Injunctions & domestic violence

If you have experienced domestic violence or have received court paperwork accusing you of domestic violence, you may be unsure of where to turn to for advice. Our Family team can provide specialist advice to protect both you and your family, dealing with the preparation of any court application, and providing support and guidance through the process. They can also refer you to local counselling and support services if required.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in relationships or between family members. It also includes financial abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, and anybody can be an abuser. Our Family team will be able to advise you in relation to any abusive behaviour you may be experiencing, whilst being sensitive to the likely emotional impact of this and the additional support services that you may need to access.

What is a non-molestation order?

A non-molestation order is a form of injunction to help protect you or your family from violence, harassment or threatening behaviour. They can also help you ensure the safety of your children from abusive behaviour. You may be able to obtain a non-molestation order if you have been subjected to abusive behaviours.

What is an occupation order?

An occupation order is an order which can prevent somebody living in, entering or coming near to your property. Alternatively, an occupation order may set out restrictions as to how all or parts of your property are to be occupied. Occupation orders are generally only a short-term solution and will not affect what happens to the property as part of a financial settlement on separation. Advice may therefore also be required in respect of the wider financial impact of a separation at the same time as applying for an injunction.

Do I need an injunction?

Our Family lawyers will be able to discuss any concerns you have, whilst being sensitive to the situation that you are facing, as quickly as possible. They will be able to advise you as to any protection you may be able to seek under the Family Law Act 1996 if you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse. In urgent circumstances, it may be possible to apply to the court for a protective order in as little as 24 – 48 hours.

Family-related legal issues can often be emotionally challenging and complex. Our team are experts in dealing with these matters and are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Our family and divorce lawyers help client across Kent, London and the South East. We advise on a full range of family legal services, from divorce/dissolution and related financial settlements to the arrangements for children and associated children matters. We also advise unmarried couples on the breakdown of their relationships.

We have particularly extensive experience in supporting high net worth individuals, dealing with matters involving complex asset structures and international elements. We help clients put in place nuptial or living together agreements, and advise on steps that need to be taken to protect our clients in need of or responding to injunctions.

Our team of family lawyers are legal professionals who are renowned for offering practical, clear and common sense advice and for providing compassion, empathy and a steadying hand in even the most unusual and complex of circumstances.

Our expert family and divorce lawyers in Kent are leaders in their field and our Family department is regularly recognised in rankings such as The Times’ ‘Top Law Firms’, Spear’s 500 Family Law Index and ePrivate Client’s Top Family Law Firms. We are also ranked as Band One in the Chambers legal directory and as Top Tier in the Legal 500.