Posted: | January 22, 2015 08:56 AM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Kevin J. Boyle |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Alternative Service Options for Orders |
In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation – House Bill 1977 – to amend Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to provide for alternative service options for protection from abuse (PFA) orders. Current law provides for the court to adopt a means of prompt and effective service in those instances where the plaintiff avers that they feel unsafe and are not able to personally serve the defendant. However, the current law does not enumerate specific measures the court is permitted to take. My legislation would permit the court to order the service of the PFA petition and final order via certified mail. In addition, when a defendant’s address is unknown to the plaintiff or the court, public notice of the defendant’s name and next court date may be published in a newspaper of general circulation. I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that will help to support victims of domestic abuse. Thank you! |