Staff
Available: By Phone.
Available: By Phone.
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears: Video and in-person
Available: Online. Protected
individual(s) are provided free
counsel by the local Women's Center
Available: Online.
Appears: Video -
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Temporary order is
extended until the date of the re-
scheduled hearing, assuming that PFA
was granted at ex parte temporary
hearing.
Protection Order Information for Clinton County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
Video.
Video
NO
Video
Court/MDJ location
Yes, Pre-Covid
this was the
case. Now all
hearings are
conducted via
Zoom
No, Pre-Covid
this was the case.
Now all hearings
are conducted
via Zoom
No, Pre-Covid
this was the case.
Now all hearings
are conducted
via Zoom
Video
Pre-Covid, in Person. Currently via
Zoom.
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Via Court
Admin.
Petitioner
In Person -
Sheriff.
Respondent
In Person -
Sheriff.
Court
E-mail
Petitioner
In Person -
Sheriff.
Respondent
In Person -
Sheriff.
Court
Via Court
Admin.
Petitioner
In Person -
Sheriff.
Respondent
In Person -
Sheriff.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Columbia/Montour County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.columbiapa.org/courts/index.php
http://www.columbiapa.org/prothonotary/index.php
Contact
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Rose Antoniello, Deputy Proth
(570) 389-5619
Rose Antoniello, Deputy Proth
(570) 784-6300
Rose Antoniello, Deputy Proth
(570) 389-5619
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM
Friday 4:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Online: No
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Woman's Center, Beyond Violence or
Prothonotary Office.
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: Victim Advocate is
available by appointment or by
phone.
Available: Petitioner is directed to
contact Northpenn Legal Services if
they request legal representation
and are filing pro se.
Available: In Person - During regular
business hours.
On days and times the Courthouse is
not open for business.
Online: No
In Person
On Call MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: Victim Advocate contacted
by phone for emergency petitions
only as needed.
Available: By Phone
Available: Victim Advocate is
available by appointment or by
phone.
Available: Legal services are usually
not provided for in Emergency PFA
cases.
Available: NorthPenn Legal Services
Available: In Person - During regular
business hours.
Available: In Person - During regular
business hours.
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Protection Order Information for Columbia/Montour County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
In Person
In Person
Yes
Court/MDJ location
Ex Parte matters
are done by
phone. All other
proceedings.
Court/MDJ location
On Call MDJ
requires
Petitioner to
appear in person.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Police
Police
In person
or by
Domestic
Violence
Advocates
Initial
paperwork
is picked
up in
person or
by the
Domestic
Violence
Advocates
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
Orders are extended until a hearing is
held and a Final Order is entered.
In Person
Respondent is
required to
appear in person
for all hearings.
Unless otherwise approved by the
Judge before the hearing, witnesses
are required to appear in person.
Upon request and depending on the
circumstances the Court has allowed
testimony via phone or Zoom.
All Emerg.
Orders are
served on
the Resp.
by the
State/Loca
l police.
All
paperwork
is filed in
person
All final
Orders are
mailed to
all parties
All final
Orders are
mailed to
all parties
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Crawford County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.crawfordcountypa.net/Pages/Home.aspx
https://www.crawfordcountypa.net/courts/Rules/Civil/RULE%20L1901.PDF#search=protection%20from%20abuse
https://www.crawfordcountypa.net/Courts/Documents/Coronavirus-FAQ-Courts.pdf
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Law Library (814) 333-7300 x5730
(814) 333-7300
Law Library (814) 333-7300 x5730
(814) 724-4637
Court Administration
(814) 333-7498
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
(Courthouse closed) MDJ open by
appt; Women's Services 24/7
(Courthouse closed) MDJ open by
appt; Women's Services 24/7.
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursdays at 8:30 AM or as directed.
Forms/instructions
Online: No
File Paperwork
Petition prepared telephonically
during COVID-19.
To Initiate Filing
Law Library (will contact Women’s
Services when available)
Mon-Fri 4:30 PM
Sat-Sun Open 24/7, as needed.
Online: No
Petition prepared telephonically
during COVID-19; Women’s Services
will submit to MDJ.
Victim Advocate – Women’s Services
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone - sometimes in
person (during COVID-19)
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: By Phone during COVID-19
Available: In Person during COVID-19
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: Phone - not involved until
after temporary/emergency is
granted
Available: By Phone
Available: Not involved until after
temporary/emergency is granted.
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Judge
Appears: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: By Phone or Video during
COVID-19
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? To date we have
done no final hearings during COVID-
Protection Order Information for Crawford County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Appearance
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Petition
prepared by
phone; appear to
meet judge; sign;
file; sheriff for
service details.
By Phone or
Video during
COVID-19
Court/MDJ location
Women’s
Services works
with Petitioner,
sometimes in
person; MDJ
contact remote.
Petitioner
In Person
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
Email or
fax
Email or
fax
Police
Court
Clerk
Petitioner
In person
from court
clerk
Final
19 closures; currently first scheduled
for May 7. All temporary orders
extended until then. Emergency
orders expire upon next business day
of the Courts and we are open for
business as to PFAs Mon-Fri 8:30 AM
- 4:30 PM.
In Person
Must appear in
person for
hearing
In Person
Yes
Only applies for Final: in person
testimony so far.
Petitioner
In person
from court
clerk
Respondent
In person
at hearing
Page 2
https://www.dauphincounty.org/government/publicly_elected_officials/district_attorney/what_is_child_abuse/how_ca
n_i_obtain_a_pfa.php
Temporary
Emergency
Final
GENERAL INFORMATION
By telephone evenings and weekends
By telephone evenings and weekends
Protection Order Information for Dauphin County
as of 4/30/20
https://www.dauphincounty.org/government/courts/index.php
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Victim/Witness
(717) 780-7075
Victim/Witness
(717) 238-7273
By telephone 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
weekdays
Ex Parte by telephone weekdays at
Noon.
Final Hearings by phone/video
Wednesdays at specific times
assigned to each case.
Online: No
While courthouse is closed - regularly
also in person
Online: No
By Phone
To Initiate Filing
Victim/Witness at above number
Victim/Witness or YWCA
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone - While
courthouse is closed - regularly also
in person.
Available: By Phone and Email -While
courthouse is closed - regularly also
in person.
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available:
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone - While
courthouse is closed - regularly also
in person.
Available: By Video, Phone and Email
-While courthouse is closed -
regularly also in person.
Available: By Phone and Online
Available: By Phone, Online, and In
Person
Protection Order Information for Dauphin County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
By Phone
No
By Phone
No
Appears: By Video with phone option
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary -
varies.
Appearance
By Video with
phone option
By Video with
phone option
No
No
Not sure yet - possibly video
Mail if
email not
available
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
Police
E-mail
Sheriff
Mail if
email not
available
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Delaware County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.delcopa.gov/courts/
http://www.delcopa.gov/ojs/pfa/pfa.html
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Denise Hansen
(610) 891-4550
Denise Hansen
(610) 891-4550
Denise Hansen
(610) 891-4550
Courthouse Hours
Monday thru Friday
Monday thru Friday
Monday thru Friday
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM;
after 3:00 PM to a MDJ;
weekends - MDJ
Online: No
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM;
after 3:00 PM to a MDJ;
weekends - MDJ
Online: No
Court has accepted e-mail and
conducted hearing by telephone or in
person.
Court has accepted e-mail and
conducted hearing by telephone or in
person.
To Initiate Filing
Office of Judicial Support
Office of Judicial Support
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Legal Services
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
Appears: MDJ - By telephone and
video.
CP - by telephone, video and in
person.
Appears: MDJ - By telephone and
video.
CP - by telephone, video and in
person.
Appearance
Can appear by
telephone , video
or in person
Court/MDJ location
MDJ - by phone
or video
CP- In person
Appearance
Can appear by
telephone , video
or in person
Court/MDJ location
No MDJ - by
phone or video
CP- In person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until the Judge holds a hearing with
the parties and issues a Final Order.
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
Yes
Protection Order Information for Delaware County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Respondent
Witnesses
In Person
Yes
Witnesses are allowed to testify by
video or telephone where
appropriate and upon request.
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Office of
Judicial
Support
Petitioner
Office of
Judicial
Support
Respondent
Police
Court
Office of
Judicial
Support
Petitioner
Office of
Judicial
Support
Respondent
Police
Court
Office of
Judicial
Support
Petitioner
Office of
Judicial
Support
Respondent
Police
Page 2
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Protection Order Information for Erie County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://eriecountypa.gov/courts/
https://eriecountypa.gov/courts/family-court/protection-from-abuse/
Contact
Juliza Caban
(814) 451-6324
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Mon-Fri 11:00 AM
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person
PFA office (814) 451-6324
Interpreter Services Available: In Person
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: Only if requested by
Plaintiff
Available: Only if requested by P.
Available: In Person
Juliza Caban
Online: No
Available:
Available:
ASSISTANCE
Available:
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Sheriff,
Police and
PSP
PFA
office/Ct.
personnel
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Sheriff
PSP
Sheriff
Juliza Caban
(814) 451-6324
Tues and Thurs 9:30 AM
Available: In Person
Available: Only if requested by
Plaintiff
Available: Only if requested by P.
Available: In Person
Appears: In Person; Final PFA
hearings: Yes; Extending order? Yes -
Temporary until further order of
court.
Appearance
In Person
In Person
In person, during final hearing.
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Yes
PFA
office/Ct.p
ersonnel
Protection Order Information for Fayette County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.fayettecountypa.org/302/Court-of-Common-Pleas
https://www.fayettecountypa.org/DocumentCenter/View/445/Confidential-Information-Form-PDF?bidId=
Contact
Temporary
Domestic Violence Services of
Southwestern Pennsylvania
(724) 562-7016
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Domestic Violence Services of
Southwestern Pennsylvania
(724) 438-1760
Final
Administrative Office of Fayette
County Courts
(724) 430-1230
After 3:00 PM Mon-Fri
All day on the weekend or holidays
After 3:00 PM Mon-Fri
All day on the weekend or holidays
At the discretion of the PFA Judge
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM at the
discretion of the PFA Judge
Forms/instructions
Online:
File Paperwork
By E-mail
To Initiate Filing
Domestic Violence Services of
Southwestern PA
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: By Phone - Domestic
Violence of Southwetern PA
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
After 3:00 PM Mon-Fri
All day on the weekend or holidays
Online:
In person and then faxed to MDJ by
the Booking Center
Fayette County Booking Center has a
packet of information for the
Petitioner to complete.
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: MDJ communicates directly
with the Petitioner by SKYPE at the
Booking Center
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: SKYPE or In Person
Available: By Phone
Available: Domestic Violence of
Southwestern PA
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Appears: ZOOM or Phone
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Temporary after
June 1, 2020.
Protection Order Information for Fayette County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
By Phone
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Email and
deliver a
hard copy
the
following
day to the
Prothy.
Appearance
In Person and
SKYPE from the
Booking Center
U.S. Mail
by MDJ
Fax or
Email at
the
Booking
Center
Whatever means
is available
Whatever means
is available to the
Respondent
By Phone
Hand
delivered
by court
staff to
the
Prothy.
Paperwork/Orders
U.S. Mail
Sheriff
Police
U.S. Mail
U.S. Mail
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Forest/Warren County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://warrenforestcourt.org/
https://warrenforestcourt.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ProtectionFromAbusePetition.pdf
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
Safe Place
(814) 726-1271
Safe Place
(814) 726-1271
Final
Court Administration
(814) 728-3530
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Ex Parte hearings are scheduled as
soon as possible upon receipt of the
Petition.
Online: Yes
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Emergency petitions are handled
after hours by the on-call MDJ.
Online: Yes
Individuals can file in person or the
Safe Place will email or fax petitions.
Individuals can file in person or the
Safe Place will email or fax petitions.
To Initiate Filing
Plaintiff should contact A Safe Place
at (814) 726-1271.
Plaintiff should contact A Safe Place at
(814) 726-1271.
Final Order hearings are scheduled
each Wednesday at 3:00 PM
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone -If an interpreter
is needed, Language Line can be
obtained for phone interpretation.
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone - In emergency,
Language Line can be obtained for
phone interpreter.
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: In Person - For the Final
Order, we will have an in person
interpreter available.
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
Available: By Phone or In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Hearings have been
conducted by phone.
Appears: Conducted by phone or
video.
Appears: Conducted by phone or
video; Final PFA hearings: Yes;
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until the Final hearing is held.
Interpreter Services
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
Respondent
By Phone/Video
No
Protection Order Information for Forest/Warren County
as of 4/30/20
Witnesses
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Use of phone testimony
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
Sheriff
Petitioner
Provided
to Safe
Place and
they
provide
Petitioner
with a
copy
Provided
to Safe
Place and
they
provide
Petitioner
with copy
Provided
to Safe
Place and
they
provide
Petitioner
with copy
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Greene County
as of 5/18/20
Court Website:
http://www.greenepacourts.us/
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Contact
Domestic Violence Services
724-852-2463
Domestic Violence Services
724-852-2463
Court Administration
724-852-5237
Courthouse Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
PFA Schedule
Monday
11:00 a.m.
Forms/instructions
Online: YES
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
E-mail. Telephone
Victim Advocate.
Interpreter Services Available: YES - By Phone,In-Person
Advocate
Available: Phone
Available: Phone
Available: By Phone, In-Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
GENERAL INFORMATION
MDJ Office
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday when needed.
MDJ Office
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday when needed.
Online: YES
E-mail. Telephone
Victim Advocate.
ASSISTANCE
Available: YES - By Phone
Available: Phone
Available: Phone
Available: By Phone, In-Person
HEARING INFORMATION
MDJ Office
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday when needed.
Monday
11:00 a.m.
Available: YES - By Phone; In-Person
Available: Phone
Available: Phone
Available: By Phone, In-Person
Appears: Phone, Video, In-Person
Final PFA hearings: YES; Extending
order? YES, the Temporary Order is in
effect until the Final PFA hearing.
Judge
Appears: Phone, Video, In-Person
Appears: Phone, Video
Protection Order Information for Greene County
as of 5/18/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
NO
Phone, Video
NO
NO
Phone, In-
Person, Video
Phone, In-
Person, Video
Either by video, phone, or in-person.
NO
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Appearance
Phone, In-Person
Video
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Prothy's
Office
In-Person -
Sheriff
If
Petitioner
is not
there,
paperwork
will be
mailed.
In Person
– Sheriff,
US Mail
E-mail
Proth's
Office
In-Person -
Sheriff
If
Petitioner
is not in-
person,
paperwork
will be
mailed.
In Person
– Sheriff,
US Mail
Prothy's
Office
In-Person -
Sheriff
US Mail
In Person
– Sheriff,
US Mail
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Huntingdon County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://huntingdoncountycourt.net/
http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-public
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Court Administration
(814) 643-5078
Court Administration
(814) 643-3960 or Call 911
Court Administration
(814) 643-5078
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
MDJ on call handles these
MDJ on call handles these
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm
Anytime after courthouse is closed
Forms/instructions
Online: Yes
Online: Yes
File Paperwork
In person, email or fax
In person, email or fax
To Initiate Filing
Prothonotary, Huntingdon House,
Abuse Network, Court Administration
On Call MDJ, Huntingdon County 911
Center or any police department
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: By Phone, In Person or Fax Available: By Phone, In Person or Fax
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone, In Person,
Online and Video
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone, In Person, Online
and Video
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Phone or Video (ZOOM)
Appears: In Person or Video (ZOOM)
Usually Wednesday mornings, but
any time available within time
constraints.
Available: In Person or By Phone
depending on availability of
interpreter
Available: By Phone, In Person or Fax
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone, In Person,
Online and Video
Appears: In Person, By Phone or
Video (ZOOM)
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
By Phone or
Video (ZOOM)
No
By Phone or
Video (ZOOM)
No
By Phone or
Video (ZOOM)
No
Protection Order Information for Huntingdon County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
E-mail or
fax
By Phone or
Video (ZOOM)
Final
No
By Phone or Video (ZOOM)
Petitioner
Respondent
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Sheriff
Sheriff
Sheriff
Other
Sheriff
Court
E-mail or
fax
Petitioner
Any of the
choices
Court
E-mail or
fax
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Indiana County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.indianacountypa.gov/departments/court-of-common-pleas/
https://www.indianacountypa.gov/departments/prothonotary-clerk-of-courts/how-do-i/
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Alice Paul House
(724) 349-4444
Alice Paul House
(724) 349-4444
Alice Paul House
(724) 349-4444
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
After 2:00 PM through Police and MDJ
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri; anytime as needed
Forms/instructions
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
E-mail, fax or in person, if necessary
Fax
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocate
Any day 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM and 10:00
PM
Online: No
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone and/or Video
Appears: Video (ZOOM)
After 2:00 PM through Police and
MDJ
Wednesdays or as needed
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone or Video
Available: By Phone
Appears: ZOOM Video Conferencing,
Phone or In Person depending on the
parties' needs
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Until further order
of court.
Appearance
Phone, Video or
In Person
Phone, Video or
In Person
No
No
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Phone or Video
No
Phone or Video
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Protection Order Information for Indiana County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Witnesses
For the final hearing, the Judge has
discretion to allow a witness to
appear via phone or video.
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail
E-mail
Sheriff
Police
Police
E-mail
U.S. Mail
Email or
fax
Police,
U.S. Mail
or email
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Jefferson County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://www.jeffersoncountypa.com/government/
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Crossroads
(814) 849-2779
Crossroads
(814) 849-2779
Crossroads
(814) 849-2779
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Online: No
Everyday - Judge and time permitted
Online: No
Fax or in person
Fax or in person
Victim Advocate - Crossroads
Victim Advocate - Crossroads
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Advocate
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Petitioner
In Person
In Person
In Person
Appearance
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
For an Order to
be entered, the
Petitioner must
be present to
offer details for
the record and
answer
questions.
Court/MDJ location
For an Order to
be entered, the
Petitioner must
be present to
offer details for
the record and
answer
questions.
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Available: By Phone/In Person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes -Temporary
until a hearing is available in front of
the President Judge.
Court/MDJ location
For an Order to
be entered, the
Petitioner must
be present to
offer details for
the record and
answer
questions.
Protection Order Information for Jefferson County
as of 4/30/20
Respondent
Witnesses
Temporary
Emergency
Final
In Person
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Crossroad
s files with
Prothy.
and hand
delivesr to
Sheriff.
Notices
are also
generated
to PSP out
of PFAD.
Petitioner
typically
receives
the order
in hand
that day, if
they must
leave, it is
mailed.
Court
Crossroad
s file with
Prothy.
and hand
deliver to
Sheriff.
Notices
are also
generated
to PSP out
of PFAD.
Petitioner
typically
receives
the order
in hand
that day, if
they must
leave, it is
mailed.
Either PSP
or
Borough
Police
Departme
nt, Sheriff
in some
instances.
Court
Crossroad
s file with
Prothy.
and hand
deliver to
Sheriff.
Notices
are also
generated
to PSP out
of PFAD.
Petitioner
typically
receives
the order
in hand
that day, if
they must
leave, it is
mailed.
Hand
delivered
at time or
hearing or
mailed.
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Lackawanna County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.lackawannacounty.org/
https://www.lackawannacounty.org/?s=PFA&submit.x=5&submit.y=8
Temporary
Final
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
N/A
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Claire Czaykowski
Local Police Department
When Court of Common Pleas is
closed.
When Court of Common Pleas is
closed.
Online: No
Remote and in-person
On Call MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: By phone, e-mail and
in person
HEARING INFORMATION
Contact
Claire Czaykowski
(570) 963-5692
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Forms/instructions
Online: Yes
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
E-mail, fax or drop off
Court Administration
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: By phone, e-mail and
in person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
Appearance
By phone, in
person
Court
Filed by
Court
Admin
staff
Appears: In person, video or phone
(depends on the Judge)
Appears: In person, video or phone
(depends on the MDJ)
Final PFA hearings: No; Extending
order? Approx. 30 days
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
No
By phone, in
person
Court
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail or
pick up
Sheriff
Varies by
MDJ
Varies by
MDJ
Varies by
MDJ
Other
Claire Czaykowski
(570) 963-5692
When Court of Common Pleas is
closed.
Available: Yes
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Protection Order Information for Lancaster County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/
https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/Search?searchPhrase=PFA
Temporary
Contact
Court Administration/Bail
(717) 295-2584
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Court Administration/Bail
Final
Court Administration
(717) 299-8044
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon-Sun 5:00 PM - 8:30 AM
Mon-Sun 5:00 PM - 8:30 AM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Mon-Fri 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Online:
Mon-Sun 5:00 PM - 8:30 AM
Online:
File Paperwork
In Person
By Phone
N/A
To Initiate Filing
Court Administration
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone and Video
Advocate
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Instructions are online. Forms are
filled out by the MDJ.
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Judge
Appears: By Video
Appears: By Phone
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
By Phone
Offsite
N/A
Offsite
Court/MDJ location
Paperwork filled
out in person.
Hearing is by
video.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Appears: N/A
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Temporary until
further Order of Court.
N/A
N/A
Offsite
Protection Order Information for Lancaster County
as of 4/30/20
Court
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Emergency
Petitioner
Final
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
Police
Police
N/A
Police
N/A
Temporary
Petitioner
In person
Court
Admin./Ba
il
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Lawrence County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://co.lawrence.pa.us/
https://co.lawrence.pa.us/courts/pfa-coordinator-lawyer-referral-lawrence_county/
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Shannon Burrelli PFA Coord.
(724) 656-1921
Shannon Burrelli PFA Coord.
(724) 656-1921
Chris Eposito
(724) 656-1921
Courthouse Hours
M-F 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
In Person.
Monday through Friday
8-4 p.m.
Online: No
M-F 8:00 am. to 3:00 p.m.
After hours th MDJ on Clal takes the
Emergency PFA's 24/7
M-F 8:00 am. to 3:00 p.m.
After hours th MDJ on Clal takes the
Emergency PFA's 24/7
Scheduled as needed during
workweek M-F 8-4
Monday through Friday
8-4 p.m.
Online: No
In Person.
To Initiate Filing
Court Administration. Shannon
Burelli
Court Administration. MDJ on call.
Interpreter Services
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Judge
ASSISTANCE
Available: In Person, By phone
Available: In Person, or by phone if
needed
Available: Phone. Available by phone Available: Phone. Available by phone
Available: Online. Online ,by phone as
Available: Online. Online, by phone
well
as well
Available: In Person. By phone initially
Available: In Person. By phone
and then after review they come in
initially and then after review they
on a staggered basis to eliminate
come in on a staggered basis to
crowds
eliminate crowds
Appears: In Person although we have
technology set up to do it by
videoconference , zoom or phone if
needed
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In Person athough we have
technology set up to do it by
vidoconference, zoom or phone if
necessary
Available: In Person or by phone if
necessary
Available: Available by phone
Available: In Person. By phone
initially and then after review they
come in on a staggered basis to
eliminate crowds
Appears: In Person - although we
have technology set up to do it by
videoconference, zoom or phone if
necessary.
Protection Order Information for Lawrence County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Whatever the
judge deems
appropriate.
Court/MDJ location
Yes, unless judge
decides not
necessary.
Appearance
Whatever the
judge deems
appropriate.
Court/MDJ location
Yes, unless judge
decides not
necessary.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
In person
By PFA
Coord. or
in person
Sheriff or
Police
In person
Sheriff or
Police
In person
Pro's
Office by
mail
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes, the Temporary
Order is extended. We just did it for
about 6 weeks during COVID-19, but
they are being scheduled regularly
(Staggered and at half hour
increments at this time )
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Whatever the
judge deems
appropriate.
In Person
Yes
Yes
All hearings are staggered so as to
avoid crowds in the courthouse. They
have to currently wait in their
automobiles in the parking lot until
called into courthouse. If they are not
driving, they can come in and be
placed in a separate space until called
into court.
Pro's
Office by
mail
Respondent
Pro's
Office by
mail
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Lebanon County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.lebcounty.org/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.lebcounty.org/depts/sheriff/Pages/default.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Chris Matters
(717) 228-4441
Chris Matters
(717) 272-7621
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 4:30 PM - 8:30 AM
Mon-Fri 4:30 PM - 8:30 AM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 11 AM and 2:30 PM
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: No
In Person
Victim Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Mon-Fri 4:30 PM - 8:30 AM,
as needed
Online: No
In Person
On Call MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Chris Matters
(717) 228-4441
Friday 8:30 AM
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes -Temporary
until the hearing.
Appearance
In Person
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Yes
Witness is sworn and permitted to
testify.
Paperwork/Orders
Court
By Mail
Petitioner
By Mail
Respondent
By Mail
Court
By Mail
Petitioner
By Mail
Respondent
By Mail
Court
By Mail
Petitioner
By Mail
Respondent
By Mail
Protection Order Information for Lehigh County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.lehighcounty.org/
https://www.lccpa.org/family/pfa/hourscontact.nex
https://www.lccpa.org/Covid19
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Colleen Weber
(610) 782-3390
Colleen Weber
(610) 782-3229
Colleen Weber
(610) 782-3390
Courthouse Hours
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
M/W/F- 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Tu/Thu 11:30 AM/1:30 PM/3:00 PM
Online: Yes
Online: No
MDJs are available for Emergency
Protections Orders any time the
Court of Common Pleas is not
available.
MDJs are available for Emergency
Protections Orders any time the
Court of Common Pleas is not
available.
Tu/Thu 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30
AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM
File Paperwork
Email, fax, or in person
Petitioner can email or fax
paperwork to the Family Court
Office. The Family Court Office will
then have the paperwork filed with
the Clerk of Judicial Records.
To Initiate Filing
https://www.lccpa.org/Covid19
On Call MDJ or Police (911)
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone or Video
Available: By Phone or Video
Advocate
Available: We provide contact
information for the Lawyer Referral
Service.
Available: By Phone
Legal Services
Court Staff
Judge
Appears: All depending on the
specific Judge - hearings will be live,
ZOOM or via telephone.
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In person or may use video
Available: By Phone or Video
Available: By Phone or Video
Available: We provide contact
information for the Lawyer Referral
Service.
Available: By Phone
Appears: All depending on the
specific Judge - hearings will be live,
ZOOM or via telephone.
Protection Order Information for Lehigh County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
The Petitioner is
permitted to
appear via video
but in person is
more common
because they
need to sign the
petition before
the hearing.
Court/MDJ location
Only when the
petitioner
doesn't have
access to a fax
machine or
scanner to
forward the
petition to the
district court
electronically.
Final
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order?
A Petitioner may
appear in person,
via telephone, or
via video, all
depending on the
individual judge.
No
Respondent may
appear in person,
via telephone, or
via video, all
depending on the
individual judge.
No
By video or telephone
Petitioner
A Petitioner may
appear in person,
via telephone, or
via video, all
depending on
the individual
judge.
No
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
E-mail
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
U.S. Mail
U.S. Mail
Petitioner
From the
MDJ
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Luzerne County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.luzernecounty.org/
https://www.luzernecounty.org/501/Protection-From-Abuse
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Diane Marut
(570) 826-3032
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Diane Marut
(570) 823-7312
3:30 PM or after
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri as temp PFA's are complete
3:30 PM or after
Forms/instructions
Online: Yes
Online: No
Diane Marut
(570) 826-3032
3:30 PM or after
Currently May 5, 2020 & May 7, 2020.
File Paperwork
In Person
To Initiate Filing
PFA Office staff
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: PFA office provides info to
obtain Legal Services
Available: In Person and By Phone
Legal Services
Court Staff
Online - I believe MDJ does this via
Face Time/smart phones
Victim Advocate or 911
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available:
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person and By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Petitioner
Appearance
In Person or
Video/Phone
Court/MDJ location
Yes - In extreme
circumstances
video is used
Appearance
By Phone and
possibly in
person
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
No
In Person
Yes
Appears: Currently no Final PFA's
being heard. Will be in person.
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Dates are changing
based on state stay at home laws.
Protection Order Information for Luzerne County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
PFA staff
files
paperwork
in
courthous
e. Victim
meets
with
Sheriff and
delivers
police
copy in
person
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
PFA staff
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
In person
Sheriff or
police
service
In person
from PFA
staff
Yes - If service is
made,
Respondent is
required to
appear.
Currently with Temp PFA, witness
(victim) are on a remote phone in the
courthouse. The Judge is on the
other end in a courtroom doing the
Ex Parte hearing.
In Person
Court
PFA staff
files with
Prothy.
and send
police
copy by
mail.
Petitioner
and
Responde
nt are
handed
their copy.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Lycoming County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.lyco.org/
https://www.lyco.org/Elected-Officials/Sheriff/Protection-From-Abuse-Orders
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
YWCA Wise Options
(800) 326-8483
YWCA Wise Options
(800) 326-8483
YWCA Wise Options
(800)326-8483
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Generally, Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays, but this may vary
Online: No
Varies
Online: No
Generally, Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays, but this may vary
File Paperwork
Petitioner goes to Wise Options.
Wise Options emails the petition and
proposed temporary order to the
Judge and the Judge's secretary files
the petition with the Prothonotary. If
Wise Options has a conflict, the
petitioner files the paperwork in
person at the courthouse.
YWCA Wise Options - If Wise Options
has a conflict, Wise Options directs
the petitioner to Court
Administration.
To Initiate Filing
YWCA Wise Options
Petitioner goes to Wise Options. Wise
Options emails the petition to the
MDJ. If Wise Options has a conflict,
the petitioner files the paperwork in
person at the MDJ office.
Legal Services
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available:
Available: Court staff assists the
petitioner if Wise Options has a
conflict.
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available:
Available: Court staff assists the
petitioner if Wise Options has a
conflict.
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Protection Order Information for Lycoming County
as of 4/30/20
Appears: Hearings on temporary
PFAs filed by Wise Options are
conducted via ZOOM. Hearings on
temporary PFAs assisted by Court
Admin. (if Wise Options has conflict)
are in person in the courtroom.
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Video Polycom, FaceTime, or
ZOOM
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order?
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
participates via
ZOOM from the
Wise Options
office. Petitioner
appears in
person if Wise
Options has a
conflict.
Petitioner is only
required to come
to the
courthouse if
Wise Options has
a conflict.
Petitioner
participates via
Polycom,
FaceTime, or
ZOOM from the
Wise Options
office.
The Petitioner is
only required to
go to the MDJ
office if Wise
Options has a
conflict.
Judge
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
Sheriff
Sheriff
Email if
Wise
Options;
in-person
if Ct.
Admin.
when
Wise
Options
has
conflict.
Via email
if Wise
Options
involved;
in-person
if Wise
Options
has a
conflict.
In Person
Yes
In Person
Yes
Witnesses appear in person at the
final abuse hearing unless both
parties agree to telephonic
testimony.
Filed in
person
Petitioner
receives
the order
from court
staff.
Page 2
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
On call MDJ handles emergency temp
PFA
On call MDJ handles emergency temp
PFA
Protection Order Information for McKean County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://www.mckeancountypa.org/
Contact
Courthouse Hours
N/A all our temp PFA requests are
made through the YWCA Domestic
Violence Program and scheduled
with the Court as needed.
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Whenever the court schedule
permits
Online: No
File Paperwork
Other. Advocate helps with
paperwork and files in person, by fax
or email
To Initiate Filing
Victim Advocate.
Interpreter Services Available: Yes - By Phone
Advocate
Available: In person, by fax or email
Available: NW Legal services is
available by phone
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available:
Available:
Available:
Online: No
On Call MDJ.
ASSISTANCE
Available: Yes - By Phone
Available:
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears: Video
Petitioner
No
No
Appearance
Petitioner can
appear by video
or telephone
conference
Appearance
Petitioner can
appear by video
or telephone
conference
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Available: Yes - By Phone
Available: In person, by fax or email
Available:
Available:
Appears: Video. Final PFA hearings:
Yes; Extending order? Yes, Temporary
Order in effect until the final hearing.
Appearance
All parties can
appear via video
or telephone
conference
No
Protection Order Information for McKean County
Temporary
Emergency
as of 4/30/20
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
In Person
In person.
In person.
Petitioner
In person
from
Advocate
or Pet's
counsel
In person
from the
police
agency
By fax or
mail.
Final
No
Respondent can
appear by video
or telephone
conference
Via video or telephone conference
In person
from
Advocate
or Counsel
Mailed
from filing
office.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Mercer County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us/
https://www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us/Covid19/Default.htm
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Prothonotary - Ruth Bice or AWARE,
Inc.
(724) 662-3800
Prothonotary - Ruth Bice or AWARE,
Inc.
Court of Common Pleas Judge
(724) 662-3800
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
After 1:00 PM on the weekends
After 1:00 PM on the weekends
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM -1:00 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Online: No
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Prothonotary's Office or
AWARE, Inc.
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: Petitioner is given Legal
Services phone number at the Ex
Parte.
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
After 1:00 PM Mon-Fri and
on the weekends
Online: No
In Person
911
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available:
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available:
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Petitioner
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Yes
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
Until the final hearing can be heard,
and as long as both parties agree to
the extension.
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Protection Order Information for Mercer County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Court staff Court staff
Sheriff
Police
Police
Police
Court staff
In Person
Yes
Witness testimony is handled in the
courtroom.
Petitioner
Police or
Court staff
Respondent
Judge's
Law Clerk
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Mifflin County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
http://www.co.mifflin.pa.us/Pages/Default.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Abuse Network
(717) 242-2444
Abuse Network
(717) 242-2444
Abuse Network
(717) 242-2444
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Monday through Friday
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
E-filing
Victim Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Monday through Friday
Online: No
E-filing
Victim Advocate
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
By Phone
No
By Phone
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
E-mail
Petitioner
E-mail
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
E-mail
Petitioner
E-mail
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
E-mail
Petitioner
E-mail
Respondent
Sheriff
Monday through Friday
Available: ZOOM Hearing
Available: Video
Available: ZOOM Hearing
Available: ZOOM Hearing
Appears: Viideo/ZOOM Hearing
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes -Temporary
until final hearing.
Appearance
Video/ZOOM
Hearing
Video/ZOOM
Hearing
No
No
ZOOM hearing invitation
Protection Order Information for Monroe County
as of 5/18/20
Court Website:
http://www.monroepacourts.us
Useful County Links:
http://www.monroepacourts.us/CourtAdministration/Pages/PFA.aspx
http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-public
https://www.wrmonroe.org/
www.pcadv.org
www.pcar.org/help-pa/locations
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
George Warden
(570) 517-3370
George Warden
(911) or (570) 992-4500
George Warden
(570) 517-3370
Courthouse Hours
M-F; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Via on-call MDJ outside of normal
Court operating hours.
Via on-call MDJ outside of normal
Court operating hours.
M-W-F; 5 cases per day for pandemic-
staggered scheduling
PFA Schedule
M-F; 11:45 AM and 3:30 PM
N/A
Forms/instructions
Online: YES
Online: YES
File Paperwork
In Person.
To Initiate Filing
Prothonotary; DA's Victim Witness;
Women's Resources
Other. In Person/E-
mail/FAX/FaceTime through Control
Center/LE/MDJ
On Call MDJ. This is accomplished
through Control Center/Law
Enforcement
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services
Available: YES - By Phone
Available: YES - In PersonOr by
phone, depending on timing and in
person availability.
Advocate
Legal Services
Available: Legal Advocate
information is provided at the time of
filing for use at Final
Available: YES - In Person; Or by
phone, depending on timing and in
person availability.
Available: In Person;
Available: In Person. A Court-
appointed legal advocate is provided
Protection Order Information for Monroe County
as of 5/18/20
Temporary
Available: In Person. Broadening to
include ACT within the Courthouse
Emergency
Final
Available: In Person. Broadening to
include ACT within the Courthouse
Available: In Person. Broadening to
include ACT within the Courthouse
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: In Person Broadening to
include ACT within the Courthouse
Appears: Hybrid
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
YES
Hybrid
NO
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
In Person.
Broadening to
include ACT
within the
Courthouse
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail.
E-mail
E-mail
PSP or
Local LEO
E-mail.
Handed a
copy in
person.
Respondent
In Person
– Sheriff,
PSP or
Local LEO
Appears: In Person. Broadening to
include ACT within the
CourthouseFinal PFA hearings: YES;
Extending order? YES Temporary A
minimum of one week.
YES
In Person
Broadening to
include ACT
within the
Courthouse
YES *Video, if
In Person *Video,
if incarcerated.
incarcerated.
In-person or via telephone at the
discretion of the presiding Judge.
Petitioner
E-mail or
handed a
copy in
person.
Respondent
In-person
or via US
Mail.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Montgomery County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.montcopa.org/
https://www.montcopa.org/1670/Protection-From-Abuse-PFA
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Cheryl Leslie
(610) 278-3174
Cheryl Leslie
1 (800) 773-2424
Cheryl Leslie
(610) 278-3174
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
After hours - weekends
After hours - weekends
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Daily
Online: No
In Person
As needed
Online: No
In Person
N/A
Court Administration
The Hot Line #
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: In Person and by phone
Available: If apply and qualify for
Legal Aid
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Video by video from one
point in the Courthouse to another
(courtroom).
Appears: Video
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
Video
No
N/A
N/A
Court/MDJ location
Yes - if
represented by
Counsel.
Available: N/A
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: N/A
Appears: - N/A
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Indefinitely -
scheduling of Final PFA Hearings is
currently for dates in June 2020 and
beyond - but the Orders will remain
in effect until hearing.
Judge
Petitioner
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Protection Order Information for Montgomery County
as of 4/30/20
Counsel only
may appear.
Respondent
Witnesses
N/A
Off N/A
The Petitioner is only applicable to
Final PFAs - and we are not
conducting them at present
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Court Staff Sheriff
Police
Respondent
Police
Court
Petitioner
N/A
Police
Respondent
N/A
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Northampton County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CRTSRVCS/PFA/Pages/default.aspx
Temporary
Contact
JoAnna Janette
(610) 829-6459
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 - 2:00 PM
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
JoAnna Janette
Final
JoAnna Janette
(610) 829-6459
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Walk in basis: Mon-Fri 8:30 - 2:30 PM
Online: No
Online: No
In Person
PFA Office (610)-829-6459
Local Police
Interpreter Services Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: By E-mail or Phone
Available: Turning Point
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: Yes
Available:
Available:
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: Yes
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available:
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears:
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
In Person
Off
Court/MDJ location
Yes - Petitioner
must be present
in person.
Respondent
Witnesses
Paperwork/Orders
Court
PFA Office
Petitioner
Sheriff
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Appears: -
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Yes - Temporary 45
days
Off
Off
In person
Protection Order Information for Northumberland County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.norrycopa.net/
https://www.norrycopa.net/documents/courts/forms/PFAPetition.pdf
Temporary
Emergency
Final
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
Custody / PFA Office
(570) 988-4172
Custody / PFA Office
911
Custody / PFA Office
(570) 988-4172
Courthouse Hours
Monday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Monday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Monday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Weekdays 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
As needed with on-call MDJ
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: Yes
In Person
Other - Custody / PFA Office
Online: No
In Person
On Call MDJ
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
ASSISTANCE
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: SVWIT is available if
Plaintiff calls and comes in person
when requested.
Available: North Penn Legal Services
if accepted after intake.
Available: In Person and By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available: In Person and By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person, By Phone and/or
Video
Every Wednesday and other days,
when necessary
Available: In Person
Available: SVWIT is available if
Plaintiff calls and comes in person
when requested.
Available: North Penn Legal Services
if accepted after intake.
Available: In Person
Appears:
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Generally, hearings
are only continued ten business days.
The order is extended one year from
the date of the order.
Protection Order Information for Northumberland County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Petitioner
In Person
In Person, By
Phone and/or
Video.
No
In Person
Court/MDJ location
A petition to
participate by
telephone may
be granted on a
case by case
basis with good
cause.
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Paperwork/Orders
Custody/
PFA Office
Custody/
PFA Office
Sheriff
Police
Police
Police
Custody/
PFA Office
Court/MDJ location
A petition to
participate by
telephone or
video may be
granted on a case
by case basis
with good cause.
If Respondent is
served, the court
will proceed in
his/her absence
if he/she fails to
appear.
Video
Incarcerated
Def.s are
appearing by
video.
All testimony occurs in person, the
court granting a Motion to appear by
telephone or video, for good cause or
by agreement of the parties.
Petitioner
Police or
Custody/
PFA Office
or U.S.
Mail
Respondent
Custody/
PFA Office
or U.S.
Mail
Page 2
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
After courthouse hours
After courthouse hours
Typically every Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Pike Prothonotary
(570) 296-7700
Pike Prothonotary
(570) 296-7231
As an MDJ is available
Online: No
By Phone
On Call MDJ - through the
Communications Center
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available: In Person
Temporary
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Pike Prothonotary
(570) 296-7231
Mon-Fri: 1:00 PM
Online: Yes
File Paperwork
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Prothonotary
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available:
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until further order of court pending
the next hearing date.
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
Phone
Phone
No
Court is currently
permitting in
No
Court/MDJ location
They must
present a
completed
Protection Order Information for Pike County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.pikepa.org/
http://court.pikepa.org/Prose.html
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Protection Order Information for Pike County
as of 4/30/20
petition to the
Prothy. to initiate
the request for a
temporary.
person or video
appearances.
No
Court is currently
permitting in
person or video
appearances.
The court is currently permitting in
person, telephonic or video
appearances by witnesses.
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Court
personnel
to the
Prothy.
MDJ
personnel
to the
Court
E-mail
Sheriff
E-mail
PSP
Sheriff
E-mail
Sheriff
Page 2
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Protection Order Information for Potter County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://pottercountypa.net/
Contact
A Way Out
(814) 274-0368
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Any day - any time
Online: Yes
File Paperwork
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Victim Advocate - A Way Out
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
A Way Out
(814) 274-0368
Any day - any time
Online: Yes
In Person
Local MDJ, MDJ on Call or Local
Advocate office
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person or By Phone
Appears: By Phone
Any day - any time
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? We usually have the
final hearing within the 10 days if for
some reason we go out of that time
frame it is only by a few days. The
temporary is only postponed for 24
hours.
Petitioner
Respondent
Appearance
In Person, By
Phone or Video
Yes
Appearance
In Person, By
Phone or Video
Yes
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
By Phone or
Video
In Person
Yes
Yes
Protection Order Information for Potter County
as of 4/30/20
Witnesses
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
Fax
Police
PSP
Police
Sheriff
Court
They can
fax the
paperwork
in but
most of
the time it
is hand
delivered.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Schuylkill County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
http://www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Sue Miggins
(570) 628-1336
Online: Yes
In Person
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available:
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sue Miggins
(570) 628-1336
Online: No
In Person
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available:
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Sue Miggins
(570) 628-1336
Wednesdays at 9:00 AM
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available:
Available: In Person
Court Administration
Court Administration
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Judge's discretion
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
In Person
In Person
Yes
Court/MDJ location
Person appears
before a Judge
upon completion
of paperwork
and meeting
with an
advocate.
Person appears
before a Judge
upon completion
of paperwork and
meeting with an
advocate.
Respondent
In Person
Yes
Protection Order Information for Schuylkill County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Witnesses
In person on the day of the final
hearing which are scheduled on
Wednesdays at 9:00 AM
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Court Staff Sheriff
Court Staff Sheriff
Court
Sheriff
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Respondent
Court Staff Court Staff
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Snyder/Union County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links: www.transitionsofpa.org
http://www.snydercounty.org/Pages/default.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Snyder/Union County Courthouse
(570) 837-4201
Snyder/Union County Courthouse
1 (800) 850-7948
Snyder/Union County Courthouse
(570) 837-4201
Daily
Courthouse Hours
Daily
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
Online: No
Daily
Online: No
File Paperwork
In Person. Petitions can be dropped
off in the entrance drop box or via
email to Prothontary's office.
In Person. Petitions can be dropped
off in the entrance drop box or via
email to Prothontary's office.
To Initiate Filing
Prothonotary. Transitions - drop box
outside for Petitions
Transitions and 911 Call Center for On
Call MDJ.
ASSISTANCE
Interpreter Services Available: Yes - By Phone
Available: Yes - By Phone
Advocate
Available: By Phone. Transitions
possibly in person
Legal Services
Available: By Phone.
Available: By Phone or Email.
Court Staff
Available: By Phone. Transitions
possibly in person
Available: By Phone. By contacting
Transitions
Available: By Phone or Email.
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: By Phone or Video
Appears: By Phone or Video
Available: Yes - By PhonePossibly by
ZOOM
Available: By Phone. Transitions
possibly in person
Available: By Phone. Possibly In
Person
Available: By Phone or Email.
Appears: In Person or ZOOM when
possible -
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes Temporary
Union County - None have been
scheduled until the judicial
emergency has expired. Snyder
Protection Order Information for Snyder/Union County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
By Phone.
Depends on the
situation
No Depending
upon the Judge
Depends on the
situation
No Depending
upon the Judge
Respondent
Witnesses
County - We have completed two
Final PFA Hearings.
Appearance
By Phone
Depends on the
situation
Court/MDJ location
No, Depending
upon the Judge
and if there are
witnesses, case
by case for Final
Hearings.
Yes Depending
By Phone, ZOOM
or Polycom
upon the Judge
Witnesses are sworn and can testify
via teleconferencing, ZOOM Video, or
Polycom, when necessary.
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
Sheriff.
U.S. Mail.
Court
MDJ faxes
to the
Prothy's
Office
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Somerset County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
http://www.co.somerset.pa.us/
Contact
Temporary
Final
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Register of Wills (814) 445-1548 or
Call 911
Judge will schedule after reopen
Register of Wills
(814) 445-1548
Courthouse Hours
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
After hours - Call 911
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
After hours - Call 911
PFA Schedule
As necessary
Forms/instructions
Online: No
As necessary
Online: No
File Paperwork
Mail or with Court Admin
ROW not excepting anything but mail
Duty Judge will take email, fax or they
will hand fill out a petition
To Initiate Filing
Register of Wills
On Call MDJ or Register of Wills
ASSISTANCE
When we reopen, notification will go
out
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: They are Federal paid, so
they are off work and not available to
us.
Available: By Phone
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: We will do what is
necessary - phone or video.
Appears: We will do what is necessary
- phone or video.
Appears: We will do what is
necessary - phone or video.
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Yes - Temporary 6
months
Protection Order Information for Somerset County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
We will do what
is necessary -
phone or video.
No
Appearance
We will do what
is necessary -
phone or video.
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
epends on
who took
the
petition,
more than
not it
would
come here
to my
office by
email or
fax and I
would file
by person
in our
filing
office.
Court
Depends
on who
took the
petition,
more than
not it
would
come here
to my
office by
email or
fax and I
would file
by person
in our
filing
office.
Paperwork/Orders
In Person/
Sheriff
U.S. mail
In Person/
Sheriff
E-mail or
U.S. mail
In Person/
Sheriff
E-mail or
U.S. mail
No
Appearance
We will do what
is necessary -
phone or video.
We will do what
is necessary -
phone or video.
By telephone, video, in person,
whatever is necessary
No
Court
Depends
on who
took the
petition,
more than
not it
would
come here
to my
office by
email or
fax and I
would file
by person
in our
filing
office.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Susquehanna County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
http://www.susqco.com/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.susqco.com/Dept/Victim-Witness/Pages/default.aspx
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
Becky Tierney
(570) 278-6657
Courthouse Hours
By appointment only
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
By appointment only
Online: No
Becky Tierney
( 570) 465-3154
N/A
Non-business hours only
Non-business hours only
Ex Parte hearings with MDJ only
Online: No
As court calendar will allow
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person
At discretion of On Call MDJ
Victim/Witness Coordinator
PA State Police
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available:
Legal Services
Available: N/A
Court Staff
Available:
Judge
Appears: In Person
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: N/A
Available: Ex Parte hearings with MDJ
only.
Available:
Available: By Phone
Available:
Available: Parties must acquire their
own.
Available:
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Dependent upon
circumstances
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Temporary until
further order of this court.
Appearance
Dependent upon
circumstance
Dependent upon
circumstance
Court/MDJ location
Dependent upon
circumstance
No
Dependent upon circumstance
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
Must appear at
courthouse
Appearance
Dependent upon
circumstance
No
Court/MDJ location
Protection Order Information for Susquehanna County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Petitioner
Court
Respondent
Emergency
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Respondent
Final
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
Sheriff
Sheriff
PSP
PSP
In
person/US
PS filed
with
Protonota
ry
U.S. Mail
filed with
Prothy.
PSP
mailed
from
Prothy.
following
hearing
Mailed
from
Prothy.
following
hearing
Court
No post
trial
paperwork
-Petitioner
must file
for
temporary
by end of
next
business
day.
Page 2
Temporary
Final
Protection Order Information for Venango County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
https://www.co.venango.pa.us/
Contact
PPC or Clerk of Courts
(814) 676-5350
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Online: No
In Person
Victim Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
PPC or Clerk of Courts
(814) 676-3530
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
After hours at the MDJ offices
M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
After hours at the MDJ offices
Online: No
ASSISTANCE
In Person
Victim Advocate
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: In Person
Appearance
In Person
Court/MDJ location
No
Appearance
In Person at PPC
Court/MDJ location
No
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
(814) 432-9606
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
After hours at the MDJ offices
Wednesday 8:30 AM
Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Appears: In Person
Final PFA hearings: No
Extending order? Yes -Temporary
until May 20, 2020.
Appearance
In Person
Phone
Court/MDJ location
No
No
Either in person or by phone
Paperwork/Orders
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Sheriff
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Sheriff
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
Sheriff
Petitioner
Sheriff
Respondent
Sheriff
Protection Order Information for Washington County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links: www.washingtoncourts.us/276/Protection-From-Abuse
http://www.co.washington.pa.us/
https://www.co.washington.pa.us/207/Sheriff
Temporary
Contact
Courthouse Hours
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
Jessica Pawuk
(724) 223-8349
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
by telephone
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
by telephone
Online: Yes
By Phone
Victim Advocate
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: Phone
Legal Services
Court Staff
Available:
Available: In Person
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Jessica Pawuk
9-1-1
Shannon Moore
(724) 223-2836
Non-business hours
Non-business hours
Non-business hours
As scheduled; usually on Wednesday
Online: Yes
In Person
On Call MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: Advocates are not currently
participating in hearings. An advocate
can be contacted by telephone.
Available:
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Available: Video or telephone
Available: Other
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Appears: Judge is in person; the
petitioner usually is as well. Others
may participate by phone.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? As determined by a
Common Pleas judge.
Judge
Appears: Judge is in person; the
petitioner usually is as well. Petitions
may also be by phone.
Appears: In Person
Protection Order Information for Washington County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
In person or by
phone
No
In Person
Respondent
Witnesses
Court/MDJ location
The MDJ speaks
to the petitioner
by telephone,
then decides
whether to meet
the petitioner in
person.
In person or by
phone is
represented by
counsel.
No
Respondent can
appear in person
or by phone if
represented by
counsel.
Witnesses may testify in person or by
telephone.
No
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
E-mail
Sheriff
Sheriff
E-mail
MDJ office
Sheriff
U.S. Mail
U.S. Mail
Court
In person
by court
staff.
Proof of
service is
filed by
either the
Sheriff or
Victim
Advocate
on behalf
of the
police
departme
nt.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Wayne County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://waynecountypa.gov/
http://waynecountypa.gov/282/PFA-Process
Temporary
Contact
Wayne County Prothonotary
Courthouse Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
PFA Schedule
Forms/instructions
11:30 AM Mon-Fri or walk-ins
Online: No
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
In Person
Prothonotary's Office
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wayne County Prothonotary
(570) 253-5970 Ext. 4522
Any time
Online: No
In Person
On Call MDJ
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available:
Legal Services
Available:
Available:
Court Staff
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: In Person
Appears: Phone or E-mail approved
for Emergency Filings.
Final
Nicole Hendrix
(570) 253-0101
Any time
Fridays, generally 9:00 AM
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
Available: If requested prior to a
hearing and qualify for services, then
North Penn Legal services may be
available.
Available: In Person
Appears: We will allow individuals to
participate via telephone if they
request in advance.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? At first, we did two
weeks. Now, we have extended
beyond that due to the pandemic. If
no concerns regarding eviction or
child custody, then extended until
stay-at-home order is lifted and/or
court is open. If child custody or
Protection Order Information for Wayne County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Appearance
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
In Person
By Phone
Court/MDJ location
The paperwork
requires a
signature of the
Petitioner.
eviction concerns, then only small
delays.
We allow by
phone or video if
requested.
No
No
If requested, may
be by phone or
video.
Generally, done by in person
testimony or via telephone. We have
not conducted one by video
conference.
Petitioner
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Paperwork/Orders
Court staff Sheriff
U.S. Mail
U.S. Mail
In Person -
PSP
Paperwork
filed by
court staff
following
hearing
If PFA
granted,
Petitioner
takes
his/her
paperwork
back to
the Proth.
If not
granted, is
taken to
Proth by
court staff.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for Westmoreland County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/
https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/312/PFA-and-PSVI-Act-Procedures
Temporary
Emergency
Final
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact
Dence DiPerna
(724) 853-2207
Dence DiPerna
(724) 853-2207
Judge Silvis or Judge Walsh
(724) 830-3000
MDJs handling emergencies daily
starting at12:00 PM until the
following day at 8:30 AM.
MDJs handling emergencies daily
starting at 12:00PM until the
following day at 8:30 AM.
Courthouse Hours
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Daily
PFA Schedule
Mondays and Tuesdays of each
week. If Monday is a holiday then
Tuesday and Wednesday of that
week.
Online: Yes
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
To Initiate Filing
By Video
Court Administration
Online: Yes
By Video
Local MDJ
Interpreter Services Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Advocate
Available: Not available during
pandemic
Available: In Person
Legal Services
Court Staff
ASSISTANCE
Available: By Phone
Available: By Phone
Available: Not present for
emergencies
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Judge
Appears: Video
Appears: Video
Available: By phone or in person
Available:
Available:
Available:
Appears: Video
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Usually until the
next PFA Final hearing date unless
additional time is necessary.
Protection Order Information for Westmoreland County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Petitioner
Yes
In Person
Police
Petitioner
reports to
courthouse in
person but
hearing with
judge by video.
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Respondent
Court
Petitioner
Paperwork/Orders
By court
staff
By court
staff
Sheriff
Police
Police
Police
By court
staff
Police or
by court
staff
Final
Not required but
a hearing is set
for the parties to
appear.
Respondent
Handed to
them if
present or
mailed to
them if
not
present at
the final
hearing.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for York County
as of 4/30/20
Court Website:
Useful County Links:
https://yorkcountypa.gov/
https://yorkcountypa.gov/courts-criminal-justice/court-courtrelated-offices/protection-from-abuse-office.html
Temporary
Emergency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final
Contact
PFA Office/Prothonotary
(717) 771-9611
PFA Office/Prothonotary
(717) 771-4325
PFA Office/Prothonotary
(717) 771-9611
Courthouse Hours
Mon- Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
After normal business hours or when
a CP judge is unavailable.
After normal business hours or when
a CP judge is unavailable.
PFA Schedule
Daily as heard by the judge
scheduled. Currently staggering case
start times.
Scheduled before the MDJ Duty Judge
at all times that a Common Pleas
Judge is unavailable or the Judicial
Center is closed.
By multiple judges simultaneously on
Mondays & Thursdays from 9-12 but
with staggered start times for all
cases to limit number of people in
courtroom.
Forms/instructions
File Paperwork
Online: No
In Person
Online: No
In Person
To Initiate Filing
Victim Advocate -The Advocates staff
the PFA office in the Judicial Center
and if they are unable to assist
Petitioner, then the Petitioner is
referred to the Court Self-Help
Center for assistance.
By contacting the MDJ Duty Support
Office located in the Judicial Center
and open 24-7.
ASSISTANCE
Available: InPperson, By Phone or
Video, depending on time and
availability
Available: By Phone or In Person if the
petitioner reports to the agency.
Available: No
Interpreter Services Available: In Person or By Phone
Available: In Person
Advocate
Legal Services
Available: In Person during normal
business hours or by phone after
hours.
Available: In Person, allthough rarely
are parties represented at the
temporary hearing, attorneys are
Available: In Person during normal
business hours or by phone after
hours.
Available: In Person - Attorneys are
permitted in the JC and the
courtrooms for proceedings deemed
Protection Order Information for York County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
Available: In Person
Available: In Person
HEARING INFORMATION
Appears: Video
"emergent" and PFAs fall under this
classification.
Appears: Hearings are conducted in
person in the Courtroom with limited
participants present unless the case
requires a party to participate via
phone or video.
Final PFA hearings: Yes
Extending order? Yes - Temporary
until the time of the Final Hearing.
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Appearance
Court/MDJ location
Court Staff
Judge
Petitioner
permitted in the JC and the
courtrooms for proceedings deemed
"emergent" and PFAs fall under this
classification.
Available: In Person
Appears: Hearings are conducted in
person in the Courtroom with limited
participants present unless the case
requires a party to participate via
phone or video, in which case the
judge initiates the video conference
from a court room.
Appearance
Petitioners are
most often
appearing in
person, however,
we have had
instances when
petitioners
appeared by
video & phone
depending on
situation (in one
case petitioner
was isolated due
to exposure to
COVID-19; in
another
petitioner was
not permitted to
Filings must be
done in person
or by mail. In
most cases,
Petitioners are
required to come
in person to
participate in
hearing,
however,
exceptions are
being made on a
case by case
basis.
Petitioners are
most often
appearing in
person, however
we have had
instances when
petitioners
appeared by
video & phone
depending on
situation.
Filings must be
done in person or
by mail. In most
cases Petitioners
are required to
come in person
to participate in
hearing; however
exceptions are
being made on a
case by case
basis.
Petitioners are
most often
appearing in
person, however,
we have had
instances when
petitioners
appeared by
video & phone
depending on
situation.
Filings must be
done in person or
by mail. In most
cases Petitioners
are required to
come in person
to participate in
hearing; however
exceptions are
being made on a
case by case
basis.
Page 2
Protection Order Information for York County
as of 4/30/20
Temporary
Emergency
Final
enter the Judicial
Center at the
time of the
hearing due to
presenting with a
fever).
Respondent
Witnesses
Court
Prothy
Clerk
Petitioner
If in Ctrm.
receives a
copy in
court. If
not,mailed
by Prothy.
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
E-mail by
duty
support
staff to
Prothy.
Respondent
Sheriff
Court
Prothy
Clerk
Petitioner
If in
Judicial
Center,
handed a
copy after
hearing.
Otherwise
mailed by
Prothy.
Paperwork/Orders
Accommodations
could be made if
the person
presented with
symptoms at the
time of the
hearing or in
advance.
Accommodations
could be made if
the person
presented with
symptoms at the
time of the
hearing or in
advance.
Witnesses appear for final hearings in
person, by telephone or by video on a
case by case basis.
Petitioner
If in ctrm.
handed a
copy in
court.
Otherwise,
Prothy.
serves by
mail.
Respondent
Final
Orders
served by
Prothy. via
mail. The
Sheriff
serves
finals if
the
Def./Resp.
was not at
hrg. And
weapons
ordered to
be turned
over.
Page 3
This info page is part of the LIT Lab's Form Explorer project. It is not associated with the Pennsylvania state courts. To learn more about the project, check out our about page.
Downloads: You can download both the original form (last checked 2023-03) and the machine-processed form with normalized data fields.
Use our Rate My PDF tool to learn more. Go beyond the above insights and learn more about this or any pdf form at RateMyPDF.com, includes: counts of difficult words used, passive voice decetion, and suggestions for how to make the form more usable.
We have done our best to automaticly identify and name form fields according to our naming conventions. When possible, we've used names tied to our question library. See e.g., user1_name. If we think we've found a match to a question in our library, it is highlighted in green. Novel names are auto generated. So, you will probably need to edit some of them if you're trying to stick to the convention.
Here are the fields we could identify.
nikki_lyons was nikki_lyons (0.60 conf)http_us_dept was http_www_adamscounty_us_dept_victimwitness_pages_protectionfromabuse_aspx (0.30 conf)as_of_4_30_20 was as_of_4_30_20 (0.41 conf)court_mdj_location was court_mdj_location (0.47 conf)page_field__1 was page_1_field_1 (0.36 conf)beth_keenan was beth_keenan (0.31 conf)https_downloads_pdf was https_www_alleghenycourts_us_downloads_family_pfa_20procedures_203_25_20_pdf (0.29 conf)page_check__1 was page_2_check_0 (0.33 conf)judges_holding_limited_final was judges_are_holding_limited_final (0.37 conf)emergency was emergency (0.35 conf)brandi_toy was brandi_toy (0.41 conf)general_information was general_information (0.32 conf)court_website was court_website (0.47 conf)page_check__2 was page_4_check_0 (0.33 conf)garrett_harper was garrett_harper (0.41 conf)http_www_beavercountypa_gov_depts_courts_dr_pages_protection_abuseorder_aspx was http_www_beavercountypa_gov_depts_courts_dr_pages_protection_abuseorder_aspx (0.36 conf)page_check__3 was page_5_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__2 was page_6_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__3 was page_6_field_1 (0.36 conf)final was final (0.40 conf)safe__1 was your_safe_haven (0.42 conf)page_field__4 was page_7_field_2 (0.36 conf)page_check__4 was page_7_check_0 (0.33 conf)family_court_administration was family_court_administration (0.43 conf)https_www_co_berks_pa_us_dept_courts_famcourt_pages_protectionfromabuse_aspx was https_www_co_berks_pa_us_dept_courts_famcourt_pages_protectionfromabuse_aspx (0.30 conf)page_check__5 was page_8_check_0 (0.33 conf)phone_video_case was phone_or_video_on_a_case_by_case (0.36 conf)basis was basis (0.38 conf)parties was parties (0.41 conf)page_field__5 was page_10_field_1 (0.36 conf)pfa_office was pfa_office (0.41 conf)page_field__6 was page_11_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__6 was page_11_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__7 was page_12_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__8 was page_12_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__9 was page_12_field_2 (0.36 conf)court_administration was court_administration (0.41 conf)page_field__10 was page_13_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__11 was page_13_field_2 (0.36 conf)respondents1_name was respondent (1.00 conf)page_field__12 was page_14_field_1 (0.36 conf)prothonotary_family_court was prothonotary_family_court (0.53 conf)page_field__13 was page_15_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__7 was page_15_check_0 (0.33 conf)extending_order_yes was extending_order__yes_temporary (0.33 conf)page_field__14 was page_16_field_1 (0.36 conf)order_bucks_county was protection_order_information_for_bucks_county (0.37 conf)page_field__15 was page_17_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__16 was page_17_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__8 was page_17_check_0 (0.33 conf)person was in_person (0.38 conf)page_field__17 was page_18_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__18 was page_19_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__19 was page_19_field_1 (0.36 conf)useful_county_links was useful_county_links (0.36 conf)page_field__20 was page_20_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__21 was page_20_field_1 (0.36 conf)suzie_marker was suzie_a__marker (0.49 conf)page_field__22 was page_21_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__9 was page_21_check_0 (0.33 conf)temporary_order_extended was the_temporary_order_is_extended (0.29 conf)page_field__23 was page_22_field_1 (0.36 conf)safe__2 was safe (0.38 conf)page_check__10 was page_23_check_0 (0.33 conf)either_person_phone was either_in_person_or_by_phone_during (0.41 conf)page_field__24 was page_24_field_1 (0.36 conf)witnesses was witnesses (0.39 conf)crossroads was crossroads (0.44 conf)page_field__25 was page_25_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__26 was page_26_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__27 was page_26_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__28 was page_26_field_2 (0.36 conf)http_www_clintoncountypa_com_court_services_county_courts_forms_protection_abuse_packet_pdf was http_www_clintoncountypa_com_court_services_county_courts_forms_protection_20from_20abuse_20packet_209_18_13_pdf (0.31 conf)prothonotary was prothonotary (0.43 conf)page_check__11 was page_27_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__29 was page_28_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__30 was page_28_field_1 (0.36 conf)rose_antoniello_deputy_proth was rose_antoniello__deputy_proth (0.39 conf)page_field__31 was page_29_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__12 was page_29_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__32 was page_30_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__33 was page_30_field_1 (0.36 conf)https_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_rules_civil_rule_l_pdf_search_protection_abuse was https_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_rules_civil_rule_20l1901_pdf_search_protection_20from_20abuse (0.42 conf)https_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_documents_coronavirus_faq_pdf was https_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_documents_coronavirus_faq_courts_pdf (0.45 conf)page_check__13 was page_31_check_0 (0.33 conf)currently_first_scheduled was 19_closures__currently_first_scheduled (0.29 conf)page_field__34 was page_32_field_1 (0.36 conf)https_www_dauphincounty_org_government_publicly_elected_officials_district_attorney_child_abuse_ca was https_www_dauphincounty_org_government_publicly_elected_officials_district_attorney_what_is_child_abuse_how_ca (0.37 conf)page_field__35 was page_33_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__14 was page_33_check_0 (0.33 conf)appears_video_phone_option was appears__by_video_with_phone_option (0.50 conf)hearing_information was hearing_information (0.38 conf)order_information_county__1 was protection_order_information_for_dauphin_county (0.27 conf)denise_hansen was denise_hansen (0.44 conf)page_field__36 was page_35_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__15 was page_35_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__37 was page_36_field_0 (0.31 conf)page_field__38 was page_36_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__39 was page_36_field_2 (0.36 conf)juliza_caban was juliza_caban (0.35 conf)page_field__40 was page_37_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__16 was page_37_check_0 (0.30 conf)administrative_office_fayette was administrative_office_of_fayette (0.45 conf)domestic_violence_services was domestic_violence_services_of (0.43 conf)page_field__41 was page_39_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__42 was page_39_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__43 was page_40_field_0 (0.31 conf)safe_place was safe_place (0.43 conf)use_phone_testimony was use_of_phone_testimony (0.36 conf)page_field__44 was page_41_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__45 was page_41_field_2 (0.32 conf)page_field__46 was page_42_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__47 was page_42_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__48 was page_43_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__49 was page_43_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__50 was page_44_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__51 was page_44_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__17 was page_44_check_0 (0.30 conf)phone was by_phone_or (0.44 conf)page_field__52 was page_45_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_field__53 was page_45_field_2 (0.36 conf)alice_paul_house was alice_paul_house (0.42 conf)https_www_indianacountypa_gov_departments_court_common_pleas was https_www_indianacountypa_gov_departments_court_of_common_pleas (0.45 conf)page_check__18 was page_46_check_0 (0.30 conf)final_hearing_judge was for_the_final_hearing__the_judge_has (0.35 conf)page_field__54 was page_47_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__55 was page_48_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__56 was page_48_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__57 was page_48_field_2 (0.32 conf)page_check__19 was page_48_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__58 was page_49_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__59 was page_49_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__60 was page_49_field_2 (0.32 conf)claire_czaykowski was claire_czaykowski (0.45 conf)page_field__61 was page_50_field_1 (0.36 conf)page_check__20 was page_50_check_0 (0.33 conf)page_field__62 was page_51_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__63 was page_51_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__21 was page_51_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__64 was page_52_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__65 was page_52_field_1 (0.32 conf)chris_eposito was chris_eposito (0.38 conf)co_lawrence_pa_county was https_co_lawrence_pa_us_courts_pfa_coordinator_lawyer_referral_lawrence_county (0.48 conf)page_check__22 was page_53_check_0 (0.30 conf)final_pfa_hearings_yes was final_pfa_hearings__yes (0.41 conf)page_field__66 was page_54_field_1 (0.32 conf)chris_matters was chris_matters (0.40 conf)page_field__67 was page_55_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__23 was page_55_check_0 (0.30 conf)colleen_weber was colleen_weber (0.41 conf)page_field__68 was page_56_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__24 was page_56_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__69 was page_57_field_0 (0.37 conf)extending_order was extending_order (0.32 conf)diane_marut was diane_marut (0.48 conf)page_field__70 was page_58_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__25 was page_58_check_0 (0.30 conf)yes_service was yes_if_service_is (0.45 conf)page_field__71 was page_59_field_1 (0.32 conf)ywca_wise_options was ywca_wise_options (0.31 conf)https_www_lyco_org_elected_officials_sheriff_protection_abuse_orders was https_www_lyco_org_elected_officials_sheriff_protection_from_abuse_orders (0.31 conf)page_check__26 was page_60_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__72 was page_62_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__73 was page_62_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__74 was page_62_field_2 (0.32 conf)respondent was respondent_can (0.44 conf)page_field__75 was page_63_field_1 (0.32 conf)court_common_pleas_judge was court_of_common_pleas_judge (0.44 conf)page_field__76 was page_64_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__27 was page_64_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__77 was page_65_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__78 was page_65_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__79 was page_65_field_2 (0.32 conf)abuse_network was abuse_network (0.32 conf)page_field__80 was page_66_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__81 was page_66_field_2 (0.32 conf)page_check__28 was page_66_check_0 (0.30 conf)george_warden was george_warden (0.49 conf)page_field__82 was page_67_field_1 (0.32 conf)available_person_broadening was available__in_person__broadening_to (0.41 conf)page_field__83 was page_68_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__84 was page_68_field_2 (0.32 conf)cheryl_leslie was cheryl_leslie (0.34 conf)page_field__85 was page_69_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__29 was page_69_check_0 (0.30 conf)n was n_a (0.37 conf)page_field__86 was page_70_field_1 (0.32 conf)counsel was counsel_only (0.35 conf)joanna_janette was joanna_janette (0.40 conf)https_www_org_default was https_www_northamptoncounty_org_crtsrvcs_pfa_pages_default_aspx (0.34 conf)page_check__30 was page_71_check_0 (0.30 conf)custody_pfa_office was custody_pfa_office (0.33 conf)https_www_norrycopa_net_documents_courts_forms_pfapetition_pdf was https_www_norrycopa_net_documents_courts_forms_pfapetition_pdf (0.43 conf)page_field__87 was page_73_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__88 was page_73_field_1 (0.32 conf)pike_prothonotary was pike_prothonotary (0.42 conf)page_field__89 was page_74_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__31 was page_74_check_0 (0.30 conf)person_video was person_or_video (0.39 conf)page_field__90 was page_75_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__91 was page_76_field_0 (0.37 conf)way was a_way_out (0.37 conf)page_field__92 was page_76_field_2 (0.32 conf)page_check__32 was page_76_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__93 was page_77_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__94 was page_77_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__95 was page_77_field_2 (0.32 conf)sue_miggins was sue_miggins (0.45 conf)page_field__96 was page_78_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__97 was page_78_field_2 (0.32 conf)page_check__33 was page_78_check_0 (0.30 conf)person_day_final was in_person_on_the_day_of_the_final (0.37 conf)page_field__98 was page_79_field_1 (0.32 conf)snyder_union_county was snyder_union_county_courthouse (0.37 conf)page_field__99 was page_80_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__34 was page_80_check_0 (0.30 conf)county_completed_two was county_we_have_completed_two (0.35 conf)page_field__100 was page_81_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__101 was page_81_field_2 (0.32 conf)judge_schedule_reopen was judge_will_schedule_after_reopen (0.44 conf)register_wills was register_of_wills__814__445_1548_or (0.40 conf)page_check__35 was page_82_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__102 was page_83_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__103 was page_83_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_field__104 was page_84_field_0 (0.37 conf)becky_tierney was becky_tierney (0.46 conf)page_field__105 was page_85_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__106 was page_85_field_1 (0.32 conf)court was court (0.45 conf)ppc_clerk_courts was ppc_or_clerk_of_courts (0.45 conf)page_check__36 was page_86_check_0 (0.30 conf)shannon_moore was shannon_moore (0.37 conf)jessica_pawuk was jessica_pawuk (0.54 conf)page_check__37 was page_87_check_0 (0.30 conf)page_field__107 was page_88_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__108 was page_88_field_1 (0.32 conf)nicole_hendrix was nicole_hendrix (0.59 conf)wayne_county_prothonotary was wayne_county_prothonotary (0.43 conf)page_check__38 was page_89_check_0 (0.30 conf)eviction_concerns_small was eviction_concerns__then_only_small (0.38 conf)delays was delays (0.33 conf)order_information_county__2 was protection_order_information_for_wayne_county (0.32 conf)judge_silvis_walsh was judge_silvis_or_judge_walsh (0.42 conf)https_co_pa_us_act was https_www_co_westmoreland_pa_us_312_pfa_and_psvi_act_procedures (0.28 conf)page_field__109 was page_92_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__110 was page_92_field_1 (0.32 conf)pfa_office_prothonotary was pfa_office_prothonotary (0.43 conf)page_field__111 was page_93_field_1 (0.32 conf)page_check__39 was page_93_check_0 (0.30 conf)emergent_pfas_fall was emergent__and_pfas_fall_under_this (0.38 conf)classification was classification (0.45 conf)page_field__112 was page_95_field_0 (0.37 conf)page_field__113 was page_95_field_1 (0.32 conf)We've done our best to group similar variables togther to avoid overwhelming the user.
Suggested Screen 0:
nikki_lyonshttp_us_deptas_of_4_30_20court_mdj_locationpage_field__1beth_keenanhttps_downloads_pdfpage_check__1judges_holding_limited_finalemergencybrandi_toygeneral_informationcourt_websitepage_check__2garrett_harperhttp_www_beavercountypa_gov_depts_courts_dr_pages_protection_abuseorder_aspxpage_check__3page_field__2page_field__3finalsafe__1page_field__4page_check__4family_court_administrationhttps_www_co_berks_pa_us_dept_courts_famcourt_pages_protectionfromabuse_aspxpage_check__5phone_video_casebasispartiespage_field__5pfa_officepage_field__6page_check__6page_field__7page_field__8page_field__9court_administrationpage_field__10page_field__11respondents1_namepage_field__12prothonotary_family_courtpage_field__13page_check__7extending_order_yespage_field__14order_bucks_countypage_field__15page_field__16page_check__8personpage_field__17page_field__18page_field__19useful_county_linkspage_field__20page_field__21suzie_markerpage_field__22page_check__9temporary_order_extendedpage_field__23safe__2page_check__10either_person_phonepage_field__24witnessescrossroadspage_field__25page_field__26page_field__27page_field__28http_www_clintoncountypa_com_court_services_county_courts_forms_protection_abuse_packet_pdfprothonotarypage_check__11page_field__29page_field__30rose_antoniello_deputy_prothpage_field__31page_check__12page_field__32page_field__33https_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_rules_civil_rule_l_pdf_search_protection_abusehttps_www_crawfordcountypa_net_courts_documents_coronavirus_faq_pdfpage_check__13currently_first_scheduledpage_field__34https_www_dauphincounty_org_government_publicly_elected_officials_district_attorney_child_abuse_capage_field__35page_check__14appears_video_phone_optionhearing_informationorder_information_county__1denise_hansenpage_field__36page_check__15page_field__37page_field__38page_field__39juliza_cabanpage_field__40page_check__16administrative_office_fayettedomestic_violence_servicespage_field__41page_field__42page_field__43safe_placeuse_phone_testimonypage_field__44page_field__45page_field__46page_field__47page_field__48page_field__49page_field__50page_field__51page_check__17phonepage_field__52page_field__53alice_paul_househttps_www_indianacountypa_gov_departments_court_common_pleaspage_check__18final_hearing_judgepage_field__54page_field__55page_field__56page_field__57page_check__19page_field__58page_field__59page_field__60claire_czaykowskipage_field__61page_check__20page_field__62page_field__63page_check__21page_field__64page_field__65chris_epositoco_lawrence_pa_countypage_check__22final_pfa_hearings_yespage_field__66chris_matterspage_field__67page_check__23colleen_weberpage_field__68page_check__24page_field__69extending_orderdiane_marutpage_field__70page_check__25yes_servicepage_field__71ywca_wise_optionshttps_www_lyco_org_elected_officials_sheriff_protection_abuse_orderspage_check__26page_field__72page_field__73page_field__74respondentpage_field__75court_common_pleas_judgepage_field__76page_check__27page_field__77page_field__78page_field__79abuse_networkpage_field__80page_field__81page_check__28george_wardenpage_field__82available_person_broadeningpage_field__83page_field__84cheryl_lesliepage_field__85page_check__29npage_field__86counseljoanna_janettehttps_www_org_defaultpage_check__30custody_pfa_officehttps_www_norrycopa_net_documents_courts_forms_pfapetition_pdfpage_field__87page_field__88pike_prothonotarypage_field__89page_check__31person_videopage_field__90page_field__91waypage_field__92page_check__32page_field__93page_field__94page_field__95sue_migginspage_field__96page_field__97page_check__33person_day_finalpage_field__98snyder_union_countypage_field__99page_check__34county_completed_twopage_field__100page_field__101judge_schedule_reopenregister_willspage_check__35page_field__102page_field__103page_field__104becky_tierneypage_field__105page_field__106courtppc_clerk_courtspage_check__36shannon_moorejessica_pawukpage_check__37page_field__107page_field__108nicole_hendrixwayne_county_prothonotarypage_check__38eviction_concerns_smalldelaysorder_information_county__2judge_silvis_walshhttps_co_pa_us_actpage_field__109page_field__110pfa_office_prothonotarypage_field__111page_check__39emergent_pfas_fallclassificationpage_field__112page_field__113The Weaver creates a draft guided interview from a template form, like the one provided here. You can use the link below to open this form in the Weaver. To learn more, read "Weaving" your form into a draft interview.
