Non-Molestation Orders
A court order designed to protect a person, and any children, from abuse, harassment or intimidation by someone they are, or have been, close to.
What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is an injunction made by the Family Court. It prohibits a person from behaviour such as threatening, harassing, intimidating or using violence towards someone they are, or have been, in a close relationship with, or towards a child.
Who can apply
Applications can generally be made by people who are, or have been, married, civil partners, partners, relatives or otherwise closely connected to the person they are asking the court to restrain.
What an order can include
- A ban on contact, whether in person, by phone, by message or through other people
- A ban on threats, harassment or intimidation
- Restrictions on going to or near certain places
- Protection for children living with the applicant
Why it moves fast
Because safety may be at stake, the court can sometimes make an order quickly, before the other person has been heard. A further hearing then follows, where both sides can put their case. Breaching an order is a criminal offence.
If you are the applicant
- Understand the process from application to hearing
- Organise your account and supporting documents clearly
- Know what to expect in the courtroom
- Be referred to a solicitor who does legal aid, if you may qualify
If you are the respondent
- Understand exactly what you have been served with
- Prepare and organise your response and documents
- Know what to expect at the hearing
- Be referred to a solicitor who does legal aid, if you may qualify
Served with an application? Start here →