What Can a PFA Order Do?
A plaintiff can ask for any or all of the following forms of relief in the PFA petition. The judge will consider the requests and may grant all or some of them in the final PFA order:
• ask the judge to order the abuser to stop threatening, abusing, harassing or stalking the victim and the victim's children
• ask the judge to make the abuser leave the home or household (even if both parties own it or are on the lease)
• request that the victim's new address or location remain confidential
• ask the judge for temporary custody of the children
• ask the judge to prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim, victim's children, or family members
• ask the judge to order the abuser to turn over any firearms or other weapons
• ask the judge to order "any other appropriate relief" like the return of a pet, car keys, important papers, or other personal property

Show All Answers

1. What is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order?
2. How long does it take to file a petition for a PFA?
3. When is the Court available for the filing of petitions for PFAs?
4. What if I can't get to the Court during those times or show up too late to file?
5. Who Can Obtain a PFA Order?
6. How Do I file a petition for a PFA?
7. When is the hearing?
8. Do I really need an attorney for a PFA hearing?
9. What Can a PFA Order Do?
10. How Much Does a PFA Order Cost?
11. Once I leave the courthouse what do I do with the PFA?
12. What if an Abuser Violates the PFA Order?
13. Are PFA and Protection Orders Valid Across State Lines?
14. How can my local Domestic Violence Center help?