Inter-family disputes
Domestic abuse can come in many forms, whether physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial.
If the police are unable to help you, then we have success in obtaining non-molestation injunctions and occupation orders (orders regulating who lives in the family home) against abusers, including on an emergency basis. We also expertly deal with domestic abuse as it arises in all family court proceedings, including divorce, and particularly those involving children; we have success in obtaining child arrangement orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders.
We understand that the marks of domestic abuse cannot always be seen on the surface but can have a devastating impact on you and your family. We know that sometimes, taking the first step to see a solicitor can be a decision that has been difficult to make. We will handle your case sensitively and confidentially, and we can act quickly on your behalf to give tailored advice and apply for the appropriate protection for you and any children.
Our family team is recognised for its excellence by the Legal 500 where we are ranked as a Tier 1 firm in the West Midlands; we have spoken at conferences regarding domestic abuse law all over the country, including to charities who deal with domestic abuse for both men and women.
Several of the solicitors in our dedicated children’s law team have specialist accreditation from the Law Society for their knowledge and experience in acting for clients in children’s proceedings. The cases that they frequently deal with include issues of domestic abuse, so they have the necessary expertise to represent you for a successful outcome. We can offer Legal Aid for domestic abuse cases, so if you think you might qualify, please contact us so that you can speak to a duty solicitor who will be able to advise you further.
If you are sixteen or over and find yourself in circumstances where there is an incident or multiple incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by someone who is or was an intimate partner or family member, this is domestic violence or abuse.
Domestic abuse can come in many forms, whether physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial, even forced marriage. There is a misconception that only women experience domestic abuse, but anyone can be vulnerable and subject to unacceptable situations.
The first step is to report the abuse, to the police – if you’re in immediate danger, call 999 – who will investigate the abuse and be able to protect you from further instances. You should also seek medical assistance for any injuries that you suffer, which you can use as evidence during the case.
If the police are unable to help you, then at Anthony Collins Solicitors we have succeeded in obtaining non-molestation injunctions and occupation orders against abusers, including on an emergency basis – breaching these orders is a crime.
A non-molestation injunction prevents your partner or ex-partner from using threatening violence against you or your children or intimidating or harassing you. Issued by the family court.
An occupation order is different to a non-molestation order in that it regulates who lives in the family home, who can attend the family home, and who is excluded from entering the family home. If you can keep a record of instances of abuse, this can help to support applications for the orders.
We also expertly deal with domestic abuse as it arises in all family court proceedings, including divorce, and particularly those involving children; we have succeeded in obtaining child arrangement orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders.
I just wanted to say thank you so so much for all the support and kindness you showed to myself and the girls at such a difficult time. I’m so grateful to you for helping us. We are in a much better place now and the girls are thriving. Please could you let Chris Lloyd Smith know and also pass on my most sincere thanks to him for his help.
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