Management of the non-judicial operations of the Court system.
Establishment and enforcement of child and spousal support orders.
Provide equal access to justice to all litigants who have limited English proficiency.
Works with juvenile offenders to protect the community, restore victims, reduce risk to reoffend, and assist in providing long-term behavior change.
Provides a comprehensive collection of legal resources to the public.
Issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records dating back to 1885.
Legal proceedings regarding child custody, divorce, and protection from abuse cases.
Specialized Court that handles cases with minors who are involved in legal matters.
First level of the judicial system dealing primarily with summary offenses, preliminary hearings for more serious criminal cases, civil claims up to $12,000, landlord/tenant disputes, and emergency protection orders.
Documents used in child and spousal support matters.
Miscellaneous documents used in child custody, divorce, and protection from abuse cases.
To apply for a Temporary PFA you must go to the Family Court Office at the Lehigh County Courthouse, Room, 423, 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays and complete a Petition for Protection From Abuse.
An intake worker will review your Petition with you and process your case. Cases are processed on a first-come first served basis.
After your case is processed, you will be taken before a Judge for a hearing for a Temporary Order.
If you are granted a Temporary Order, it will remain in effect until a hearing is held for a Final PFA Order.
Prior to leaving the Courthouse, you will receive a copy of your Temporary PFA Order. Keep it with you at all times.
The Defendant will be served by the Sheriff’s Department. A Deputy Sheriff will notify the Defendant that an Order has been issued by handing a copy of the Petition and Order to him or her.
This is a lengthy process and it may take several hours to complete.
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