Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm
South Wimbledon020 8543 3302Tooting020 8767 0800mail@wimbledonsolicitors.net
Wimbledon Solicitors logoWimbledonSolicitorsGet a consultation
Family Law

Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing abuse, you do not have to face it alone, and you do not have to wait until things get worse before you ask for help. The court can act quickly to protect you and your children, and we will guide you through it with care and in complete confidence.

Request a callback020 8543 3302

Protection is available, and it can be quick

Domestic abuse is not only physical violence. The law recognises that abuse can be controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional and psychological harm, and economic abuse, whether it comes from a partner, an ex-partner, or a family member. If any of this sounds familiar, you have the right to ask the court for protection.

Two court orders are most often used to keep people safe. A non-molestation order stops an abuser from threatening, harassing, or harming you. An occupation order decides who can live in the family home. In urgent cases the court can grant protection within days, and sometimes without the other person being told first. We will explain which order fits your situation and what happens at each step.

If it is not safe for us to call or email you, please tell us, and we will agree a way to stay in touch that keeps you safe.

How we can help

The protective orders we apply for most often.

Non-Molestation OrdersA court order that stops someone from threatening, harassing, or being violent towards you or your children.Learn more

Compare your options at a glance

A short summary of each service above. Our fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. Home Office, court and other third-party fees are extra and listed on our price list.

ServiceKey pointFee
Non-Molestation OrdersA court order that stops someone from threatening, harassing, or being violent towards you or your children.£2,500 + VAT

Key facts

The main rules that apply to domestic abuse, with the law or official source for each.

  • Domestic abuse is not limited to violence. The law recognises controlling or coercive behaviour and economic abuse, and children who see or hear abuse are victims in their own right.

    Domestic Abuse Act 2021, ss 1 and 3

  • As well as a non-molestation order, the court can make an occupation order deciding who may live in the family home.

    Family Law Act 1996, ss 33 to 38

  • Victims of domestic abuse may qualify for Legal Aid in family cases if they can provide evidence of the abuse. There is no time limit on that evidence.

    Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) Regulations 2012, reg 33

  • You do not need to attend mediation before applying to the family court where there is evidence of domestic abuse.

    Family Procedure Rules, Part 3

Correct as at October 2026. Rules and fees can change at short notice, so we confirm what applies to you before any application is made. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.

Common questions

A non-molestation order is a court order under the Family Law Act 1996 that forbids someone from molesting you. Molesting covers violence, threats, harassment, intimidation and unwanted contact. It protects people who are associated with the other person, such as a partner, former partner, relative or co-parent. Breaching it is a criminal offence. Read more about non-molestation orders →

In urgent cases the court can make a without notice order on the same day, or within a day or two, before the other person is told. The order takes effect once it has been served on them. A full hearing follows soon afterwards, usually within a short number of days, where they have a chance to respond. Read more about non-molestation orders →

No. Molestation is wider than violence. Following Vaughan v Vaughan, it includes harassment, intimidation, pestering and controlling behaviour that interferes with your peace and well-being. Helpful evidence includes messages, photographs, police references, medical notes and a clear witness statement describing what happened. Read more about non-molestation orders →

Breaching a non-molestation order without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence under section 42A of the Family Law Act 1996. The police can arrest the person, and on conviction a court can impose up to five years in prison. If the order is breached, report it to the police straight away and we can help you with enforcement. Read more about non-molestation orders →

There is no court fee to apply. Legal aid may be available, subject to your financial means and the merits of your case, and evidence of domestic abuse can help you qualify. We will check your eligibility and explain any costs clearly before you decide whether to proceed. Read more about non-molestation orders →

Most orders last between six and twelve months, although the court can make one for longer or until a further order. You can apply to extend it before it expires if you still need protection. If an order has already ended, a fresh application is required rather than an extension. Read more about non-molestation orders →

Talk to someone who understands

You do not need to have decided anything to talk to us. Tell us what is happening, and we will explain your options gently and clearly, with no pressure and no obligation. Everything you share is confidential.

Request a callback020 8543 3302
  • Strictly confidentialYour enquiry is handled with discretion and care.
  • Regulated adviceAuthorised and regulated by the SRA, No. 490744.
  • Urgent helpWhere you are at risk, the court can act urgently to protect you.