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Can a PFA Be Ordered for Verbal or Emotional Abuse?

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Aug 09, 2022 | 0 Comments

What is a Protection from Abuse Order?

A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is a court order that protects an individual who does not feel safe due to alleged physical abuse or sexual violence. This order can prohibit contact between the parties and can also dictate terms of parenting time, and other relevant issues. This order is granted by a judge and monitored by the police, so any violations will result in arrest and potential criminal prosecution. A police report is not necessary to seek and obtain a PFA order from a judge. If you are facing an allegation that can result in a PFA against you, then it is important to act fast as you have limited time to defend yourself. Make sure that you speak to an experienced attorney right away.

Who Can Obtain a PFA?

Not everyone can get a PFA order. To get a PFA, there must be a specific relationship between the people involved in the case. A PFA is not available to anyone who is without this specific relationship with the other party. Some examples of relationships that qualify for a PFA are:

  • Spouses
  • Dating partners
  • Sexual partners
  • Roommates or housemates
  • Same-sex couples
  • Parents and their kids

The relationship does not have to be current for a PFA to be properly authorized. Any PFAs with petitioners that are minors must have an adult petition for them.

Are Protection from Abuse Orders Available for Verbal or Emotional Abuse?

To get a PFA, the petitioner must demonstrate that physical abuse or sexual violence took place at the hands of the defendant. The petitioner must also show that continued court protection is needed through a PFA order. PFAs are not available for allegations of verbal, mental, or emotional abuse. It is required that the petitioner has suffered or is in imminent danger of physical harm for a PFA to be authorized. Further, any arguments or conflicts relating to the custody of any children in common are also not grounds for a PFA. The family court is the appropriate court for issues relating to child custody. If you have questions, then call us at the Lento Law Firm today!

Contact the Lento Law Firm Today

If you have questions about a Protection from Abuse (PFA), then it is important that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. It is important to understand how a protection from abuse can affect your life. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have the experience that you need to help put you in the best position in your protection from abuse case. To learn why the Lento Law Firm is the right choice, call us toll-free at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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