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Domestic Abuse Solicitors - Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders

 

 If you are in danger, getting legal protection quickly is our first priority. 

We act quickly to protect you and your family

Domestic abuse is not always physical. It includes coercive and controlling behaviour, psychological abuse, harassment, financial control, and threats, all of which the law recognises and can protect against.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the courts can act quickly to put legal protection in place.

A Non-Molestation Order can be obtained urgently, in some cases within 24 hours, without the abuser being told in advance.

Our family law team deals with these cases with the urgency, discretion, and sensitivity they require.

We will always put your safety first.

What we can help with

Non-Molestation Orders, preventing harassment and violence

Occupation Orders, requiring an abuser to leave the family home

Emergency without-notice (ex-parte) applications

Advice on evidence and what the court needs

Support through the court hearing process

Coordination with police and safeguarding services

Urgent advice on leaving safely, including property and financial protection

Applications for protection for children

Make a confidential enquiry

All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence. We will get back to you as soon as possible. 

 

How we help you get protected

If you are in immediate danger, call 999

Our team can act quickly to put legal protection in place, but if you are in immediate danger please call 999 first. Once you are safe, contact us and we will move as quickly as the law allows to get a protective order in place.

1

Contact us

Call us or complete our confidential enquiry form. All initial enquiries are treated with complete discretion and urgency.
2

Assessment

We assess your situation and advise on the best protective orders to apply for, whether a Non-Molestation Order, Occupation Order, or both.
3

Application

We file the application on your behalf. Where your safety requires it, we apply without giving notice to the abuser.

4

Attendance at Court

We will attend Court with you or arrange for representation from one of the trusted barristers we work alongside.
5

Court order

Once granted, we will arrange service of the documentation on the other party. The order is then legally enforceable. Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest.

Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders explained

There are two main types of protective order available to victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales. In many cases, both are applied for at the same time.

Key things you should know

  • A Non-Molestation Order prohibits the abuser from using or threatening violence, harassing, pestering, or intimidating you or your children. Breaching it is a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of 5 years.
  • An Occupation Order regulates who can live in, enter, or approach the family home. It can require the abuser to leave and prevent them from returning.
  • Both orders can be granted urgently without the abuser being told in advance, known as a without-notice or ex-parte application.
  • There are no court fees for these applications.

Why choose Ansons for domestic abuse and protective orders

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Urgent applications when you need them

We can make emergency court applications, in some cases within 24 hours, to put legal protection in place as quickly as possible.

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Without-notice applications where appropriate

Where telling the abuser in advance would put you at greater risk, we apply without giving them notice.

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Sensitive and confidential

We handle these cases with complete discretion. Your safety and wellbeing come first in everything we do.

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Experienced Court representation

We will attend court with you or arrange representation from one of the trusted barristers we work alongside.

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Support through the hearing

We prepare your statement and explain every step of the process so you know what to expect.

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Joined-up support

Alongside legal protection, we can signpost you to specialist support services, refuge, and safeguarding resources.

You do not have to face this alone

Our family law team handles domestic abuse cases with urgency and complete discretion. Talk to us in confidence.

Frequently asked questions

If you are unsure where to start, the FAQs below cover the questions we hear most often. Our Family Law team is on hand if you want to talk through anything specific.

 

Simply give us a call on 0121 716 3716

What is a Non-Molestation Order and how quickly can I get one?

A Non-Molestation Order is a court injunction that prohibits an abuser from contacting, harassing, or threatening you or your children. In urgent cases, an order can be granted within 24 hours without the abuser being told in advance. Non-Molestation Orders are usually granted for 12 months. Breaching the order is a criminal offence. There are no court fees for the application.

Can I apply for a Non-Molestation Order without the abuser knowing?

Yes. In cases where telling the abuser would put you at greater risk, we can make a without-notice (ex-parte) application. The court can grant the order without the abuser being present. They are then served with the order and a hearing is listed for both parties to attend.

What is an Occupation Order?

An Occupation Order is a court order that can require an abusive partner or family member to leave the family home and stay away from it. Occupation Orders are usually granted for six months initially and can be renewed. The court weighs up the harm to each party and their housing needs.

Your Family Law Experts

Our Family Law team is here for people, not just cases. Approachable, compassionate, and focused on securing the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones. Combining specialist expertise with clear, practical advice, they guide you through life’s most challenging moments with sensitivity, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.

Latest Insights.

Explore Ansons Insights for the latest legal updates, case reviews, and practical advice from our team across commercial, property, family, and private client law.

Serving clients across Staffordshire and the West Midlands

 

Ansons has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Dudley, and Sutton Coldfield. All four offices cover family law matters, and our team regularly supports clients across the wider region, including Tamworth, Burntwood, Rugeley, Walsall, Birmingham, and surrounding areas.

Domestic abuse solicitors in Lichfield

Our Lichfield family law team handles urgent applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. If you are in an emergency, call us as soon as you are safe to do so. We will act quickly.

St Mary's Chambers,
5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ

T: 01543 263 456
E: info@ansons.law

Domestic abuse solicitors in Cannock

Clients across Cannock, Hednesford, and Rugeley can access urgent domestic abuse legal support from our family law team. Your safety comes first.

Commerce House, Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7FJ

T: 01543 466 660
E: info@ansons.law

Domestic abuse solicitors in Sutton Coldfield

Our Sutton Coldfield family law team provides urgent and confidential support for victims of domestic abuse across the Royal Town and into the West Midlands. We can move quickly when the situation requires it.

 

316-318 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2UG

T: 0121 716 3716
E: info@ansons.law

Domestic abuse solicitors in Dudley

Our Dudley office provides urgent domestic abuse legal support for clients across the Black Country and West Midlands. We handle Non-Molestation and Occupation Order applications with urgency and sensitivity.

 

Unit 10, Castle Court 2, Castlegate Way, Dudley, DY1 4RH

T: 0121 550 0010
E: info@ansons.law