Pittsburgh PFA and Family Law
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order can seriously affect all other areas of family law, including: child custody, divorce, child support, and spousal support.
For example, a PFA may:
- Provide a parent primary custody of the children
- Prohibit a parent from even contacting their children
- Evict a spouse from the marital residence in a divorce
- Force a parent to pay a higher amount of child support
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, divorce, child support, and PFA hearings. To speak with an experienced Pittsburgh family law attorney, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA Affects Child Custody and Divorce
A PFA is an important tool for protecting victims of domestic abuse. A PFA prohibits an abuser from having any contact with his or her victim. Under Pennsylvania law, “abuse” is defined broadly to include physical violence, threats of physical violence, sexual violence, harassment and stalking.
Unfortunately, some people abuse the PFA system itself in an attempt to gain leverage by seizing primary custody of the children or evicting the other spouse from the home as part of a divorce action.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong representation at PFA hearings. We understand how a PFA affects all areas of family law and work hard to achieve our clients’ goals. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA and CYF In Allegheny County
In Allegheny County, a PFA alleging abuse on a minor child may set off an investigation by Children Youth and Families (CYF). When CYF gets involved, the PFA process often takes longer.
Under Pennsylvania law, a Final PFA hearing is supposed to be scheduled within 10 days after the Temporary PFA is granted. But CYF has 60 days to complete its investigation and render a decision about whether the alleged incident rises to the level of abuse.
Courts generally will not have a Final PFA hearing until the CYF investigation is complete. As a result, the PFA may completely restrict you from your children for a period of months.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all PFA and family law matters. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.