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Philadelphia Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Victim Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Helping Survivors Obtain Safety and Relief Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Domestic violence is a serious problem in Philadelphia, and many spouses ultimately file for divorce or seek a separate as a result of domestic violence. When a person faces domestic violence, she or he may be able to seek different forms of relief from the court. It is important to understand how Pennsylvania handles domestic violence cases, and how a history of domestic violence ultimately can affect other family law matters, such as child custody.

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We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

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Protection from Abuse Orders in Philadelphia County

Domestic violence can be charged as a criminal offense in Philadelphia County, and it can also have civil consequences in family law cases. In situations where a person has been the victim of abuse or is in fear of injury as a result of domestic violence, that party may be able to get help by filing a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order.

According to the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services, a PFA Order is “a court order issued by a judge that can provide you protective ‘relief’ from someone who is abusing you, for up to three years.” A person who is 18 years or older, or a minor who is accompanied by a parent or an adult household member or a guardian ad litem, can ask the court for a PFA Order. In some cases, parties who seek a PFA Order also may be eligible for counseling, safety planning, and other forms of assistance with a domestic violence situation. To be eligible for a PFA Order, the parties must have an intimate or a household relationship.

It is important to know that a PFA Order is distinct from a Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO), which can be available for victims of domestic violence but does not need to be sought in this context, and from a Protection From Intimidation Order, which is not used in domestic situations.

How Domestic Violence Can Affect a Philadelphia Child Custody Case

Under Pennsylvania law, when courts award child custody to one or both parents, they do so in a manner that focuses on the best interest of the child. A court determines whether parents should be awarded sole or shared legal and physical custody based on a variety of factors. When the court looks at different factors that help it to decide what is in a child’s best interest, it will give the most weight to factors that could impact the child’s safety, including a history of domestic violence.

When one parent has been convicted of domestic violence, or other forms of abuse or violence against a family member or another party, the court will weigh this history heavily. While that parent may still have certain rights when it comes to his or her child, a domestic violence conviction certainly may prevent that parent from having shared custody.

Contact an Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Do you have any concerns or questions concerning domestic violence in Pennsylvania? Whether it's navigating the complexities of protective orders or the interplay of domestic violence and child custody, our experienced Philadelphia domestic violence attorneys are here to help. We welcome you to watch our domestic violence FAQ videos for more information. Furthermore, an attorney from our firm is available to discuss your case now if you require direct guidance targeted for your specific circumstances.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Survivors can request a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order, which can provide safety measures such as removing the abuser from the home, prohibiting contact, and granting temporary custody. A PFA can last up to three years and may be obtained by adults and, in some cases, minors with proper representation.
In emergency situations, an individual may be able to obtain a temporary PFA the same day by visiting the courthouse or, after hours, contacting law enforcement. A full hearing is then scheduled, usually within ten days, where both parties can present evidence before the judge decides whether to issue a final PFA.
Courts prioritize the child’s safety above all else. A documented history of domestic violence can influence custody outcomes and may limit a parent’s physical or legal custody rights. The court may order supervised visitation or restrict contact entirely depending on the severity of the abuse.
Yes. A PFA Order can temporarily grant custody, require financial support, and affect decisions in a pending divorce. It can also provide exclusive possession of the shared residence and prevent the abuser from contacting the survivor during the divorce or custody process.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
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