COVID-19 Emergency Protection Orders

Court Order Regarding Emergency Protection Filings

Issued by: Blair County Court of Common Pleas (24th Judicial District) Date: April 14, 2020 Judge: Elizabeth Doyle, President Judge

In response to the statewide Judicial Emergency declared by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and President Judge Elizabeth A. Doyle, the Blair County Court of Common Pleas has issued an order modifying how emergency protection petitions are handled.

Key Changes to Filing Procedures

The Court has declared itself unavailable for the filing of new Protection from Abuse (PFA), Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI), and Abuse of Elderly Petitions during standard business hours.

• Unavailable Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Effective Period: Immediately until April 30, 2020 (or further order of the Court).

How to File Emergency Orders

Residents seeking emergency protection orders must follow these specific steps:

• Magisterial District Judges: All emergency protection orders are to be handled by the Magisterial District Judge with jurisdiction.
• Method: Filings must be conducted using Advanced Communication Technology (ACT), which includes video and/or telephone.
• Police Involvement: Police departments should contact the respective Magisterial District Court directly.

Post-Filing Requirements

Once an emergency petition is filed, the following procedures apply:

• Forwarding: The petition must be forwarded to the Protection From Abuse (PFA) Office at the Blair County Courthouse.
• Petitioner Notification: The Petitioner must be advised to contact the PFA office by telephone no later than 11:00 am on the next business day.
• Temporary Orders: Applications for temporary protection orders will be handled by a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas through ex parte proceedings, utilizing review and/or Advanced Communication Technology (video/telephone).

Outside Business Hours

For emergencies occurring outside of normal business hours, the On-Call Magisterial District Judge will continue to handle said petitions according to normal practice.