Domestic Abuse & Protection Order Solicitors
Legal protection from domestic abuse can be granted urgently — sometimes the same day.
Non-molestation orders and occupation orders are powerful legal tools that can stop abusive conduct and remove an abuser from the family home. In serious cases, orders are granted without the other party being told — protecting you before they can respond. Legal aid is available if you qualify. Tell us what has been happening and a specialist solicitor will advise on your options.
Protection Available to You
The legal orders that can protect you — and how they work.
The law provides several overlapping forms of protection against domestic abuse. A solicitor will identify which order or combination of orders is appropriate for your situation and how quickly they can be obtained.
Non-molestation orders
A non-molestation order prohibits an abuser from using or threatening violence, harassing, pestering or intimidating you. It can also prevent contact by phone, text, email or through third parties. Breach of a non-molestation order is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years' imprisonment — police can arrest without a warrant. Applications can be made without notice in urgent cases.
Occupation orders
An occupation order regulates who can live in or enter the family home. It can exclude an abuser from the property — even if they own it — and from an exclusion zone around it. Occupation orders are time-limited and subject to regular review. The court balances the housing needs and welfare of all parties, with particular weight given to the needs of any children.
Without-notice (ex parte) applications
Where the situation is urgent and there is a genuine risk that telling the other party would put you in danger, the court can grant an order without notifying them first. A without-notice hearing can take place at short notice — sometimes within 24 hours. The abuser is then served with the order and given an opportunity to respond at a full hearing, usually listed within days.
Legal aid availability
Legal aid remains available for domestic abuse cases where there is evidence of abuse — which can include police records, medical evidence, a GP letter, a domestic violence support organisation letter, or a solicitor's letter. A means test also applies, but the thresholds are more generous than for private family law. A solicitor can assess whether you qualify and help gather the required evidence.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced Domestic Abuse Protection Orders — a new and more comprehensive form of protection that can include positive requirements as well as prohibitions. DAPOs are being rolled out alongside existing remedies and can be applied for by the police and local authorities as well as by victims themselves. A solicitor will advise on which order best suits your circumstances.
Protecting children in parallel
Where children are at risk, a prohibited steps order can prevent the other parent from removing them, and a child arrangements order can restrict or suspend their contact. In serious cases, the Local Authority may become involved through care proceedings. A solicitor can advise on coordinating protection for both you and your children and on what to expect from social services involvement.