How quickly can I get a domestic abuse court order?

In urgent cases, a without-notice application can be heard the same day or the next. The court can act very quickly where there is a risk of harm. Once the order is made and served on the other person, it takes immediate effect.

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Q: What counts as domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It includes emotional abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, financial abuse, threats, stalking, and harassment. It can be carried out by a current or former partner, a family member, or someone you live with. You do not need to have been physically harmed to apply for a court order.

Q: What is a Non-Molestation Order?

It is a court order that stops the abuser from using or threatening violence against you, contacting you, or instructing anyone else to do so. If someone breaches a Non-Molestation Order, it is a criminal offence and they can be arrested. The order can be put in place quickly, sometimes on the same day if urgent.

Q: What is an Occupation Order?

An Occupation Order decides who can live in the family home. It can require the abuser to leave, even if they are named on the mortgage or tenancy. The court will consider your safety, the needs of any children, and the wider circumstances when deciding whether to grant one.

Q: Can the court act without telling the abuser?

Yes. In urgent cases, the court can make an order without giving the other person advance notice. This is called a without-notice application and is used where there is a real risk that telling the other person in advance could put you in danger. The abuser is then notified once the order is in place and given an opportunity to respond at a later hearing.

Q: Do I need evidence to apply for a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order?

You will need to provide a statement explaining what has happened and why you need protection. Supporting evidence such as text messages, photographs, police reports, or medical records can strengthen your application. However, you should not delay coming to us because you do not have all of this ready. We can help you work out what evidence you have and how to present it.

Q: What if my abuser owns our home?

The fact that the abuser owns the property does not prevent the court from making an Occupation Order requiring them to leave. The court can exclude someone from their own home where it is necessary to protect you or your children.

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

Mother and child feeling safe at home after domestic abuse legal protection – Purcell Solicitors Milton Keynes

“Excellent service and highly professional. Purcell’s clearly understood my needs, I would strongly recommend Purcell’s as they got me the outcome I wanted with my family.” – Review Solicitors

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police.

How we can help

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need urgent legal protection, our Family Law Solicitors, who have over 25 years of experience in family law, can help.

Reaching out for help when you are living with abuse takes real courage. Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, financial, or coercive, you deserve to feel safe, and there are legal steps that can protect you and your children quickly.

At Purcell Solicitors, we understand how frightening it can be to take the first step. Our team is experienced in helping people in exactly your situation, and we will handle your case with care, discretion, and urgency. 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.

Two main types of court orders are available to protect you. A Non-Molestation Order stops the abuser from contacting, threatening, or harassing you. An Occupation Order can require the abuser to leave your home, even if they own or jointly own it with you or regulate occupation whilst in the same property. Both can be granted quickly, and in urgent cases, a court can act the same day to make a protective order without notifying the other party in advance.

Why Us?

Why Choose Purcell Solicitors To Assist With Your Domestic Abuse Matter?

We know that when you are in this situation, you need advice that is fast, clear, and genuinely helpful. You will be assigned one of our experienced solicitors who will manage your case from start to finish and be there to answer your questions when you need them.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please do not wait. Our team is ready to listen and to act.

Please get in touch on 01908 693000 or fill in our online contact form.

Woman finding the courage to call a domestic abuse solicitor for urgent legal advice – Purcell Solicitors Milton Keynes

What we can offer

Our domestic abuse legal services

Our domestic abuse solicitors in Milton Keynes will work with you and advise you in relation to:

Advising you on the legal options available and explaining what each order does and how quickly it can be put in place.
Applying for a Non-Molestation Order to stop the abuser from continuing to abuse you or your children.
Applying for an Occupation Order to require the abuser to leave the family home.
Making an urgent, same-day application to the court where there is an immediate risk of harm, without the abuser being told in advance.
Advising on Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, a newer form of protection currently being piloted in certain parts of England and Wales.
Helping you gather and organise the evidence you will need to support your application.
Advising on how a Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order interacts with any criminal proceedings or police involvement.
Advising on legal aid, which may be available if you have experienced domestic abuse and meet the financial eligibility criteria. Whilst Purcell Solicitors do not offer legal aid, we can signpost you to appropriate advisors if needed.
Advising on arrangements for your children and applying for the necessary orders to keep them safe.
Supporting you through the process with clear, honest communication at every stage.

Our-Expertise

Who we are

Our core family law 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