what lawyer do i need to have pfa lifted in delaware

by Delfina Lang 7 min read

Where can I get a PFA lawyer in Delaware County PA?

Call Megan Walstrom, Esq. or Alyssa Kelly, Esq. to get the legal help you need. Rahaim Saints & Walstrom can help an individual file for this form of protection. They can also help someone who has been unfairly accused of violating a protection from abuse order Delaware.

Who can I file a PFA petition against?

If a PFA has been filed against you, contact the Benari Law Firm right away. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting PFA cases and you need that experience on your side. Call 610-566-1006. BACK TO TOP Testimonials Reviews Benari Law Group 5/5 stars based on 5 customer reviews The Best. Great guy very confident in his work.

How do I file a PFA in New York?

The Law Office of Thomas D. Shellengerger provides legal counsel to protection from abuse filers and respondents (those who the PFA is filed against). Services for Filers of Orders of …

How to contact Delaware County Legal Assistance Program?

 · If you are involved in a protection from abuse case, contact Delaware PFA Lawyer Michael S. Corrigan today to schedule an appointment. My office is in Newark, Delaware for …

How do I get a PFA dismissed in Delaware?

Extension and early termination The party who wants to change a PFA Order in some way may file with Family Court a form called a Motion to Modify, Extend or Rescind Order of Protection from Abuse (form #456).

How do you win a PFA hearing?

Steps to win your PFA hearingFirst, you do not want your divorce attorney to handle your PFA case. ... Second, gather up all emails, texts and witnesses that give the proper context to what was said or what happened. ... Third, avoid all contact with the alleged victim. ... Fourth, don't represent yourself.More items...•

How long does a PFA stay on your record?

Because PFA orders are civil in nature, they don't generally appear on a criminal record at all, even within the three years that the PFA order generally lasts. If a defendant violates a PFA order, the defendant could face a criminal contempt conviction that would appear on the defendant's criminal record.

How long does a no contact order last in Delaware?

However, if the order includes a term that the abuser cannot commit acts of domestic violence against you and/or cannot contact or attempt to contact you, these can last for up to 2 years2 or longer (even permanently) if: the length of the order is necessary to prevent further acts of domestic violence; and.

How do you fight a false PFA in PA?

First, contact a lawyer experienced with false allegations of domestic violence brought in bad faith. A final hearing will be scheduled within 10 days of a temporary PFA complaint and order of court. Act quickly to defend false allegations of abuse in PA.

Can you appeal a PFA in PA?

A final PFA order can be appealed to the Pennsylvania Superior Court within 30 days. Copies of court transcripts and other evidence may be required. Appealing a PFA determination can be difficult and complex, especially if you have not retained the services of an experienced attorney before your initial hearing.

Does a protection order go on your record?

An offender will only get a criminal record in the event that they breach and violate the demands of the protection order, and consequently, if the complainant lays criminal charges against them. If they are arrested for this act, and found guilty of violating the protection order, they will be tried in court.

How do I withdraw a PFA in PA?

Only the court can cancel a final PFA in Pennsylvania, but a petitioner can be a major help. The petitioner is the only person who can request the court to cancel a PFA. If the petitioner requests the court to cancel a final PFA, then the judge will have a hearing to determine whether cancelation is appropriate.

What does PFA stand for in legal terms?

Physical and sexual abuse or the threat of either is against the law. Even if you choose not to bring criminal charges against your abuser, you and your children can still get protection through the court system. This civil law is called the "Protection From Abuse Act" (PFA).

How do I drop a no contact order in Delaware?

How do I drop or modify a no contact order against the defendant? The defendant is responsible for filing a motion in court to have the no contact order dropped or modified to no unlawful contact.

How long does a PFA last in Delaware?

2 yearsThe “protective” provisions of a PFA order by consent, default or after a full hearing can last up to 2 years and sometimes longer.

Can a restraining order run out?

A restraining order can either last for a specific amount of time, or it can be issued for an indefinite period. The duration of the order will depend on the circumstances, the severity of actions and potential ongoing risk to the victim. The usual period for a restraining order runs between 10 days and one year.

What is the phone number for PFA in Delaware?

If you’re involved on either side of a PFA case and want to speak with an experienced Delaware family law attorney, call Rahaim Saints & Walstrom at 302-526-4655 or 302-360-8277.

How long does it take to get a hearing on a PFA in Delaware?

The hearing is generally held within about a week of the emergency order being granted . During this event, the court will hear from both parties involved in the filing. The accuser will have an opportunity to present any evidence of threats or abuse. And this is when the person being accused will have an opportunity to respond to any allegations and actually contest the protection from abuse order Delaware.

What is the first stage of a protection from abuse order in Delaware?

There can be two stages involved in filing a protection from abuse order Delaware. The first stage is an emergency order. The purpose of this order is to protect a spouse and/or children from any immediate danger. This type of order can be based on perceived threats or actual acts of mental, emotional or physical abuse.

Who can help with PFA?

Because most situations that require a PFA are very serious, it’s crucial to have an experienced family and domestic law attorney. Call Megan Walstrom, Esq. or Alyssa Kelly, Esq. to get the legal help you need. Rahaim Saints & Walstrom can help an individual file for this form of protection. They can also help someone who has been unfairly accused ...

Who can help with a protection from abuse order?

Rahaim Saints & Walstrom can help an individual file for this form of protection. They can also help someone who has been unfairly accused of violating a protection from abuse order Delaware. In either situation, you can count on the Rahaim, Saints & Walstrom team to fully defend your rights and best interests.

What is a PFA in Delaware County?

If you are seeking protection from abuse (PFA) in Delaware County, it is likely that you are facing something within your life that has made you feel unsafe. Often, people will equate PFAs with restraining orders, but they are somewhat different. While the actions that lead to someone filing to get a PFA in Delaware County can be criminal, the process of applying for and receiving a PFA is civil. The main goal is to give the victim protection and relief from the abuse suffered at the hands of another person.

How many types of PFAs are there in Delaware County?

Within Delaware County, there are three different types of PFAs:

What is a temporary order in Delaware?

Temporary Order – This PFA is put into place by the Court of Common Pleas until there can be a court date for a hearing to put a Protection From Abuse Order into place. At this time, you will get a date for the official hearing for a PFA in Delaware County.

What is the number to call for PFA?

If you need Protection From Abuse please call us at 610-566-1006.

Who can I contact for protection from abuse in Delaware County?

If you want to file for Protection from Abuse (PFA) in Delaware County, contact an experienced protection from abuse attorney at the Benari Law Group who can explain your options and walk you through the process. What Does A PFA In Delaware County Cover?

Where to go to get a case before a judge?

Go to the Office of the Court Administrator, who will help to get the case before a judge;

Services for Filers of Orders of Protection from Abuse

Thomas D. Shellenberger can assist individuals with filing Orders of Protection from Abuse in Delaware Family Court. He has successfully represented clients in obtaining PFA orders that provide various types of relief, including, but not limited to:

Services for Respondents to Orders of Protection from Abuse

Respondents to protection from abuse orders may partake in hearings to present their stories to judicial officers. The hearings can involve personal testimony, evidence, and witnesses, so respondents would be wise to have an attorney present. Thomas D.

What is a PFA in Delaware?

If someone fears for their safety Delaware law allows for a restraining order for Protection from Abuse (PFA) to be issued by a judge. In the state of Delaware this order is called a Protection From Abuse order, or PFA. In Delaware, as in other states, there are two types of Protective Orders:

Can you file for protection from abuse in Delaware?

In Delaware a petition for protection from abuse (PFA) is not always used as it is intended by the law. Unfortunately, men are sometimes treated unfairly when false accusations of domestic violence are leveled against them. Many stereotypes and gender biases exist that are systemic. By filing for an Order of Protection from Abuse in Delaware, you can have your spouse removed from your home and barred from contacting you, however, accusations of domestic violence can also be misused by a spouse who wants to get the upper hand in a divorce case. Abuse allegations unquestionably work very effectively in removing spouses from their homes and families. However, society can pay a price by removing children from their parents.

What is a PFA in Delaware?

Today we're going to talk about men responding to a PFA order, a petition for protection from abuse from the family court in Delaware. If just served the PFA, what do you do? In short, a PFA is an accusation that abuse has occurred usually from someone you love, your wife, a girlfriend you're living with or perhaps somebody you share a child with. Also, the court can grant an emergency PFA order based solely on what the accuser writes without any notice to you or without you having a chance to respond to the allegations. A PFA can be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more than 50%.

What happens if you don't respond to a PFA?

If you do not respond correctly to a PFA order, there's going be big consequences to your life. You could lose your right to live in your own house. You can lose your right to see your children. You could lose your right to own a firearm or be ordered to pay alimony or child support for a year or more, depending on the circumstances. As a Delaware Family Court Attorney, these are the mistakes I see in how men handle a PFA.

How long does it take to get a PFA hearing?

Ignoring a PFA petition, if your wife or girlfriend or whatever files for emergency PFA petition and gets it and the court determines there's an emergency, the hearing to be scheduled within 15 days. A non-emergency petition will be scheduled with 30 days. It is essential that you get ready, be prepared. If you don't show up for that hearing and the other party does there's going be a default judgment against you. The other part is probably going to get everything they ask for because you're not there and the courts only hearing one side of the argument.

Is it worth paying an attorney for a case?

Not getting a lawyer, not being prepared, not being prepared for trial, not getting your witnesses together, not having evidence to prove your case. Whether they be text messages, emails, medical records, police reports, most people that are accused of abuse are not in an emotional state to handle these things properly themselves. Paying an attorney could be worth it in the long run.

What can a criminal defense attorney do?

A skilled criminal defense attorney can talk to you about your rights and can explain further about how a violation of a restraining order can affect your chances of getting the order lifted or removed.

What can a family law attorney do?

An experienced family law attorney can advise you about your rights, help you navigate the legal system, represent you in court, and provide guidance regarding the best way to proceed with your matter.

Can a restraining order be lifted?

In some cases, there may be instances where a restraining order can be lifted, dropped, or removed. However, the party requesting the lift or removal will need to follow a particular procedure to ensure that they are not in violation of the restraining order.

How to contact Delaware County Legal Assistance?

Their services are not available for temporary Orders. Delaware County Legal Assistance Program can be contacted at (610) 874-8421.

What to do if you have an emergency PFA?

In any emergency, call 911. The police will assist you and provide information on how to get an emergency PFA and will file a report.

What is a PFA?

A PFA is a restraining Order issued by a District Justice or a Court of Common Pleas Judge.

What is the phone number for Legal Aid of Southeastern PA?

The phone number is 610-422-7053 ext. 101.

How long does it take to get a temporary protection order?

Please remember that obtaining a Temporary Protection Order may require several hours to accomplish. The time needed is entirely dependant upon availability of the Judge. In addition, you will also need to be available for several hours or perhaps all day to appear in Court on the date of your hearing for a Permanent Protection Order. You should make suitable arrangements with your employer and child care provider.

Where to go to file a petition before a judge?

Proceed to the Office of the Court Administrator ( see map) so the petition can be taken before a Judge.

Who will interview a victim in a criminal case?

The victim will be interviewed by an Assistant District Attorney. During the process, your case preparation is begun. You will also be advised about future Court dates. The District Attorney's Office will complete the filing of the petition with the District Court.