Clarion County
Protection From Abuse Information
A person wishing to file a Petition for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order may either contact a private attorney or Clarion County's SAFE office at (814) 226-8481. SAFE will file the petition for the temporary PFA. Upon the filing of the PFA Petition, the court holds an ex parte hearing, meaning a hearing is held without the defendant being present. The Judge issues a Temporary Protection from Abuse Order with the second step hearing being scheduled within ten days of the petition filing date. You should have an attorney represent you at the hearing. You must schedule an interview with Laurel Legal Services, Inc. in Clarion, if you want Laurel Legal Services, Inc. to represent you, following the issuance of the Temporary PFA.
On the hearing date, parties with their attorneys first attempt to reach a consent agreement. Agreeing to consent to a PFA is not an admission of guilt, rather it allows the parties to set the terms of the order. If an agreement is reached, a consent order is prepared and signed by all parties as well as their attorneys. If the defendant refuses to consent, then a hearing will be held before a judge. The judge decides whether to grant or deny a PFA, and the duration of the order. A PFA may be granted for a maximum of thirty-six months.