Domestic Abuse Solicitor in Nottingham

Protection through the courts

The family court can make orders to protect you and your children. A non-molestation order prevents someone from using or threatening violence, harassing or intimidating you. An occupation order can decide who lives in the family home, and may exclude an abusive partner. In urgent cases, orders can be made quickly and without notice to the other person.

Paulette will explain your options clearly, help you prepare your statement and represent you at hearings, so you can focus on staying safe.

Understanding all forms of abuse

Domestic abuse is not only physical. It includes coercive and controlling behaviour, emotional and psychological abuse, financial control and sexual abuse. Paulette's experience supporting survivors means she recognises these patterns, listens without judgement and treats every disclosure with care.

Abuse often affects other family matters, such as child arrangements and finances. Paulette can advise on how it is relevant across your case and on protective measures available in court.

How protective orders work, step by step

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 first. Once you are safe, Paulette will listen to what has happened and explain the protection available. The two main civil orders are a non-molestation order, which prohibits someone from using or threatening violence, harassing or intimidating you, and an occupation order, which can decide who lives in the family home and may exclude the abuser from it or from the area around it.

The application is made on Form FL401, supported by a witness statement describing the abuse. In urgent cases, the court can make an order without notice to the other person, often on the same day or within a few days. A further hearing is then listed so that the other person can respond. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, and the police can arrest without a warrant.

Paulette can also advise on how abuse affects divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children, including exemptions from mediation and the special measures available to protect you in court, such as separate waiting areas and screens.

Typical timelines

Urgent without-notice orders can be obtained very quickly, sometimes within twenty-four hours. A return hearing usually follows within a few weeks. Orders are commonly made for six to twelve months, and can be extended where there is continued risk.

What to prepare

If it is safe to do so, gather any evidence of the abuse: messages, emails, photographs of injuries or damage, medical records, police reference numbers and details of anyone who witnessed incidents. A simple timeline of key events is helpful. Do not worry if you have little written evidence; your own account is evidence, and Paulette will help you set it out.

Common worries

Many people worry that they will not be believed, or that abuse only counts if it is physical. The law recognises emotional, psychological, financial and coercive controlling behaviour as abuse. Others worry about cost; legal aid may be available for protective orders, and Paulette can talk you through funding. You may also be anxious about seeing the other person; the court can put arrangements in place so you feel safer.

When to get advice

Seek advice as soon as you feel unsafe or controlled, or if abuse has happened recently and you fear it will happen again. The sooner you apply, the stronger the case for urgent protection. Everything you share is treated in strict confidence.

If you are in immediate danger

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. When you are ready for legal advice, Paulette is here to help.

Frequently asked questions