Served with a non-molestation application in West Sussex?
People in West Sussex, from Crawley, Worthing and Chichester to the smallest village, are served with court papers every week. If that is you, the first step is to read everything and note the hearing date. Justice Centre helps respondents in West Sussex make sense of what comes next.
Help for respondents in West Sussex
An application on form FL401 asks the Family Court for a non-molestation order, an occupation order, or both. If you have been served with one, you are the respondent. It is an allegation, not a finding, and you are entitled to respond. The timescales can be short, so it helps to get support early.
We support people in West Sussex, including Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Horsham, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick, Midhurst, Arundel, Petworth, Steyning, Storrington, Pulborough, Selsey, Hassocks, Billingshurst, Rustington, Angmering, Southwater, Cuckfield and Lindfield.
Towns and areas we support in West Sussex
- Crawley
- Worthing
- Chichester
- Horsham
- Bognor Regis
- Littlehampton
- Burgess Hill
- East Grinstead
- Haywards Heath
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Lancing
- Southwick
- Midhurst
- Arundel
- Petworth
- Steyning
- Storrington
- Pulborough
- Selsey
- Hassocks
- Billingshurst
- Rustington
- Angmering
- Southwater
- Cuckfield
- Lindfield
What to do first
- Read every page of your papers and note the hearing date, time and court
- Follow any order that has been made, exactly as written
- Do not contact the applicant if you have been told not to
- Keep messages, emails and photographs safe
- Start a dated account of events in your own words
- Contact us early so we can talk through your papers
How Justice Centre assists in West Sussex
- Help checking whether you may qualify for legal aid
- Referral, with your consent, to an independent panel solicitor who does legal aid work
- Help gathering the documents a legal aid application usually needs
- Plain-English explanation of your papers and what to expect at your hearing
Read more
- Served with an FL401? What to do next
- An order made without notice
- Responding to the application
- What to expect at your hearing
- Undertakings and breach of an order
Common questions
Can you help respondents in West Sussex?
Yes. Justice Centre supports respondents across West Sussex, including Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Horsham and Bognor Regis. Contact us and we will explain how support can work for your hearing.
I live in Worthing and have been served with an FL401. What should I do first?
Read everything carefully, note the hearing date and keep all your papers together. Do not contact the applicant if the papers or an order say you must not. Then get support as early as you can.
Is legal aid available for respondents in West Sussex?
Legal aid may be available to some respondents in England and Wales depending on means and the merits of the case. A legal aid solicitor or Civil Legal Advice can assess this.
Which court will my hearing be at?
Your hearing notice states the Family Court and the date. It may not be the court closest to you. If you are unsure, check the notice or contact the court named on it.
Is Justice Centre a law firm?
No. We do not provide legal advice or reserved legal activities. We provide guidance, hearing preparation and McKenzie Friend support.
Nearby areas
Take the first step
Tell us a little about your situation and we will explain how we can help. Everything you share is treated in confidence.
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