Custody Relief in PFA Order

Custody is part of the relief that a parent can receive in a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. If a judge makes a determination on custody at a hearing on a PFA order, the judge must consider the child´s best interests when making a custody order.

The judge must also consider if the defendant poses a risk of harm to the children or the parent seeking the PFA order. A judge can order supervised visits in a PFA order or deny the defendant visitation and custody altogether.

A PFA order is a very important way for victims of abuse to be safe, but it is not intended to replace the process for addressing custody matters.