Domestic Abuse Solicitors

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety and the safety of your children is the priority. At T&S Legal, we act quickly to obtain the legal protection you need and provide sensitive, practical advice throughout the process.

We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step. Everything you tell us is treated in the strictest confidence.

Warm sunlight through window curtains representing hope and safety — domestic abuse legal support

Types of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms. The law recognises:

Physical abuse — violence, assault, or physical intimidation
Emotional and psychological abuse — threats, humiliation, isolation, and manipulation
Coercive and controlling behaviour — patterns of behaviour that dominate, isolate, or restrict your freedom
Financial abuse — controlling access to money, preventing you from working, or running up debts in your name
Sexual abuse — any sexual activity without consent

You do not need to have been physically harmed to seek legal protection.

Non-Molestation Orders

A non-molestation order is a court order that protects you from abuse, harassment, or intimidation. The order can prohibit the abuser from:

Using or threatening violence against you or your children
Contacting you directly or indirectly
Coming within a specified distance of your home, workplace, or school
Intimidating, harassing, or pestering you

Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Urgent Applications

In cases of immediate risk, we can apply for a non-molestation order without notice to the abuser — meaning the court can grant protection on the same day without the abuser being present. A return hearing is then arranged so both parties can be heard.

Occupation Orders

An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home. We can apply for an order that:

Requires the abuser to leave the home
Allows you to return to the home if you have been forced to leave
Prevents the abuser from entering a defined area around the property

Occupation orders can be made even if the property is in the abuser’s sole name.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a non-molestation or occupation order if the person you need protection from is:

Your current or former spouse or civil partner
A current or former cohabiting partner
Your fiancé(e) or former fiancé(e) (within three years of the engagement ending)
Someone you have been in a relationship with for more than six months
A family member (parent, sibling, or other relative)

You do not need to be living with the abuser at the time of the application.

What Will the Order Say?

A non-molestation order is tailored to your circumstances. Common provisions include:

The respondent must not use or threaten violence against you or your children
The respondent must not contact you directly or indirectly (by phone, email, text, social media, or through third parties)
The respondent must not come within a specified distance of your home, workplace, or children’s school
The respondent must not damage or dispose of your property

The order will usually include exceptions for contact that is agreed in writing or ordered by the court, for example in relation to child arrangements.

Enforcement

Once a non-molestation order is served on the respondent, any breach is a criminal offence under Section 42A of the Family Law Act 1996. If the respondent breaches the order:

You should call the police immediately — they have the power to arrest the respondent
The respondent can be prosecuted and face up to five years in prison
You can also apply to the family court for committal proceedings

We ensure that orders are properly served so they are enforceable from the outset.

Legal Aid

Legal aid is available for domestic abuse cases. You may qualify if you can provide evidence of abuse, which can include:

Police involvement or criminal proceedings
A relevant conviction or caution
A letter from a doctor, health visitor, or midwife
Evidence from a domestic abuse support service (such as a refuge)
A finding of fact by a court

We can assess your eligibility and help you access legal aid funding if available.

How We Can Help

We provide:

Urgent action — same-day applications for protective orders when needed
Sensitive, confidential advice — we understand the dynamics of abuse and will not judge or pressure you
Support through proceedings — we guide you through every step, including court appearances
Referrals — we can connect you with specialist domestic abuse support services, refuges, and counselling

You Are Not Alone

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For support and advice, you can also contact:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, freephone)
Women’s Aid: womensaid.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

How We Can Help

Non-molestation orders
Occupation orders
Forced marriage protection orders
Emergency without-notice applications
Support through family court proceedings
Safety planning and referrals to specialist support services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a non-molestation order?: A non-molestation order is a court order that prohibits your partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence against you, intimidating, harassing, or pestering you, or contacting you in ways that cause distress. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
How quickly can I get a protective order?: In urgent cases, we can apply for a non-molestation order or occupation order on the same day, without notice to the other party. The court can grant an interim order immediately if there is a risk of significant harm. We will then arrange a return hearing where both parties can be heard.
What is an occupation order?: An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home. It can require the abuser to leave the property, allow you to return to the home, or prevent the abuser from entering a defined area around the property. The order can be made even if the property is in the abuser's name.
Does domestic abuse have to be physical?: No. The legal definition of domestic abuse includes physical violence, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. You do not need to have been physically harmed to seek protection.
Will I have to pay for legal representation?: Legal aid is available for domestic abuse cases. If you can provide evidence of abuse — such as a police report, medical evidence, or a letter from a support service — you may qualify for legal aid to cover the cost of legal representation. We can advise you on eligibility.
What evidence do I need?: While evidence strengthens your application, you do not need to have police reports or medical records to apply for a protective order. Your own statement about what has happened can be sufficient, particularly in urgent cases. We will help you prepare the strongest possible application.
Who can apply for a non-molestation order?: You can apply if the abuser is your current or former spouse or civil partner, a current or former cohabiting partner, a fiancé or former fiancé, a partner you have been in a relationship with for more than six months, or a family member. You do not need to be living together at the time of the application.
How long does a non-molestation order last?: The duration is decided by the judge and depends on the circumstances. Emergency without-notice orders last until the return hearing (usually within 14 days). Full orders can last for a fixed period of several months or years, or in some cases indefinitely. The order can be extended if needed.
Can a non-molestation order be cancelled or changed?: Either party can apply to the court to vary or discharge the order if circumstances change. The respondent (the person the order is made against) can apply to have it set aside at the return hearing. We can advise on the strength of any such application.
What should I do if the order is breached?: If the abuser breaches the order, you should call the police immediately. Breach of a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. You should also contact us so we can advise on any further steps, such as applying for a stronger order or seeking committal proceedings.