{"id":376066,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-temporary-restraining-order-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-23T15:30:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T20:30:56","slug":"pennsylvania-temporary-restraining-order-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-temporary-restraining-order-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Temporary Restraining Order Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Temporary Restraining Order Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Restraining orders are a means of defense for victims of abusive crimes in Pennsylvania. These <\/i>court orders<\/i><\/a> offer different types of protection to address the specific needs of each case, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and intimidation. The orders function in similar ways, but knowing the differences is important. While not foolproof, restraining orders are often effective.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll examine each order, explain who they’re designed for, and offer instructions on how to get the one you need.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania Restraining Orders Laws: Types Available<\/h2>\r\n

Protective orders in Pennsylvania are also referred to as protection from abuse orders (PFA). There are three different kinds available. They share many similarities, but each one has specific requirements. These need to be met for a victim to get that protective order. Let’s take a look at each one.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic Violence Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA)<\/h3>\r\n

Domestic violence crimes<\/a> involve people in close personal relationships who have abusive acts occur between them. Both requirements are required for domestic violence classification in Pennsylvania. Domestic violence is a complex and difficult subject. FindLaw’s Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Laws<\/a> offers an in-depth examination and helpful information.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania refers to people eligible for domestic violence crimes as family members, household members, and intimate partners<\/a>. This means they share one or more of the following relationships:<\/p>\r\n