Prepare your documents for Protection From Abuse in Alabama

Gathering evidence strengthens your case when filing for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Alabama. While your personal sworn statement may be enough to obtain protection, submitting additional supporting evidence can significantly improve your chances of success.

The following are accepted types of evidence under Alabama law:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case against the respondent (the abuser), this can support your petition. Judges in Alabama are more likely to grant a PFA if law enforcement or a prosecutor is already involved.

Evidence Type 2: Photos of Injuries, Property Damage, or Violence
Photos of bruises, cuts, broken property, or any physical signs of abuse can be powerful in court. In Alabama, attaching brief descriptions of what each image shows and when it was taken can help the judge understand the severity of the situation.

Evidence Type 3: Printouts of Text Messages, Emails, or Voicemails
You can print out or take screenshots of threatening or harassing messages and submit them with your petition. In Alabama courts, these are typically submitted as printed documents or attached electronically if e-filing is allowed.

Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
If you called 911, include:

• The date and time of the call

• Who made the call

• What was said or reported

• Any dispatcher details (e.g., male/female voice)

• The case number or incident report related to the call

You can request a record of the call or report from the local law enforcement agency.

Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Provide documentation of injuries or health visits related to the abuse. Alabama courts accept:

• ER discharge papers

• Hospital visit records

• Patient portal summaries (e.g., MyChart printouts)

• Doctor’s notes related to injuries or trauma

Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
If law enforcement was involved, include a copy of any incident or arrest reports. You can obtain these from your local sheriff’s office or police department.

Evidence Type 7: Testimony
Written statements from family members, neighbors, or anyone who witnessed the abuse can support your case. Alabama does not require notarized affidavits, but the statements should be detailed and include names, dates, and specific incidents witnessed.

After the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to create your case documents.

Just so you know: To apply for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Alabama, you must complete and submit a set of official court forms. These forms ask for information about your situation, your relationship with the respondent, and the incidents of abuse.

The most important form is the Petition for Protection from Abuse, which is the main document used to request a PFA order from the court.

After the Temporary Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order is issued and served, the court will schedule a final hearing, usually within 10 days.

Both you (the petitioner) and the respondent (the person accused of abuse) have the right to attend this hearing and present evidence, testimony, and witnesses.

During the hearing, the judge will review:

• The original petition and any supporting evidence

• Testimony from both parties

• Any updates or incidents that occurred since the temporary order

If the judge finds sufficient evidence that abuse occurred or is likely to occur again, they may issue a Final Protection from Abuse Order. This final order can last for up to one year, or longer if the court finds good cause.