CHAPTER 1900. ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THE
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ACTRule
1901. Definitions.
1901.1. Venue.
1901.2. Scheduling.
1901.3. Commencement of action.
1901.4. Service and Registration of order.
1901.5. Enforcement.
1901.6. Responsive Pleading Not Required.
1901.7. Decision. Post-trial Relief.
1901.8. Modification or Discontinuance.
1905. Forms for Use in PFA Actions. Notice and Hearing. Petition. Temporary Protection Order. Final Protection Order.Rule 1901. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
Act—The Protection from Abuse Act No. 206 approved December 19, 1990, 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6101 et seq.
Action—A proceeding for protection from abuses defined in § 6102 of the Act.
Court—The court of common pleas.
Emergency Order—An order entered by a hearing officer, who is a person meeting the definition set forth at 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6102.
Fees—means any costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, service or appeal of a Protection From Abuse matter, including any foreign protection order.
Temporary Order—An ex parte order entered by the court pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6107.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901 adopted March 9, 1977, effective April 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 839; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369; amended October 19, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 6764. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (390067) to (390068).
Rule 1901.1. Venue.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), an action for protection from abuse may be brought in a county in which
(1) the plaintiff resides, either temporarily or permanently, or is employed, or
(2) the defendant may be served, or
(3) the abuse occurred.
(b) If the relief sought includes possession of the residence or household to the exclusion of the defendant, the action shall be brought only in the county in which the residence or household is located.
(c) An action for indirect criminal contempt may be filed in, and heard by, the court in the county in which the order was issued or where the violation occurred.
Explanatory Comment—1991 The statute and rules governing actions for protection from abuse formerly contained no provision for venue. Recommendation No. 84 of the Civil Procedural Rules Committee proposed a new rule to fill that void and the rule has been adopted as Rule 1901.1.
Subdivision (a) provides for venue in the following counties: (1) the county in which the abuse occurred, (2) the county in which the defendant may be served, (3) the county in which the plaintiff resides, either permanently or temporarily, and (4) the county in which the plaintiff is employed. These are the counties with which the plaintiff has the most significant contacts and the greatest interest in remaining free from abuse. The county of temporary residence is included because an abused person may have to flee the county of permanent residence to escape further abuse.
The rule imposes limited venue when the relief sought includes the sole possession of the residence or household. In that instance, the action must be brought in the county in which the residence or household is located.
Explanatory Comment—2006 The 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act grant jurisdiction over indirect criminal contempt complaints in either the county in which the order was issued or the county where the violation occurred. This rule allows for flexible and immediate enforcement of protection from abuse orders. With this amendment, indirect criminal contempt jurisdiction is parallel to prosecution for stalking and harassment. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6114 (a.1).
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.1 adopted January 25, 1991, effective July 1, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 614; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (242777).
Rule 1901.2. Scheduling.
Each judicial district shall establish times when the court will hear temporary Protection From Abuse matters.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.2 adopted March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391.
Rule 1901.3. Commencement of Action.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a plaintiff shall commence an action by presenting to the court or filing with the prothonotary a petition setting forth the alleged abuse by the defendant. The petition shall be substantially in the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1905(b) and shall have as its first page the Notice of Hearing and Order set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1905(a).
(b) An action may be commenced by filing with the prothonotary a certified copy of an emergency order entered pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110, including orders issued by a hearing officer.
(c) Any fees associated with this action shall not be charged to the plaintiff.
(d) The hearing officer shall follow the procedures set forth in the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Governing Actions and Proceedings Before Magisterial District Judges for emergency relief under the Protection From Abuse Act.
Official Note
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.3 adopted March 9, 1977, effective April 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 839; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369; amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520; amended October 19, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 6764. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (392601).
Rule 1901.4. Service and Registration of Order.
(a) Service of the petition and temporary order shall be in accordance with Rule 1930.4.
(b) An Affidavit of Service substantially in the form set forth in Rule 1905(d) shall be filed with the prothonotary.
(c) Upon the filing of a protection order with the prothonotary, the prothonotary shall transmit a copy of the order to the State Police PFA Registry in the manner prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Official Note
This provision also applies to an order denying a plaintiff’s request for a final protection order.
(d) No fee shall be charged to the plaintiff or petitioner for service of any protection from abuse order or pleading or for the registration, filing or service of any foreign protection order.
Explanatory Comment—1997 Subdivision (c) reflects the prothonotary’s role in ensuring that all protection orders reach the new statewide PFA Registry. Pursuant to the 1994 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act, the Pennsylvania State Police Department is mandated to establish this registry for all protection orders issued or registered in the Commonwealth. Once it becomes fully operational, it will be available at all times to inform law enforcement officers, dispatchers and courts of the existence and terms of protection orders. The Registry represents a major improvement in the manner in which protection orders are registered and verified by not only eliminating the need to register the order in every county where the victim believes enforcement is necessary, but also enabling the police to immediately verify the order for purposes of enforcement. In order to ensure that the information in the Registry remains current, subdivision (c) requires the prothonotary to transmit all protection orders issued or registered in the Commonwealth, including temporary, final, modified and consent orders as well as any orders withdrawing, extending or denying the plaintiff’s request for a protection order.
Explanatory Comment—2006 New subdivision (d) reflects the prohibition against charging fees to the plaintiff, even those related to foreign protection orders, as set forth in the 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106(b) and (g.1).
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.4 adopted March 9, 1977, effective April 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 839; amended June 20, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended October 2, 1995, effective January 1, 1996, 25 Pa.B. 4518; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242778) and (311799).
Rule 1901.5. Enforcement.
(a) When an arrest is made for violation of an order, a complaint for indirect criminal contempt shall be completed and signed by either a police officer, the sheriff or the plaintiff. When the complaint is filed by a police officer or sheriff, neither the plaintiff’s presence nor signature is required.
(b) If an arrest is not effected, a complaint for indirect criminal contempt may be completed and signed by the plaintiff pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6113.1.
Explanatory Comment—2006 The 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act authorize the sheriff to arrest the defendant for violations of a protection from abuse order. In addition, the sheriff is authorized to exercise a search and seizure of any firearm, other weapon and ammunition subsequent to arrest. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6113(a) and (b).
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.5 adopted March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (311799).
Rule 1901.6. Responsive Pleading Not Required.
The defendant is not required to file an answer or other responsive pleading to the petition or the certified order, and all averments not admitted shall be deemed denied.
Official Note
For procedures as to the time and manner of hearings and issuance of orders, see 23 Pa.C.S. § 6107. For provisions as to the scope of relief available, see 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108. For provisions as to contempt for violation of an order, see 23 Pa.C.S. § 6114.
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.6 adopted March 9, 1977, effective April 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 839; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369; amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (390070) to (390071).
Rule 1901.7. Decision. Post-trial Relief.
(a) The decision of the court may consist of only general findings of abuse but shall dispose of all claims for relief. The court’s final order shall be rendered substantially in the form set forth in Rule 1905(e).
(b) No motion for post-trial relief may be filed to the final order.
Official Note
The procedure relating to Motions for Reconsideration is set forth in Rule 1930.2.
(c) If a final protection from abuse order directs the defendant to pay support to the plaintiff for the benefit of the plaintiff and/or a child, the plaintiff must file a complaint for support with the domestic relations section within two weeks of the date of the order or the support provisions of the order shall lapse automatically. If the plaintiff timely files with the domestic relations section, the support provisions of the final protection from abuse order shall remain in effect until a support order is entered.
(d) The custody provisions of a Protection From Abuse order are temporary. Either party may initiate custody proceedings pursuant to the custody statute at 23 Pa.C.S. § 5321 et seq. Any valid custody order entered after the final Protection From Abuse order supersedes the custody provisions in paragraph 5 of the Protection From Abuse order.
Explanatory Comment—1977 New Rules 1901, et seq. promulgated March 9, 1977 and effective 15 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin implement the Protection From Abuse Act No. 218 of 1976 which became effective December 6, 1976.
The Act introduces a new civil remedy authorizing protective orders to bring about cessation of abuse of the plaintiff or minor children, which relief includes, inter alia, exclusion of the errant spouse from the household, the award of temporary custody and visitation rights with regard to minor children and support.
The Act also authorizes temporary ex parte orders when the exigency of the situation requires immediate relief before process can be served on a defendant.
Jurisdiction is also conferred on the magisterial district judges over the weekend if and when a judge of the court of common pleas is not available, but any temporary order of a magisterial district judge expires at the resumption of business of the common pleas court at the beginning of the week or within seventy-two (72) hours, whichever occurs first. The magisterial district judge is required immediately to certify his or her order to the common pleas court and the certification under the Act has the effect of commencing a proceeding in the common pleas court and invoking the other provisions of the Act.
Section 9 of the Act provides that all proceedings shall be in accordance with Rules of Civil Procedure and shall be in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies.
Explanatory Comment—2005 Act 207-2004 amended numerous titles of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes changing the title of ‘‘district justice’’ to ‘‘magisterial district judge.’’ The amendments to Rule 1901.7’s Explanatory Comment—1977 reflect the change in title, make the comment gender-neutral and delete outdated material.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.7 adopted March 9, 1977, effective April 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 839; amended October 19, 1983, effective January 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3629; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1941; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended May 9, 2005, effective immediately, 35 Pa.B. 2994; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369; amended February 10, 2015, effective in 30 days on March 12, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1250. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (368049).
Rule 1901.8. Modification or Discontinuance.
(a) In cases in which a temporary protection order has not yet been granted or has been denied, a plaintiff in a protection from abuse action who wishes to discontinue the action may file a praecipe to discontinue, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 229, prior to the final order hearing. The party may also request the discontinuance by oral motion at a hearing.
(b) In cases in which a temporary protection order has been granted, a plaintiff in a protection from abuse action who wishes to vacate the temporary order and discontinue the action shall either file a petition with the court prior to the final order hearing or make the request by oral motion at the final order hearing.
(c) If either party seeks a modification after a final judgment has been entered in a protection from abuse action, the party shall petition the court to modify the final order. The court shall enter an order granting or denying the petition following an appearance by the petitioner before the court.
Explanatory Comment—2013 Jurisdictions across the commonwealth have adopted varying procedures and processes for the withdrawal, discontinuance and modification of protection from abuse actions. This rule provides a uniform process that comports with the requirements of 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6107(b)(2) (related to hearings), 6117 (related to procedure and other remedies) and Commonwealth v. Charnik, 921 A.2d 1214 (Pa. Super. 2007). These requirements, when read together, require a different procedure for withdrawal, discontinuance and modification at various stages in a protection from abuse proceeding.
After a final protection order is entered, and no motion to reconsider or appeal is filed, the court no longer retains jurisdiction to vacate that order. Charnik, 921 A.2d at 1217. The court does, however, have jurisdiction to modify a protection from abuse order at any time after the filing of a petition for modification, service of the petition and a hearing on the petition. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6117. Thus, a party may request that the court modify the order to expire at an earlier date if the party does not want the order to remain in effect.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1901.8 adopted June 25, 2013, effective in 30 days on July 25, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 3932.
Rule 1905. Forms for Use in PFA Actions. Notice and Hearing. Petition. Temporary Protection Order. Final Protection Order.
(a) The Notice of Hearing and Order required by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1901.3 shall be substantially in the following form:
(Caption)
NOTICE OF HEARING AND ORDER
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following papers, you must appear at the hearing scheduled herein. If you fail to do so, the case may proceed against you and a FINAL order may be entered against you granting the relief requested in the petition. In particular, you may be evicted from your residence, prohibited from possessing any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license, and lose other important rights, including custody of your children. A protection order granted by a court may be considered in subsequent proceedings under Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, including child custody proceedings under Chapter 53 (relating to custody) and Child Protective Services Law proceedings under Chapter 63 (related to juvenile matters).
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for the
day of
, 20
, at
.m., in Courtroom
at
Courthouse,
Pennsylvania.If an order of protection has been entered, you MUST obey the order until it is modified or terminated by the court after notice and hearing. If you disobey this order, the police or sheriff may arrest you. Violation of this order may subject you to a charge of indirect criminal contempt under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6114. Violation may also subject you to prosecution and criminal penalties under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Under federal law, 18. U.S.C. § 2265, this order is enforceable anywhere in the United States, tribal lands, U.S. Territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. If you travel outside of the state and intentionally violate this order, you may be subject to federal criminal proceedings under the Violence Against Women Act, 18 U.S.C. § § 2261-2262.
If this order directs you to relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency, you may do so upon service of this order. As an alternative, you may relinquish any firearm, other weapon, or ammunition listed herein to a third party provided you and the third party first comply with all requirements to obtain a safekeeping permit. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.3. You must relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license listed in the order no later than 24 hours after service of the order. If, due to their current location, firearms, other weapons, or ammunition cannot reasonably be retrieved within the time for relinquishment, you must provide an affidavit to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency listing the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition and their current location no later than 24 hours after service of the order. Failure to timely relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license shall result in a violation of this order and may result in criminal conviction under the Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105.
NOTICE: Even if this order does not direct you to relinquish firearms, you may be subject to federal firearms prohibitions and federal criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) or state firearms prohibitions and state criminal penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE A LAWYER REPRESENT YOU AT THE HEARING, HOWEVER, THE COURT WILL NOT APPOINT A LAWYER FOR YOU. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO PRESENT EVIDENCE AT THE HEARING, INCLUDING SUBPOENAING WITNESSES TO TESTIFY ON YOUR BEHALF.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. IF YOU CANNOT FIND A LAWYER, YOU MAY HAVE TO PROCEED WITHOUT ONE.
County Lawyer Referral Service
[ Insert Street Address ]
[ Insert City, State, Zip Code ]
[ Insert Phone ]
(b) The petition in an action filed pursuant to the Act shall be substantially in the following form, but the first page (paragraphs 1 through 4), following the Notice of Hearing and Order, shall be exactly as set forth in this rule:
5. Indicate the relationship between Plaintiff and Defendant:
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
spouse or former spouse of Defendant
6. Have Plaintiff and Defendant been involved in any of the following court actions?
If you checked any of the above, briefly indicate when and where the case was filed and the court number, if known:
7. Has Defendant been involved in any criminal court action?
If you answered Yes, is Defendant currently on probation?
Has Defendant been determined to be a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6301— 6386?
If you answered Yes, what county’s court or child protective services agency issued the founded or indicated report?
8. Plaintiff and Defendant are the parents of the following minor child/ren:
Name(s) Age(s) who reside at (list address unless confidential)
9. If Plaintiff and Defendant are parents of any minor child/ren together, is there an existing court order regarding their custody?
If you answered ‘‘Yes,’’ describe the terms of the order (e.g., primary, shared, legal or physical custody):
If you answered ‘‘yes’’, in what county and state was the order issued?
If you are now seeking an order of child custody as part of this petition, list the following information:
(a) Where has each child resided during the past five years?
Child’s name Person(s) child lived with Address, unless confidential When
(b) List any other persons who are known to have or claim a right to custody of each child listed above.
Name Address Basis of Claim
10. The following other minor child/ren presently live with Plaintiff:
Name(s) Age(s) Plaintiff’s relationship to child/ren
11. The facts of the most recent incident of abuse are as follows:
Approximate Date:
Approximate Time:
Place:
Describe in detail what happened, including any physical or sexual abuse, threats, injury, incidents of stalking, medical treatment sought, or calls to law enforcement. (attach additional sheets of paper if necessary):
12. If Defendant has committed prior acts of abuse against Plaintiff or the minor child/ren, describe these prior incidents, including any threats, injuries, or incidents of stalking, and indicate approximately when such acts of abuse occurred (attach additional sheets of paper if necessary):
13.(a) Has Defendant used or threatened to use any firearms or other weapons against Plaintiff or the minor child/ren? If so, please describe the use or threatened use below and list on Attachment A to Petition, which is incorporated by reference into this petition, any firearms, other weapons, or ammunition Defendant used or threatened to use against Plaintiff or the minor child/ren:
(b) Other than the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition Defendant used or threatened to use against Plaintiff or the minor child/ren, does Defendant, to the best of your knowledge or belief, own or possess any additional firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license?
(c) If the answer to (b) above is ‘‘yes,’’ list any additional firearm, other weapon, or ammunition owned by or in the possession of Defendant on Attachment A to Petition, which is incorporated by reference into this petition.
(d) Plaintiff (check one)
14. Identify the sheriff, police department, or law enforcement agency in the area in which Plaintiff lives that should be provided with a copy of the protection order:
15. There is an immediate and present danger of further abuse from Defendant.
CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOXES ONLY IF THEY APPLY TO YOUR CASE AND PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION
FOR THE REASONS SET FORTH ABOVE, I REQUEST THAT THE COURT ENTER A TEMPORARY ORDER, AND AFTER HEARING, A FINAL ORDER THAT WOULD DO THE FOLLOWING (CHECK ALL FORMS OF RELIEF REQUESTED):
Name Address (optional) Relationship to Plaintiff
VERIFICATION I verify that I am the petitioner as designated in the present action and that the facts and statements contained in the above Petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities
Signature
Date
(Caption)
ATTACHMENT A TO PETITION
FIREARMS, OTHER WEAPONS, OR
AMMUNITION INVENTORYI,
, Plaintiff in this Protection From Abuse Action, hereby(a) state that Defendant used or threatened to use the following firearms, other weapons, or ammunition against Plaintiff or the minor child/ren (include addresses or locations, if known, such as ‘‘front seat of blue truck,’’ ‘‘gun cabinet,’’ ‘‘bedroom closet,’’ etc.):
Firearm/Other Weapon/Ammunition Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(b) state that Defendant, to the best of my knowledge or belief, owns or possesses the following firearms, other weapons, or ammunition not set forth in (a) above (include addresses or locations if, known):
Firearm/Other Weapon/Ammunition Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(c) request that the court order Defendant to relinquish the following firearms, other weapons, or ammunition (include addresses or locations, if known):
Firearm/Other Weapon/Ammunition Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name
Date
Notice: This attachment will be withheld from public inspection in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(7)(v).
Official Note
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
(c) The Temporary Order of Court, or any continued, amended, or modified Temporary Order of Court, entered pursuant to the Act shall be substantially in the following form, but the first page shall be exactly as set forth in this rule:
AND NOW, this
day of
, 20
, upon consideration of the attached Petition for Protection From Abuse, the court hereby enters the following Temporary Order:
(county court) (docket number)
The local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the child/ren are located shall ensure that the child/ren are placed in the care and control of the Plaintiff in accordance with the terms of this order.
Check all that apply:
Defendant may relinquish any firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency. As an alternative, Defendant may relinquish firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to a third party provided Defendant and the third party first comply with all the requirements to obtain a safekeeping permit. Defendant must relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or firearm license ordered to be relinquished no later than 24 hours after service of this order. If, due to their current location, firearms, other weapons, or ammunition cannot reasonably be retrieved within the time for relinquishment, Defendant shall provide to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency an affidavit listing the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition and their current location no later than 24 hours after service of this order. Failure to timely relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license shall result in a violation of this order and may result in criminal conviction under the Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105.
Name Address (optional) Relationship to Plaintiff
11. THIS ORDER APPLIES IMMEDIATELY TO DEFENDANT AND SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL [ insert expiration date ] OR UNTIL OTHERWISE MODIFIED OR TERMINATED BY THIS COURT AFTER NOTICE AND HEARING.
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT Defendant is hereby notified that failure to obey this order may result in arrest as set forth in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6113 and that violation of the order may result in a charge of indirect criminal contempt as set forth in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6114. Consent of Plaintiff to Defendant’s return to the residence shall not invalidate this order, which can only be changed or modified through the filing of appropriate court papers for that purpose. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(g). If Defendant is required to relinquish any firearms, other weapons, ammunition, or any firearm license, those items must be relinquished to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the service of this order. As an alternative, Defendant may relinquish any firearm, other weapon, or ammunition listed herein to a third party provided Defendant and the third party first comply with all requirements to obtain a safekeeping permit. If, due to their current location, firearms, other weapons, or ammunition cannot reasonably be retrieved within the time for relinquishment, Defendant shall provide an affidavit to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency listing the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition and their current location no later than 24 hours after the service of this order. Defendant is further notified that violation of this order may subject him/her to state charges and penalties under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 and to federal criminal charges and penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) and the Violence Against Women Act, 18 U.S.C. § § 2261-2262.
NOTICE TO SHERIFF, POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS This order shall be enforced by the police department or sheriff who has jurisdiction over Plaintiff’s residence OR any location where a violation of this order occurs OR where Defendant may be located. If Defendant violates Paragraphs 1 through 6 of this order, Defendant shall be arrested on the charge of indirect criminal contempt. An arrest for violation of this order may be made without warrant, based solely on probable cause, whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of a police officer or sheriff.
Subsequent to an arrest, the law enforcement officer or sheriff shall seize all firearms, other weapons, or ammunition in Defendant’s possession which were used or threatened to be used during the violation of the protection order or during prior incidents of abuse and any other firearms in Defendant’s possession. Any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license must be delivered to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency, which sheriff or agency shall maintain possession of the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition until further order of this court, unless the weapon(s) are evidence of a crime, in which case, they shall remain with the law enforcement agency whose officer or sheriff made the arrest.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
Date
(Caption)
ATTACHMENT A TO TEMPORARY ORDER
FIREARMS, OTHER WEAPONS, OR
AMMUNITION INVENTORYIt is hereby ordered that Defendant relinquish the following firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency:
Firearm/Other Weapon/Ammunition Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
Date
Notice: This attachment will be withheld from public inspection in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(7)(v).
(d) The form of the Affidavit of Service in a Protection From Abuse matter shall be substantially in the following form:
(Caption)
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I,
, the undersigned, hereby state that I served a copy of the Notice of Hearing and Order, Petition and Temporary Order in the above-captioned action upon Defendant by handing the papers to
at the following address:
on the
day of
, 20
, at approximately
o’clock
.m.I verify that the statements made in this Affidavit are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
(Signature)
(Title)
(Address)
(Date)
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BY THE PERSON WHO SERVES THE DEFENDANT WITH THE NOTICE OF HEARING AND ORDER, PETITION AND TEMPORARY ORDER. IT MUST BE FILED WITH THE PROTHONOTARY OR BROUGHT TO THE COURT ON THE HEARING DATE.
(e) The Final Order of Court, or any amended, modified, or extended Final Order of Court, entered pursuant to the Act shall be substantially in the following form, but the first page must be exactly as set forth in this rule:
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
Plaintiff or Protected Person(s) is/are:
Defendant was served in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.4 and provided notice of the time, date, and location of the hearing scheduled in this matter.
AND NOW, this
day of
, 20
, the court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject-matter, it is ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED as follows:This order is entered by (check one)
Note: Space is provided to allow for 1) the court’s general findings of abuse; 2) inclusion of the terms under which the order was entered (e.g., that the order was entered with the consent of the parties, or that Defendant, though properly served, failed to appear for the hearing, or the reasons why the plaintiff’s request for a final PFA order was denied); or 3) information that may be helpful to law enforcement (e.g., whether a firearm or other weapon was involved in the incident of abuse or whether Defendant is believed to be armed and dangerous).
OR
Check all that apply:
(county court) (docket number)
(date, time and location)
The custody provisions of Paragraph 5 of this order are temporary. Either party may initiate custody proceedings pursuant to the custody statute at 23 Pa.C.S. § § 5321—5340. Any valid custody order entered after the final Protection From Abuse order supersedes the custody provisions of this order.
Check all that apply:
Defendant may relinquish any firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency. As an alternative, Defendant may either relinquish firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to a third party provided Defendant and the third party first comply with all the requirements to obtain a safekeeping permit, or relinquish firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to a licensed firearms dealer for consignment sale, lawful transfer, or safekeeping pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.2(e). Defendant must relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or firearm license ordered to be relinquished no later than 24 hours after service of this order. Failure to timely relinquish any firearm, other weapon, ammunition, or any firearm license ordered to be relinquished shall result in a violation of this order and may result in criminal conviction under the Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105.
Name Address (optional) Relationship to Plaintiff
11.
to Plaintiff by (insert date) as compensation for Plaintiff’s out-of-pocket losses, which are as follows:
An installment schedule is ordered as follows:
OR
14. All provisions of this order shall expire:
Check one
Notice to Defendant DEFENDANT IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT FAILURE TO OBEY THIS ORDER MAY RESULT IN ARREST AS SET FORTH IN 23 PA.C.S. § 6113 AND THAT VIOLATION OF THE ORDER MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF INDIRECT CRIMINAL CONTEMPT AS SET FORTH IN 23 PA.C.S. § 6114. VIOLATION MAY ALSO SUBJECT YOU TO PROSECUTION AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES UNDER THE PENNSYLVANIA CRIMES CODE. A VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER MAY RESULT IN THE REVOCATION OF THE SAFEKEEPING PERMIT, WHICH WILL REQUIRE THE IMMEDIATE RELINQUISHMENT OF YOUR FIREARMS, OTHER WEAPONS, AND AMMUNITION TO THE SHERIFF OR THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. PLAINTIFF’S CONSENT TO CONTACT BY DEFENDANT SHALL NOT INVALIDATE THIS ORDER, WHICH CAN ONLY BE MODIFIED BY FURTHER ORDER OF COURT. 23 PA.C.S. § 6108(g).
THIS ORDER IS ENFORCEABLE IN ALL FIFTY (50) STATES, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TRIBAL LANDS, U.S. TERRITORIES, AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO UNDER THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT, 18 U.S.C. § 2265. IF YOU TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE STATE AND INTENTIONALLY VIOLATE THIS ORDER, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS UNDER THAT ACT. 18 U.S.C. § § 2261-2262. IF YOU POSSESS A FIREARM OR ANY AMMUNITION WHILE THIS ORDER IS IN EFFECT, YOU MAY BE CHARGED WITH A FEDERAL CRIMINAL OFFENSE EVEN IF THIS PENNSYLVANIA ORDER DOES NOT EXPRESSLY PROHIBIT YOU FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION UNDER 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) OR STATE CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND STATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES UNDER 18 PA.C.S. § 6105.
NOTICE TO SHERIFF, POLICE, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS The police and sheriff who have jurisdiction over Plaintiff’s residence OR any location where a violation of this order occurs OR where Defendant may be located, shall enforce this order. The court shall have jurisdiction over any indirect criminal contempt proceeding, either in the county where the violation occurred or where this protective order was entered. An arrest for violation of Paragraphs 1 through 7 of this order may be without warrant, based solely on probable cause, whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of the police or any sheriff. 23 Pa.C.S. § 6113.
Subsequent to an arrest, and without the necessity of a warrant, the police officer or sheriff shall seize all firearms, other weapons, and ammunition in Defendant’s possession that were used or threatened to be used during the violation of the protection order or during prior incidents of abuse and any other firearms in Defendant’s possession. The [ insert the appropriate name or title ] shall maintain possession of the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition until further order of this court.
When Defendant is placed under arrest for violation of the order, Defendant shall be taken to the appropriate authority or authorities before whom Defendant is to be arraigned. A ‘‘Complaint for Indirect Criminal Contempt’’ shall then be completed and signed by the police officer, sheriff, OR Plaintiff. Plaintiff’s presence and signature are not required to file the complaint.
If sufficient grounds for violation of this order are alleged, Defendant shall be arraigned, bond set, if appropriate, and both parties given notice of the date of the hearing.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
DateThis order was entered pursuant to the consent of Plaintiff and Defendant:
(Plaintiff’s signature) (Defendant’s signature)
(Caption)
ATTACHMENT A TO FINAL ORDER
FIREARMS, OTHER WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION INVENTORYIt is hereby ordered that Defendant relinquish the following firearms, other weapons, and ammunition to the sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency:
Firearm/Other Weapon/Ammunition Location
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
BY THE COURT:
Judge
Date
Notice: This attachment will be withheld from public inspection in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108(a)(7)(v).
Explanatory Comment—1997 The use of standardized forms provides uniformity and is also critical to the enforcement of protection orders both inside and outside of the commonwealth. These forms are substantially based on those proposed by members of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and have been further refined to accommodate the litigants’ need for simplicity, the court’s need for flexibility and law enforcements’ need for certain identifying information necessary to enforce the protection order.
The forms must be used so that all protection orders can be properly registered with the statewide PFA Registry and the federal Protection Order File (POF) established by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for the collection of information that is necessary for nationwide enforcement of protection orders. Entering a protection order into the Registry and NCIC file enables law enforcement to immediately verify the existence and terms of the order. It is important, therefore, that all protection orders be registered with these two files. To this end, the forms capture all of the information that is required for data entry and the form orders are further structured to present that information in the order and sequence that is most helpful to the various law enforcement agencies responsible for entering the information into the files. Once the information reaches the Registry and is accepted by the NCIC file, it becomes immediately accessible to law enforcement agencies, dispatchers and courts throughout the country.
The provisions in the form petition and orders reflect the most common forms of relief available under the Protection From Abuse Act. Plenty of space, however, is provided for the plaintiff to request additional relief, and for courts to fashion appropriate relief, based on the individual circumstances of the litigants. Since all of the provisions will not necessarily apply in every case, the forms adopt a checkbox method that requires the user to affirmatively check only those provisions which are applicable to his or her situation.
In cases where a provision is generally applicable but its terms do not correspond precisely to the relief being requested or granted, the user should not check the standard provision but instead should use the blank spaces provided in the forms to specify the relief. For example, while the final order contains a standard provision permitting the defendant to retrieve personal belongings only in the company of a police officer, there may be more suitable methods of retrieval available in some cases. If so, then the plaintiff or court should use the blank spaces provided in the form petition or order (rather than the standard provision) to specify the alternative manner of retrieval.
Explanatory Comment—2000 Paragraph 2 of the final order has been amended to enable courts to include additional conditions for the retrieval of personalty by the defendant in a section of the final order which permits arrest without a warrant if the conditions are violated. Paragraph 9 of the final order has been amended to require the filing of a support complaint within two weeks, rather than fifteen days, of the entry of a final order under the Protection From Abuse Act to prevent the automatic lapse of any temporary support provisions included in the order. This change is consistent with the statutory provisions at 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108(a)(5).
Explanatory Comment—2006 The Notice to Defend in subdivision (a) was amended to include three notice requirements of the 2005 Protection From Abuse Act amendments, Act 66 of 2005. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6107 (a). The amendments provide that sheriffs may arrest defendants for violations of protective orders. The notice also advises the defendant that if firearms, other weapons or ammunition cannot reasonably be retrieved within the required time, the defendant must provide the sheriff with an affidavit listing the firearms, other weapons and ammunition and their current location within 24 hours. Pa.C.S.A. § 6108(a)(7)(i)(B). In addition, defendants have the option to turn firearms, other weapons and ammunition over to a qualified third party instead of the sheriff, and federal firearms prohibitions and penalties are more clearly stated.
The 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act require several changes to the form petition at subdivision (b). The plaintiff is required to inform the court if the defendant works in a job that requires the handling of firearms. This provision was included to allow courts to exercise appropriate discretion when a defendant is exempt from federal firearm prohibitions and penalties. It also directs the court to ‘‘make a reasonable effort to preserve the financial assets of the defendant’s business while fulfilling the goals’’ of the Protection From Abuse Act. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108(a)(7.1). Federal law prohibits possession of firearms and penalizes defendants who possess them if they are subject to an order prohibiting abuse, stalking or harassment. However, certain law enforcement officials are exempt from this prohibition and penalty. Under 18 U.S.C. § 925(a)(1), a person performing an official duty on behalf of the federal, state or local law enforcement agency may possess a firearm as long as the officer is required to possess the firearm in his or her official capacity. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms requires the official possession of the firearm to be authorized by statute, regulation or official department policy. The new notice requirement is found in 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106 (a.2).
Paragraph 14 of the form petition was amended to address the manner in which the firearms and other weapons were used against the plaintiff or minor children and to remove the listing of firearms in the petition itself. The amended statute prohibits public access to any list or inventory of the defendant’s firearms, other weapons or ammunition. Thus, a separate Attachment A is included at the end of the petition for purposes of listing the firearms, other weapons and ammunition at issue. This will allow the prothonotary to more easily redact the list from public access, while at the same time permitting the court, the parties and law enforcement agencies to enforce the order. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108 (a)(7)(v). Section 6108(a)(7) of the Protection From Abuse Act provides for relinquishment of other weapons and ammunition only if they have been used or threatened to be used in an act of abuse. Paragraph 14 and Attachment A to Petition balance the court’s need to be advised of firearms, other weapons and ammunition used or threatened to be used in an act of abuse or available to the defendant with the plaintiff’s right to decline to seek relinquishment of some or all of those firearms, other weapons and ammunition.
The form petition also was amended to address the court’s authority to order the defendant to relinquish any and all firearms, whether they were used or threatened to be used in an act of abuse or not. Any one of several circumstances authorizes the court to grant this relief, including, but not limited to, abuse involving a firearm or weapon or an immediate and present danger of abuse. The amended statute provides the court with multiple examples of what may constitute proof of immediate and present danger for the purposes of ordering the relinquishment of any or all of the defendant’s firearms. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6107(b)(3). Finally, the form addresses the court’s authority to order the defendant to relinquish other weapons and ammunition which were used or threatened to be used in an act of abuse.
The form temporary order retains a space for the defendant’s Social Security number. Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108(b), ‘‘[a]ny order issued under this section shall, where furnished by either party, specify the Social Security number and date of birth of the defendant.’’
In subdivisions (c) and (e), paragraph three in the form temporary and final orders is amended to clarify that even indirect contact with a protected person may be prohibited. This clarification reflects the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s holding in Commonwealth v. Baker, 564 Pa. 192, 766 A.2d 328 (2001), that the order must be ‘‘definite, clear, specific and leave no doubt or uncertainty in the mind of the person to whom it was addressed of the prohibited conduct.’’
The amendments to paragraph five of the form temporary and final orders are consistent with the statutory provisions of the Protection From Abuse Act relating to custody. See 23 Pa.C.S.A § 6108(a)(4).
The 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act provide that the court may order the defendant to relinquish ammunition and firearm licenses, in addition to firearms and other weapons. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108(a)(7) and 7.1. These items were added to paragraph six of the temporary and final order forms, the notices to the defendant and the notices to the sheriff, police and law enforcement.
The amendments to paragraph six of the form orders also provide the court with discretion to place certain restrictions on firearms possession or to completely proscribe firearms possession. The amended paragraphs and the notices to the defendant inform the parties that if the defendant is ordered to relinquish firearms, weapons or ammunition, they must be relinquished to the sheriff or, in the alternative, they may be relinquished to a third party who complies with the substantive and procedural requirements for a third party safekeeping permit. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § § 6107(a), 6108.3. Upon entry of a final order, the defendant may also relinquish firearms, other weapons or ammunition to a licensed firearms dealer. No matter which option Defendant chooses, if firearms and weapons are ordered to be relinquished, any firearm license ordered to be relinquished must be relinquished to the sheriff. The aforementioned items may be relinquished at the time of service, but no later than 24 hours after service unless, with regard to firearms, other weapons or ammunition, they cannot reasonably be retrieved due to their location. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108 (a)(7)(i). The notice to the defendant in the final order was expanded to advise the defendant that violation of the order may result in the revocation of the third-party safekeeping permit.
Paragraph seven of the final order form was amended to reflect 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108.1(a) and other statutory provisions concerning the return of firearms.
Paragraph ten of the final order form was amended to reflect the statute’s prohibition against charging the plaintiff fees or costs related to filing, service, registration or appeal in any Protection From Abuse matter. A new subparagraph (b) in paragraph ten of the final order reflects the 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act which increased the surcharge a court may order a defendant to pay when an action is contested and directs the disbursement of the collected surcharges. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106(d).
Paragraph fourteen of the final order form was amended to reflect the increased period of protection the court may grant. The maximum period of protection was increased from eighteen months to three years.
The amended notice to the sheriff, police and law enforcement in the final order clarifies that the defendant may be arrested anywhere a violation occurs, and that the court has jurisdiction to hear the issue of indirect criminal contempt either where the order was issued or where the violation occurred. With this amendment, jurisdiction for indirect criminal contempt is parallel to prosecution for stalking and harassment. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6114(a.1). The notice also makes it clear that a search and seizure of firearms may occur without a warrant when incident to arrest. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6113(b) and 6121.
Other amendments to the order forms reflect that the sheriff is authorized to arrest for violations of the order under the Protection From Abuse Act. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6113. The references to a protective order superseding provisions of a prior custody order were moved to paragraph five, which deals with custody, in both the temporary and final orders.
Explanatory Comment—2008 The Protection From Abuse petition form, temporary order form and final order form are being modified to conform to the model template used in Project Passport. Project Passport was designed to improve recognition and enforcement of protection orders within and between states and tribes by encouraging states and tribes to adopt a recognizable first page for protection orders. Use of the model template is supported by the National Center for State Courts and the National American Indian Court Judges Association.
The critical aspects of the model template for the first page are common data elements jointly identified by multi-disciplinary teams. Using a recognizable first page for protection orders with this essential data readily available and easily recognizable on a protection order, particularly on ‘‘foreign protection orders,’’ helps strengthen the safety net for domestic violence survivors and their children by offering greater consistency in the issuance and enforcement of protection orders.
Implementation of the model first page for Project Passport requires several changes to the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse petition, temporary order and final order forms. The petition form caption, as well as the plaintiff’s or filer’s name, relationship to the plaintiff, names and dates of birth of the protected persons, plaintiff’s address, defendant’s address, social security number, place of employment, and age, were moved to the Project Passport first page. The petition paragraphs are also renumbered. On the temporary order and final order forms, the captions and the defendant’s name, date of birth and social security number, as well as the names of the plaintiff and protected persons and dates of birth, were moved to the Project Passport first page. The Project Passport first page for the petition and temporary and final orders all include physical identifiers for the defendant and an indication if weapons were involved, present on the property or relinquished. The first page of the final order also includes the effective and expiration dates of the protection order and the notice to the defendant.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1905 adopted March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended June 2, 2000, effective immediately, 30 Pa.B. 3027; amended October 27, 2000, effective immediately, 30 Pa.B. 5837; amended October 31, 2002, effective immediately, 32 Pa.B. 5632; amended March 18, 2004, effective June 16, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1754; amended May 2, 2006, effective May 9, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2369; amended February 6, 2007, effective May 7, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 929; amended August 13, 2008, effective in 90 days, 38 Pa.B. 4729; amended February 10, 2015, effective in 30 days on March 12, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1250; amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520; amended March 5, 2019, effective April 10, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 1342. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (392604), (390073) to (390074), (337857) to (337860), (392605) to (392606), (337863) to (337870), (376541) to (376542), (337873) to (337874), (350109) to (350110), (337877) to (337878) and (392607).
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