Luzerne County is home to over 320,000 residents and features numerous scenic areas to enjoy. But even in beautiful places like Luzerne County, domestic abuse is an issue. Luzerne County Courthouse and Luzerne County law enforcement play crucial roles in protecting those subjected to domestic abuse in the county. Luzerne County Courthouse's Protection from Abuse Office helps any Luzerne County victim of domestic violence.
However, going into the Luzerne County Courthouse and addressing issues of domestic violence is an emotional and potentially overwhelming experience. While the Protection from Abuse Office tries to make the process as painless as possible, you may still feel paralyzed with fear when taking the next steps against your abuser. Fortunately, the LLF Law Firm can help you through every step of the process. Let us help you get protection from your abuser today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
What is Domestic Violence
When we think of domestic violence, we often think of physical violence. While physical violence is the most recognizable form of domestic violence, many other behaviors and forms of violence are considered domestic violence. Other types of domestic abuse include:
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Cruelty to animals to intimidate or retaliate against victims
Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act does focus more on physical abuse. It defines abuse as one or more of these acts between family, household members, spouses, or intimate partners:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing bodily harm
- False imprisonment
- Making threats that make a person fear for their physical safety
- Sexual abuse
- Child abuse
- Repeated actions or patterns of behavior that instill fear of bodily harm
If you haven't been subjected to physical abuse, that doesn't mean you aren't a victim of domestic violence and entitled to legal relief. Your LLF Law Firm attorney will discuss your legal options with you for any type of domestic violence you are facing.
Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders in Luzerne County
Filing for a restraining order is one way to protect your safety in a domestic violence situation. In Luzerne County, restraining orders in domestic violence situations are called Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.
What Can a Protection from Abuse Order Do for Me?
PFAs can provide numerous protections for victims of domestic violence. Protections that can be afforded in a PFA ordered by a Luzerne County judge include the following:
- Ordering an abuser to leave a shared home (even if they are the owner or on the lease)
- Ordering an abuser not to contact you or your minor children by any method, including phone, social media, in person, etc.
- Awarding temporary custody rights for minor children
- Ordering the abuser to surrender firearms or weapons to Luzerne County law enforcement
- Ordering the abuser to pay costs associated with the domestic violence, such as medical costs, lost wages, relocation costs, attorney expenses, and more
How Do I File for a Protection from Abuse?
Your LLF Law Firm Family Law Team attorney will assist you in filing for a PFA order, but here is a brief overview of the process. Your LLF Law Firm attorney will begin by filing out a PFA form, or you can complete the form on your own or with the assistance of the Luzerne County PFA Office. PFA orders must be completed and presented in person at the PFA Office, which is located in the Luzerne County Courthouse on the second floor.
An emergency PFA order may be necessary in situations where danger is imminent. Because emergencies don't stop on nights and weekends when the Luzerne County Courthouse is closed, there is an alternate way to file. If an emergency PFA request must be filed after 4:00 PM on a weekend or a holiday, you can contact the Domestic Violence Service Center at 1-800-424-5600. Your LLF Law Firm can assist you in this filing as well.
PFA order requests filed during business hours are often heard on the same day. Luzerne County Courthouse hears PFA order requests twice a day. If the request is submitted on an evening or weekend, the emergency PFA order will be issued 24 hours or until the request can go before a judge on the following business day.
At your first hearing, the judge will decide if granting a temporary PFA order is appropriate. The temporary PFA may also be referred to as an ex parte order. The case will proceed to a full hearing even if a temporary PFA order isn't granted. At the full hearing, both you and your abuser will be able to present your case; your LLF attorney will represent you at all hearings and present your case. The judge will then decide whether or not to grant the order. Your LLF Law Firm attorney will fight vigorously to ensure your PFA order is granted and you are protected.
Pennsylvania courts, including that in Luzerne County, will often connect you with a domestic violence advocate. This person is a “[a]n individual who is engaged in a domestic violence program, the primary purpose of which is the rendering of counseling or assistance to victims of domestic violence, who has undergone 40 hours of training." They will provide support and help you access resources. They can even accompany you and your LLF Law Firm attorney in court proceedings to provide additional support.
Get Help from a Luzerne County Domestic Violence Attorney
Our Family Law Team understands how scary and overwhelming the process can be, but you never need to go through this alone. If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence in Luzerne County, the domestic violence attorneys in the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help.
Whether you're ready to take the steps to obtain a PFA order or you just want to explore your legal options, our Family Law Team is here to support you in any way we can. Our first priority at the LLF Law Firm is your safety and support. To speak with our Family Law Team, call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us using our online form. We will get your confidential consultation booked as soon as possible.
