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PFA Lawyer in Montgomery County, PA

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Restraining Order Lawyers in Montgomery County, PA

If you are facing a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, or seek to file one, you need experienced legal representation and caring, compassionate attorneys.

At Saadzoi Law, we specialize in navigating the complexities of Pennsylvania’s PFA laws and providing effective counsel to protect your rights and interests. Whether you are the petitioner seeking safety or the respondent defending against allegations, understanding the PFA process in Montgomery County is crucial.

What is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order?

A Protection from Abuse order is a legal injunction designed to protect individuals from abuse by a current or former intimate partner, household member, or family member.

Under Pennsylvania law, “abuse” is broadly defined and includes:

  1. Physical injury or attempts to cause physical injury.
  2. Sexual assault or abuse.
  3. Threats that place someone in fear of imminent harm.
  4. False imprisonment.
  5. Stalking or harassment.

A PFA/restraining order can have severe consequences for the accused, including eviction from a shared residence, loss of child custody rights, and restrictions on owning firearms. Therefore, a knowledgeable attorney is essential whether you are filing or defending against a PFA.

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Filing a PFA in Montgomery County

If you feel threatened or have experienced abuse, you can file a PFA petition at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, PA. Visit the Montgomery County PFA webpage.

To file a Protection from Abuse petition, you must first appear in Court Administration at the Norristown Courthouse  (2 E. Airy Street) Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This allows you ample time to see the judge. The Prothonotary’s Protection from Abuse Department, where you will file your petition, is located on the first floor of One Montgomery Plaza (425 Swede Street) in Norristown.

Step-by-step guide to the process of filing a PFA in Montgomery County:

  1. Contact our office at 610-566-5956 for a free consultation about filing a petition for a PFA order. 
  2. Drafting the Petition: The first step is completing a PFA petition. This document details the abuse you have suffered and the protection you are requesting. You must be specific and provide as much evidence as possible.You can start your petition process online. Start or complete the application for a PFA in Montgomery County here; you’ll then go to Court Administration (second floor of the Norristown Courthouse) to collect the printed packet.

    IMPORTANT: You MUST appear in person at the Norristown Courthouse after submitting the below packet online. You will need to attend a hearing before a judge before a PFA is granted. Simply filling out the below packet DOES NOT result in an automatic Protection from Abuse. 

  3. Filing the Petition: You will file the petition at the Montgomery County Courthouse. The court staff can assist with the paperwork but cannot offer legal advice. Our attorneys can assist in the process.
  4. Temporary PFA Hearing: After filing, a judge will review your petition and may grant a temporary PFA if they believe there is an immediate risk of harm. This temporary order is typically effective until the final hearing.
  5. Service of Process: The respondent (the alleged abuser) must be served with the PFA order and notified of the hearing date. This is usually handled by the sheriff’s department.
  6. Final PFA Hearing: Both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony at the final hearing. A judge will decide whether to issue a final PFA, which can last up to three years.

Defending Against a PFA in Montgomery County

Being served with a PFA can be life-altering. You may lose access to your home, your children, and your firearms, and your reputation could be at stake.

These are critical steps to take if you are facing a PFA order / restraining order:

  1. Understand the Allegations: Review the petition carefully to understand the claims against you. Pay attention to the specific incidents cited as evidence of abuse.
  2. Hire an Attorney: A skilled PFA lawyer can help you build a strong defense, gather evidence, and represent you at the final hearing.
  3. Gather Evidence: Collect any documentation, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements, that can refute the allegations.
  4. Attend the Hearing: Failing to appear at the hearing could result in a final PFA being entered against you by default. Your attorney will help you prepare your testimony and cross-examine the petitioner’s witnesses.
  5. Follow the Court Order: While the PFA is in effect, adhere strictly to its terms to avoid further legal consequences. Violations can mean jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Any correspondence could mean going to jail, such as texting, messaging on social media, etc.

Consequences of a PFA Order

A PFA order can result in:

  • Eviction from a shared residence;
  • Loss of child custody or visitation rights;
  • Prohibition from owning or possessing firearms, and;
  • Damage to personal and professional reputation.

For the petitioner, a PFA provides legal protection and can help deter future abuse. However, it’s essential to work with an attorney to ensure the order is enforceable and adequately protects your interests.

How Saadzoi Law Can Help

At Saadzoi Law, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of PFA cases. Our team is committed to:

  • Providing compassionate support to victims seeking protection.
  • Delivering aggressive defense for individuals falsely accused of abuse.
  • Ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.

With years of experience handling PFA cases in Montgomery County, we are well-versed in local court procedures and Pennsylvania’s domestic violence laws. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Attorney Wana Saadzoi has years of experience in successfully representing people in PFA hearings. Attorney Saadzoi is a tough criminal lawyer in Media, PA who is experienced in winning these types of cases, as well as sexual assault charges.

Call 610-566-5956 to schedule a free legal case evaluation. 

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