Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

I have a friend who needs to get out of an abusive relationship. She is planning on leaving her child in the care of her husband and the grandmother.

She feels that her son is safe but she definitely is not.

She is going to go to a shelter so they can help protect her.

What information do you have for this.

Any advice will be helpful.


Asked on 2/16/16, 11:34 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

She needs to look into getting a Protection From Abuse order. As she is in Perry County she needs to contact Victims Witness Assistance in Carlisle. She can potentially get a no cost lawyer by contact the YWCA Legal Clinic at (717) 724-0516.

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Answered on 2/16/16, 11:55 am
ANDREA G. TILLIS Law Offices of Andrea G. Tillis

Hi,

I agree with my colleague, but would like to add something. Your friend should contact the Domestic Relations Office in the Court of Common Peas in her County because in some counties it is the Domestic Relations Office which appears in Court on behalf of the abused spouse and obtains the Protection from Abuse Order ("PFA") against her abusive spouse.

Regardless of whether her child will be safe with the father and the grandparent, I do not think that it is a good idea for your friend to leave her child behind because her spouse can file a Petition for Temporary Custody and make it difficult for her to see her child. She should take her child with her.

Kindest regards,

ANDREA G. TILLIS 610-259-2724

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Answered on 2/17/16, 4:36 am


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