What happens if someone breaks a Non-Molestation Order?

Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence. You should report any breach to the police, who have the power to arrest the person. The matter is then dealt with in the criminal courts. Depending on the nature of the breach, the court may impose a fine or a custodial sentence.

Will there be a court hearing for a Non-Molestation Order?

Yes. If the order was made without notice to the other person, there will be a further hearing at which they can attend and respond. If the other person received notice of the application, both parties attend the initial hearing. We will prepare you for what to expect and represent you at the hearing.

How long does a Non-Molestation Order last?

A Non-Molestation Order usually lasts for between six and twelve months. If you still need protection when it expires, you can apply to the court to extend it. We can advise on whether an extension is appropriate in your circumstances.

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Q: What does a Non-Molestation Order actually do?

It is a court order that forbids the named person from threatening, harassing, or using violence against you or the children. It can also prevent them from asking anyone else to do so. The precise terms can be tailored to your situation, for example preventing contact by phone, email, or social media, or prohibiting them from coming near your home or workplace.

Q: Who can apply for a Non-Molestation Order?

You can apply if the person you need protection from is what the law calls an associated person. This includes current or former partners, spouses, civil partners, family members, people who live or have lived with you, and the other parent of your children. You do not need to be married to the person, and the relationship does not need to have been romantic.

Q: How quickly can I get a Non-Molestation Order?

If the risk of harm is immediate, we can apply to the court on the same day if needed, without telling the other person in advance. The court can make an order very quickly in those circumstances, with a further hearing set for the other person to attend and be heard. If the situation is less urgent, the application is made with notice and the other person has an opportunity to respond at a hearing.

Q: What if I am not sure I have enough evidence?

Come and speak to us first. Many applications succeed on the basis of a detailed, well-written statement. Supporting documents such as messages, photographs, medical notes, or a police log can strengthen the case, but they are not always essential. We can advise you on the strength of your evidence at a first meeting.

Jump to: How We Can Help Why Us? What We Can Offer Our expertise Frequently Asked Questions

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How we can help

If you need a Non-Molestation Order to protect you or your children from harassment, threats, or abuse, our Family Law Solicitors have over 25 years of experience in family law.

A Non-Molestation Order is one of the most effective legal protections available to victims of domestic abuse. It is a court order that prohibits the other person from threatening, harassing, contacting, or engaging in violence against you and can provide bespoke protection for your circumstances. Breaching the order is a criminal offence, which means the police can arrest someone who breaks it.

Courts can act quickly. In very urgent situations, we can apply for a Non-Molestation Order on the same day, without giving the other person a warning. Once the order is made and served, it takes immediate effect. Once made final, the order typically lasts for six to twelve months and can be renewed.

At Purcell Solicitors, we advise couples across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, and the wider Thames Valley. Our team is ranked in Chambers and Partners for family and divorce law, and all of our solicitors are Resolution members committed to helping you reach sensible, fair agreements in a non-confrontational manner.

Why Us?

Why Purcell Solicitors?

We will take the time to understand your situation properly, advise you on the strongest way to present your case, and guide you through every stage of the process. Where the risk of harm means we cannot wait, we will act as soon as possible.

If you need a Non-Molestation Order, do not wait. The sooner you take advice, the sooner we can act to protect you.

Please get in touch on 01908 693000 or fill in our contact form and one of our solicitors will contact you to discuss.

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What we can offer

Our non-molestation order services

Our non-molestation order solicitors in Milton Keynes will work with you and advise you in relation to:

Advising you on whether a Non-Molestation Order is the right protection for your circumstances.
Preparing and submitting your application to the family court, including your supporting statement.
Making an urgent, without-notice application to the court on the same day where there is an immediate risk of harm.
Helping you identify and gather the evidence that will support your application.
Advising on what the order will and will not cover, and how its terms can be shaped to fit your situation.
Explaining what happens at the court hearing and what you should expect.
Advising on what to do if the order is breached, including reporting it to the police.
Applying to extend or vary the order if your circumstances change.
Advising on applying for an Occupation Order at the same time, if you also need this protection.

Our-Expertise

Who we are

Our non-molestation order team is made up of

Pauline Purcell, Managing Director, Family Solicitor, Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer and Family Arbitrator, with over 30 years of experience.

Mandi Austin, Director, Family Law Solicitor, a member of Resolution and an accredited specialist on the Law Society Family Law Panel, with over 25 years of experience in family law as a qualified solicitor.

Lisa Buckridge, Director, Family Law Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer, Family Mediation Council-accredited Mediator, and fully accredited in Child Inclusive Mediation, with over 20 years of experience in family law

Haidee French – Family Law Solicitor, a Member of Resolution and an accredited specialist on the Law Society Family Law Panel with over 12 years of experience in family law

Stephanie Dodman, Family Law Solicitor, member of Resolution.

Chantelle Pusey, Trainee Solicitor