At Gordon and Thompson Solicitors, we are committed to helping you apply for a domestic violence injunction—including non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other civil protection orders—as quickly and efficiently as possible. While every case is unique and some steps may vary, we will explain the process clearly and support you every step of the way.
1. Checking Your Eligibility for a Domestic Violence Injunction
The first step is to assess if you are eligible to apply for a civil injunction under the Family Law Act 1996. In simple terms, you will be the “applicant” seeking protection from the “respondent,” the person you want the court to restrict.
The law requires that the respondent is an “associated person” — someone you have a personal connection with, such as a current or former partner, a person you share a child with, or someone related closely to you like a family member. If you are unsure whether your relationship qualifies, our team can help clarify this during your free consultation.
In urgent cases involving recent violence or threats (usually within the last 10 days), we can help you apply for an emergency injunction. This means the respondent won’t be notified until the order is served but will have the right to contest it in court later. If the threat is not recent or less urgent, we will explore non-emergency options that take longer to process. We will advise you on the best legal path tailored to your situation.
2. Finding the Best Legal Support for Your Application
If you qualify for legal aid, we can connect you with one of our experienced Legal Aid solicitor partners. Our Solicitors’ Panel provides expert legal support funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
Most applicants qualify for legal aid. Those with higher incomes might be required to contribute toward costs, while applicants with lower incomes often receive full legal aid at no charge. We’ll discuss your eligibility and any potential contributions during your consultation. Importantly, any payments go directly to the Legal Aid Agency—our support and advice remain completely free.
If legal aid is not available, don’t worry—we still offer free assistance. Our caseworkers will help prepare your statement and court documents and guide you through the application process. Additionally, we can connect you with local support services to assist you in court where possible.
3. Preparing and Submitting Your Application
Once we confirm that applying for an injunction is the right step, one of our caseworkers will contact you by phone to start your application.
They will help you prepare your statement and complete the necessary paperwork detailing why you need the injunction. We also assist in arranging for the respondent to be served with the court order.
Throughout the process, our helpline advisers and caseworkers will explain each stage clearly, ensuring you understand what to expect and feel supported.
At Gordon and Thompson Solicitors, your safety is our priority. Contact us today for expert legal advice on domestic violence injunctions and how we can help protect you.