Non-molestation

Protective orders

Protective orders

Protective orders

When a relationship becomes difficult or unsafe, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Non-molestation and occupation orders can offer legal protection from threatening behaviour, harassment or unsafe living arrangements.

When a relationship becomes difficult or unsafe, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Non-molestation and occupation orders can offer legal protection from threatening behaviour, harassment or unsafe living arrangements.

When a relationship becomes difficult or unsafe, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Non-molestation and occupation orders can offer legal protection from threatening behaviour, harassment or unsafe living arrangements.

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Different protections. One priority: Your wellbeing

Different protections. One priority: Your wellbeing

Protective orders are designed to help people experiencing threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour, or uncertainty about who can remain in the family home.

There are two main types of orders, each offering different forms of protection.

Protective orders are designed to help people experiencing threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour, or uncertainty about who can remain in the family home.

There are two main types of orders, each offering different forms of protection.

Non-Molestation Orders

Non-Molestation Orders

A non-molestation order is designed to protect you from abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour by a person covered by the relevant family law provisions.

A non-molestation order is designed to protect you from abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour by a person covered by the relevant family law provisions.

Depending on your circumstances, it may prevent someone from:

Depending on your circumstances, it may prevent someone from:

Depending on your circumstances, it may prevent someone from:

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Contacting you directly or indirectly

Contacting you directly or indirectly

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Threatening, intimidating or harassing you

Threatening, intimidating or harassing you

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Coming near your home or other specified locations

Coming near your home or other specified locations

The exact restrictions depend on the terms of the order.

The exact restrictions depend on the terms of the order.

Occupation Orders

Occupation Orders

An occupation order determines who can live in or access a home in certain circumstances.

An occupation order determines who can live in or access a home in certain circumstances.

Depending on your circumstances, it may:

Depending on your circumstances, it may:

Depending on your circumstances, it may:

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Require someone to leave the property

Require someone to leave the property

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Restrict access to the home or certain areas

Restrict access to the home or certain areas

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Allow you to remain in the property

Allow you to remain in the property

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Establish temporary living arrangements

Establish temporary living arrangements

Eligibility and the terms of an order depend on your legal relationship to the property and other relevant circumstances.

Eligibility and the terms of an order depend on your legal relationship to the property and other relevant circumstances.

Recognising when you may need legal protection

Every home has a story. Every situation is different.

Every home has a story. Every situation is different.

There isn't one single situation that leads someone to seek a protective order. Every relationship and every set of circumstances is different.

There isn't one single situation that leads someone to seek a protective order. Every relationship and every set of circumstances is different.

You may wish to explore your options if:

You may wish to explore your options if:

You may wish to explore your options if:

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You're experiencing harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour.

You're experiencing harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour.

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You're concerned about your safety or wellbeing following separation.

You're concerned about your safety or wellbeing following separation.

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You feel unsafe sharing a home with a former or current partner.

You feel unsafe sharing a home with a former or current partner.

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You need clarity about who can remain in the family home.

You need clarity about who can remain in the family home.

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You believe urgent legal protection may be necessary.

You believe urgent legal protection may be necessary.

A clearer path towards protection

Applying for a protective order can feel daunting, particularly when you're already navigating a difficult situation.

Our role is to help you understand the process, prepare the necessary documentation and know what to expect at each stage.

woman holding a phone and man looking at the phone. both are smiling
woman holding a phone and man looking at the phone. both are smiling

How we help

Clear guidance. Transparent costs.

Seeking legal protection shouldn't mean facing uncertainty about legal fees too.

We offer fixed-fee services for non-molestation and occupation order applications, with costs structured around the different stages of your case.

You'll know what's included before proceeding, so you can make informed decisions about the support you need.

When waiting isn't an option

Every home has a story. Every situation is different.

Every home has a story. Every situation is different.

In some circumstances, the court can consider urgent applications for protective orders without first notifying the other party.

If you're concerned about your safety, seeking legal advice promptly can help you understand what protection may be available and how to apply.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For a non-emergency police response, call 101.

Protective orders, explained. (FAQ's)

Children FAQ's

What is a non-molestation order?

A non-molestation order is a court order designed to protect someone from abusive, threatening, intimidating or harassing behaviour by a person covered by the relevant family law provisions. The restrictions depend on the circumstances and the terms of the order.

How quickly can a non-molestation order be obtained?

In urgent cases, the court may consider an application without notifying the other party beforehand. The timing depends on the circumstances, the evidence and court availability. An immediate order cannot be guaranteed.

What is an occupation order?

An occupation order regulates who can occupy or access a home in certain circumstances. It may allow someone to remain in the property, restrict another person's access or require them to leave.

Do I need to attend court?

You may need to attend one or more hearings, depending on how the application progresses. Some urgent applications can initially be considered without a hearing attended by both parties. Your solicitor can explain what to expect.

Can I apply for both orders together?

Yes, where the legal requirements for both orders are met, it may be appropriate to apply for a non-molestation order and an occupation order together. The court considers the requirements for each order separately.

Because weโ€™re family, we understand yours.

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Ramage & Ramage Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA ref 8013071. Ramage and Ramage Ltd is registered with Companies House, ref. 15886626. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes.

ยฉ 2026 Ramage & Ramage. All rights reserved.

Ramage & Ramage Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA ref 8013071. Ramage and Ramage Ltd is registered with Companies House, ref. 15886626. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes.

ยฉ 2026 Ramage & Ramage. All rights reserved.

Ramage & Ramage Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA ref 8013071. Ramage and Ramage Ltd is registered with Companies House, ref. 15886626. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes.

ยฉ 2026 Ramage & Ramage. All rights reserved.