Rule 1957.Decision. Post-Trial Relief.
Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 1957
Plain-English Summary
The court’s decision may consist of only general findings of sexual violence, intimidation or both; it need not make detailed findings. But it must dispose of all claims for relief. The final order must be identical in content to the form in Rule 1959(e), and no motion for post-trial relief may be filed to it.
That form records how the order was entered: by agreement, by agreement without an admission, after a hearing and decision, after a hearing the defendant did not attend despite proper service, or by default. Whatever the route, the form states that it is a final order subject to full enforcement. It lists the relief granted, such as a bar on any contact with the victim, and may add a surcharge when the order follows a contested proceeding or a hearing the served defendant didn’t attend. Rule 1930.2 supplies the reconsideration route in place of post-trial motions, and its Official Note cross-references this rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sexual-violence protection order be challenged by a post-trial motion?
No. No motion for post-trial relief may be filed to the final order, which must dispose of all claims for relief. Rule 1930.2 separately allows a motion for reconsideration and sets how it affects the time to appeal.