Delaware County Domestic Abuse Legal Services
Our legal team is here to help you navigate the legal system and safely escape abuse.
Our legal team consists of two attorneys and a paralegal/civil court advocate. We are here to provide you with legal options and court representation to support your journey to attain safety. Our priority is advocating for your well-being.
Access to our legal department can be obtained through DAP’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 610-565-4590.
We offer the following services:
- Legal Options Counseling: review of legal options available
- Advocacy/filing temporary Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Legal Representation at final PFA hearings
- Referrals for representation in non-PFA matters
File a Protection From Abuse Order
A Protection From Abuse Order, or PFA, is a court order that protects a person and their children from being abused by a family or household member, intimate partner, or a biological parent who is abusive. A PFA covers physical abuse, sexual assault, threats of physical violence causing reasonable fear of bodily injury, physical or sexual abuse of minors, false imprisonment or stalking.
THE FOLLOWING IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
- Go to Court Clerk Services (CCS) (Rm. 129) at the Delaware County Courthouse (Front & Veterans Square, Media). If the courthouse is closed you may attempt to file for an Emergency PFA (See info box below).
- After going through the metal detectors, go straight down the hall. When you can’t go straight anymore, make a right and follow the ramp. When you are almost at the top of the ramp, the door for CCS is on your right. When you enter the door, the counter is to your right.
- Go to the counter and explain that you want to file a Temporary PFA. CCS will provide you with the paperwork you must complete. You must have paperwork in hand and ready to fill out no later than 2:45 pm in order to see a Judge that day.
- Courthouse personnel will then walk you through the Temporary PFA process. You will eventually see a Judge who will decide whether or not you will be granted a Temporary PFA. The Judge may also assign you a later court date to seek your Final PFA.
- After meeting with the Judge you will follow the court officer back to CCS to get certified copies of your PFA.
- You should keep one copy with you at all times. Bring your copy with you on your court date for your Final PFA.
- Take the PFA with the Affidavit of Service and Affidavit of Cause to the police department where your abuser lives. If outside of Delco or in jail, take to Sheriff’s Dept. (located in courthouse).
- Contact the police department to find out if they were able to serve (give) your abuser a copy of the Temporary PFA. If they have served the abuser, ask them if you can pick up the Affidavit. If they will give you the Affidavit, you must bring it with you on your court date for Final PFA.
- Provide your police department (if different from the abuser’s) with a copy for their records.
- You can make additional copies if needed for landlord, place of employment, school, daycare, etc.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO REPRESENT YOURSELF IN COURT FOR THE FINAL HEARING, CALL ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES AS SOON AS YOU ARE GRANTED YOUR TEMPORARY PFA:
- Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County at 610-565-4590.
- Legal Aid of Southeastern PA at 610-422-7053. Legal Aid does not accept walk-ins. You must make an appointment.
If you wish to hire a private attorney, contact the Delaware County Bar Association Lawyer Referral at 610-566-6625. Lawyer Referral will provide contact information for private attorneys who handle PFA cases.
If you cannot file a Temp PFA because the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is closed or its judges are otherwise not hearing Temp PFA requests, you may attempt to file an Emergency PFA. Call 911 and tell them you want to file an Emergency PFA. They will tell you which District Court is on duty. It may not be your local district court. You may have to travel to the district court that is on duty to request an Emergency PFA. If you receive an Emergency PFA, it is only good until the END OF THE NEXT COURT BUSINESS DAY. To request further protection, you MUST file the Temp PFA by 2:45 pm on the next court business day (see guidelines above). If you take no further action, the Emergency PFA will expire, and you will be without protection.
If you choose to pursue a PFA order, you will need to attend a brief hearing with a judge immediately following the filing of your PFA petition to obtain a temporary order. A full hearing at which the person you have named as defendant is noticed to appear will be scheduled to determine whether the court will enter a final order in your case. It is at the final hearing that both parties will have an opportunity to present evidence regarding the allegations of abuse. If you do not appear at this final hearing, the matter will be dismissed and you will not have a protection from abuse order.
We do not currently offer representation in custody matters, but we can refer you to other agencies that provide services in this area. Please see the attached legal resources page.
DAP does not currently offer representation in divorce matters. We can refer you to other agencies that can provide services in this area. Please see the attached Legal Resources page.
Legal Resources
The following is for informational purposes only.
These resources may be able to assist you with Custody, Support, Protection from Abuse Orders, and/or other Legal Issues.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Chester Office: 610-874-8421 (Intake hours Mon & Wed 10 am – 12:00 pm)
Media Office: 610-422-7053
*Toll Free Help-Line (Mon-Fri 9 am to 1 pm): 1-877-429-5994
*Toll Free Protection from Abuse Hotline: 1-855-879-3100 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm- to speak with a legal professional)
Women’s Resource Center
May be able to assist with family law issues, legal referrals, employment, career counseling, mental health, parenting, relationship issues, health care, addiction, reproductive health, financial assistance, housing, and personal development. Call or check website for upcoming Divorce Resource Events and family law consultations.
*Helpline: 610-687-6391 (Monday – Friday, 9:30 am until 3:30 pm)
Delaware County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
When you call for a lawyer referral, you will be asked several questions so that the right referral can be made. (family law, employment law, personal injury, etc).
*610-566-6625, Extension 221
Women’s Law.Org
A project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, this website provides legal information and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The website also provides legal information concerning PA family laws (including divorce, alimony and custody).
www.womenslaw.org
PA Safe Law
Provides free legal information, resources and referrals for help in legal matters involving domestic and sexual violence, divorce, custody, immigration and more.
*Helpline: 1-833-PA-SAFE-LAW (1-833-727-2335) Monday – Friday 9 am until 5 pm
Delaware County Women Against Rape
Provides free counseling, legal and medical advocacy,and accompaniment to the hospital, police and court proceedings for victims of sexual violence and their significant others.
*610-566-4342
Villanova University Law School- Civil Justice Clinic
Law students, under close faculty supervision, may provide free legal representation to a limited number of individuals who cannot afford to pay a lawyer- civil (not criminal) matters including custody, support, disability, consumer matters, housing and employment. Do not handle divorce or bankruptcy matters.
*Must call for an appointment- 610-519-6417
Jen and Dave Program
Automated system for providing criminal charge information to individuals involved in child custody cases.
*1-866-JEN-DAVE (536-3283) or email Jen&Dave@pacourts.us
Children and Youth Services (CYS)
Investigates all allegations of child abuse and neglect as mandated by state law. CYS provides a wide range of services to abused and neglected children from birth to age 18 and their families.CYS also provides services to adolescents who are at severe risk due to their behavior or that of their parent.
*Upper Darby Office: 610-713-2000
*Eddystone Office: 610-447-1000
*Toll Free Number: 1-800-416-4511
*After office hours, holidays and weekends: 610-892-8400
PA Child Support Program
If you are receiving support, you may access your case details and child support program information as well as request online support services using this website.
*https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws
*Child Support Hotline: 1-800-932-0211 (for general information or specific case questions)
*PA State Collection and Disbursement Unit: 1-877-727-7238 (for questions or concerns regarding overdue child support payments)
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Located in the Curran Building (behind the main court house), Can establish/enforce child and spousal support orders.
*610- 891-4314
Office of Support Enforcement
Also located in the Curran Building, Can provide free legal services to recipients of child support.
*610 -891-4233
Senior Victim’s Services
Serves victims of crime in Delaware County age 55 years and older. The organization provides advocacy, assistance, and safety within the criminal justice system and with social service agencies and community organizations, in order to restore older person’s lives and prevent further victimization.
*610-627-2292
Senior Law Center
*Helpline: 1-877-727-7529
Office located in Media, PA
Elder Abuse – PA Department of Aging
Provides counseling, shelter and protective services for older victims and their families.
*Victim Hotline: 1-800-490-8505
Legal Clinic for the Disabled
Provides free legal services (including legal protection from domestic abusers) to low-income people with disabilities, including deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
*Phone Intake Line: 215-587-3350 (Wednesdays 9:30 am until 3:30 pm)
Victim/Witness Assistance – Delaware Co. DA and Delaware County Juvenile Court
Provides information and assistance to victims of crimes committed by an adult.
*610-891-4227
Provides information and assistance to victims of crimes committed by an offender who is under age 18.
*610-891-4723
Tips for Courtroom Behavior
- Be on time for your hearing, but plan to be at court all day. Your case may not be the first
one called. - Dress neatly, as if you were going to church or a job interview. It shows respect for the court.
- Do not bring your children. If possible, arrange for someone to watch them, unless they are going to give testimony.
- If you are bringing someone for moral support, that person will not be able to address the judge
unless there is a hearing and that person is called as a witness. (During COVID, only witnesses are permitted in the courthouse). - Review and be familiar with your petition before the hearing.
- Enter the courtroom, check-in with the court staff and sit on the right. If you are represented, your attorney will call your name.
- If you are represented, the Defendant’s attorney should not be discussing the case with you. Direct him/her to talk to your attorney.
- Turn off cell phones and pagers. Cell phone use is not permitted in the courtroom.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the courtroom.
- If you are visibly under the influence of drugs, alcohol or anything that may impair your judgment, your case may not proceed.
- No weapons of any kind are permitted in the courthouse.
- BE SERIOUS IN THE COURTROOM. Conversations are not permitted in the courtroom. If a conversation is necessary, you must step out of the courtroom.
- AVOID LAUGHING OR TALKING LOUDLY WITH OTHERS ABOUT THE CASE IN THE HALLWAY OR RESTROOMS IN THE COURTHOUSE.
- Stand when the judge enters. Sit down only when the judge or court staff tells you to.
- Your case will be announced and you will be instructed to go to the front of the courtroom.
- The attorneys and/or the judge will ask you questions. If you do not understand a question, say so. DO NOT ANSWER UNLESS YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION. TELL THE TRUTH.
- If you do not know an answer say so. Do not be afraid to admit that you do not know something.
- TAKE YOUR TIME ANSWERING QUESTIONS. Explain your answer, if needed.
- BE DIRECT WITH THE JUDGE.
- BE COURTEOUS. NEVER, EVER interrupt the judge or anyone else during the hearing. If something needs to be clarified, wait your turn. Stop talking immediately if the judge speaks.
- BE SINCERE AND RESPECTFUL. Do not be sarcastic or appear dissatisfied with the judge or the
other party. - BE AWARE of your body language and facial expressions.
- BE AS EXACT AS POSSIBLE WHEN STATING DATES, TIMES AND PLACES. If you cannot be exact, be very clear that you are estimating.
- ALWAYS ANSWER VERBALLY. The proceedings are being recorded. Nonverbal responses can not be reflected in the court record. Keep your voice up so that you can be heard on the recording.
- SPEAK CLEARLY AND DISTINCTLY. Use simple language that you understand.
- KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR MOUTH. DO NOT CHEW GUM. Take your time speaking.
- BE RESPECTFUL OF THE JUDGE. Always address the judge as “Your Honor.”
- BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE HEARING: Police reports, doctor/hospital records/statements,
pictures of injuries, relevant voicemails, text messages or emails evidencing abusive acts or
threats to your physical safety, prior protection orders, witnesses to the abuse.
We're here to help YOU
Abuse is unacceptable. No matter your situation, we’re here to help you and your children find the life that you deserve. Our trained and compassionate staff is ready to support you.