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PFA Order Attorney Serving South-Central Pennsylvania

If you need a protection from abuse order filed today — or you've just been served with one — call 717-262-2319. Kevin Taccino represents both petitioners and respondents in PFA proceedings across Franklin County and surrounding counties, and he handles cases where a PFA and a custody matter are running at the same time.

How PFA Proceedings Work in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act creates a structured timeline that moves quickly — which means your decisions in the first 24 to 48 hours matter.

 

  • Emergency petition: Filed the same day, without advance notice to the other party. A judge reviews it immediately and can issue an emergency PFA that takes effect the moment it's signed.
  • Temporary PFA: Issued ex parte — meaning only the petitioner is present. It remains in effect and is served on the respondent, who is then notified of the final hearing date.
  • Final hearing: Scheduled within 10 business days. Both parties appear before the judge. This is the contested proceeding where evidence is presented and the order is either granted, modified, or dismissed.
  • Final PFA: If granted at the hearing, a final order can last up to three years and is renewable. It carries legal consequences for the respondent that extend well beyond the courtroom.

 

Understanding where you are in this timeline — and what comes next — is the first thing Kevin will walk you through.

If You Need Protection

An emergency PFA can issue the same day you file. Kevin helps petitioners navigate the filing process, present the facts clearly to the court, and appear at the final hearing to make the protection permanent. Getting the emergency order is step one. Holding it at the final hearing, where the respondent appears and can contest the order, is where representation matters most.

If a PFA Has Been Filed Against You

Being served with a PFA does not mean the final order will be granted. You have the right to appear at the final hearing, present your side, and challenge the factual and legal basis for making the order permanent. Kevin represents respondents at PFA hearings — not to obstruct legitimate protection cases, but to make sure the court hears a complete and accurate account before issuing an order that affects your life. If you're concerned about the criminal implications of a PFA, including firearms surrender requirements, employment consequences, or what happens if you're accused of violating an order, that context is addressed on the PFA defense page.

When a PFA and a Custody Case Overlap

A PFA involving a co-parent doesn't stay in its own lane. It affects where children can be, who has access to them, and how existing custody orders are interpreted or modified. At the same time, the custody proceeding can shape the court's view of the PFA. When both matters are active simultaneously, having one attorney who understands how each affects the other is a strategic advantage. Kevin handles child custody matters in Adams, Cumberland, and Perry counties and has represented clients navigating both proceedings at once.

Why Clients in South-Central Pennsylvania Work with Kevin Taccino

Kevin has been practicing in south-central Pennsylvania for 20 years. He is court-appointed by Franklin County to represent clients in criminal, juvenile, and dependency matters — a designation that reflects standing in the local court system, not just familiarity with it. His practice spans criminal defense, juvenile law, and family law, which means he's equipped to handle the full picture when a PFA intersects with a custody dispute, a criminal charge, or a CYS matter.

 

  • 20 years in private practice in south-central Pennsylvania
  • Court-appointed by Franklin County across criminal, juvenile, and dependency matters
  • Handles PFA proceedings on both sides — petitioners and respondents
  • Represents clients in cases where PFA and custody proceedings run concurrently
  • Trial-tested; prepared to litigate when settlement or dismissal isn't the right outcome
  • Consultation fee credited toward the retainer if you hire Kevin after your initial meeting

Frequently Asked Questions About PFA Orders in Pennsylvania

  • How do I file a protection from abuse order in Pennsylvania?

    You file a PFA petition at your county courthouse. The petition describes the abuse or threat and asks the court for immediate protection. A judge reviews it the same day and can issue an emergency PFA without notifying the other party. Kevin can help you prepare and file the petition and represent you at every stage that follows.

  • What is an emergency PFA in Pennsylvania and how fast does it work?

    An emergency PFA is issued ex parte — meaning the judge acts on your petition without the other party being present or notified in advance. It can take effect the same day you file. Once issued, the respondent is served and notified of the date for the final hearing, which is scheduled within 10 business days.

  • What happens at a PFA final hearing?

    Both parties appear before a judge. The petitioner presents evidence supporting the order; the respondent has the right to contest it. The judge then decides whether to grant a final PFA, modify the terms, or dismiss the petition. This hearing is the critical proceeding — the outcome determines whether the order becomes permanent for up to three years.

  • Can a PFA affect my custody arrangement?

    Yes, directly. A PFA involving a co-parent can restrict contact, affect where children are exchanged, and influence how a custody order is written or modified. If you have an active custody case and a PFA has been filed — by you or against you — the two proceedings need to be managed together. Kevin handles custody matters in Adams, Cumberland, and Perry counties and can represent clients in both simultaneously.

  • If I've been served with a PFA, will it automatically go on my record?

    A temporary PFA is a civil order and does not constitute a criminal conviction. However, a final PFA carries real consequences: firearms surrender, potential employment implications depending on your field, and criminal charges if you violate the order. The final hearing is your opportunity to contest it. If you're facing a PFA with potential criminal exposure, Kevin's criminal defense background is directly relevant to your situation.

Schedule a Consultation with Kevin Taccino

PFA matters move fast. Whether you need to file immediately or you've just been served and don't know what to do next, the right time to get legal guidance is now. Kevin handles PFA proceedings for clients across Franklin, Adams, Cumberland, and Perry counties. Your consultation fee is credited toward the retainer if you hire him — so the first step costs you nothing extra in the end.