(a) In cases in which a temporary protection order has not yet been granted or has been denied, a plaintiff in a protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation action, who wishes to discontinue the action, may file a praecipe to discontinue, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 229, prior to the final order hearing. The plaintiff also may request the discontinuance by oral motion at a hearing.
Rule 1958.Discontinuance or Modification.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1958 lets a sexual-violence-or-intimidation plaintiff discontinue the action where no temporary order has been granted or one was denied, and addresses modification.
Full Text of Rule 1958
(b) In cases in which a temporary protection order has been granted, a plain- tiff who wishes to vacate the temporary order and discontinue the action shall either file a petition with the court prior to the final order hearing or make the request by oral motion at the final order hearing.
(c) If either party seeks a modification after a final protection order has been entered, the party shall petition the court to modify the final order. Modification may be ordered after the filing and service of the petition and a hearing on the petition pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A17.
Plain-English Summary
A plaintiff's situation can change before a protection order is in place. This rule lets a plaintiff who has not obtained a temporary order, or whose request for one was denied, discontinue the action, and addresses modifying an existing order. It gives the plaintiff a clear way to withdraw or adjust the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sexual-violence protection plaintiff withdraw the action?
Yes, where no temporary order has been granted or one was denied; the rule also addresses modification.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: discontinue PSVImodify sexual violence orderwithdraw PSVI action