Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence During the Temporary Court Closure

The COVID-19 outbreak is a stressful and scary time for us all, but for those living in households with an abusive family member or romantic partner the current Shelter in Place Order can add additional stress and confusion. Thankfully, on March 20, 2020, the First Judicial District Administrative Governing Board issued an order confirming that Protection from Abuse Petitions can be filed in Philadelphia during this crisis and detailing how they will be handled by the Court.

Petitions for Protection from Abuse are now being handled by email. Attorneys filing Petitions should direct them to TempPFA@courts.phila.gov, and all Petitions should be accompanied by a Proposed Temporary Protection Order that a judge can sign if the facts of the case support the need for an order. All filings must provide an email address and telephone number for the filing party (and the filing attorney) so that the Petition for Protection from Abuse can be processed.

Pro se litigants (parties representing themselves) can contact the Protection from Abuse Intake Unit for Assistance. That unit is now available via telephone to assist with preparing petitions. Individuals who wish to use this service should call 215-686-6311 ext. 19217. The unit is available Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. until 11 A.M. Callers will be connected with personnel who will conduct a brief intake and then take down the caller’s telephone number and email for a follow-up interview. After the follow-up a petition will be emailed to the pro se litigant for review and electronic signature.

If a Temporary Protection Order is issued, a hearing on the underlying petition will be scheduled to determine if a Final Protection Order is warranted. Those hearings are now being conducted by telephone or other electronic means. All pro se litigants and attorneys should be prepared to appear electronically.

All Temporary and Final Protection Orders are being mailed to litigants and are available for in person pick-up upon request.

While helpful, the Court’s procedure to handle Protection from Abuse matters in this trying time is not perfect. Many litigants do not have access to email or other electronic means of communication. And for people living with an abuser it may be very difficult to find a safe time away from that abuser to call the Court. People who need help that do not have access to electronic communication can still file for protection in-person at the Stout Criminal Justice Center.

If you are in danger in your home please remember that the experienced Family Law Attorneys at Willig, Williams, & Davidson are available to help.