Wash. Cnty. Pa. 1901.1-2

As amended through June 1, 2022

Rule 1901.1-2 - Commencement In Court

a. Petitions for Protection from Abuse shall be presented to the assigned judge, who will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the plaintiff petitions from a temporary order and alleges immediate and present danger of abuse, the Court may conduct an ex-parte proceeding and may enter a temporary order as it deems necessary.

b.Assistance and Advice to Individuals Not Represented by Counsel

1. Forms sufficient for this purpose shall be provided by the Washington County Prothonotary, or by Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

2. Clerical assistance to help with writing and filing the petition shall be provided by the Prothonotary, or by Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, or other individual designated by the court.

3. The prothonotary shall provide written instructions, in English and in Spanish, to the local domestic violence program, to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Society, and to the Washington County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

4. Petitions will be accepted between 9:00AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday except court holidays.

5. The Prothonotary shall accept petitions, and any other filings, after normal business hours, when so directed by the common please court.

Wash. Cnty. Pa. 1901.1-2

Amended effective 1/1/2022