Family Lawyer Bristol
It’s an unfortunate fact that not all relationships work out. When most relationships break down, although there may be some resentment between the two parties, it’s unusual for things to turn violent. However, whether as a result of the separation process, or the actual cause of the relationship breakdown, domestic violence does occur; and anyone who is affected by it needs to understand that there are legal steps that can be taken to help them protect themselves and their loved ones.
For any victim of domestic violence the first call should always be to the police. They have the necessary powers to deal with the immediate danger to you and your family. Next you should contact a Family Law Solicitor who will be able to advise you about Protection Orders, and how these legal arrangements can help to keep you safe from any further violence.
Protection Orders
Individuals who apply to the court for a protection order will usually be granted one of the following:
- Non-molestation Order – A non-molestation prevents your partner from harassing you or from causing you any physical harm.
- Occupation Order – This is a court order which aims to remove your abusive partner from the home you shared, and\/or prevent them from coming back.
These orders usually come with the Power of Arrest. This means that if the offending individual ignores the order and continues to act in a threatening way, abuse you or tries to return to your home, they can be arrested and even put in prison.
There are some specific criteria that need to be met in order to apply for either of these orders. You and the person you want to take out the injunction against must be ‘associated’, which means you will need to have been in some sort of relationship as defined by the law. You should also have Matrimonial Home Rights over the property you are wanting to exclude the individual from, and while this usually means a property you own together, that doesn’t always have to be the case.
If you are living in an environment where you or your family are being threatened physically, emotionally or mentally, then you need to seek help from a Family Lawyer. Bristol Family Law Solicitors at our firm can help you to get the legal protection that you need to keep your family safe.