Clear, confidential legal support
A Non-Molestation Order is a serious court order that can affect your safety, freedom, and future.
If you or a child are in immediate danger, contact the police immediately.
A Non-Molestation Order is a family court injunction designed to prevent one person from harming, threatening, harassing, or intimidating another. It is commonly used in situations involving domestic abuse, which can include:
An order can protect the person applying and any relevant children.
Many people feel confused or overwhelmed when they are served with an order. It’s important to understand:
If the order was made without notice, the court will usually list a hearing within around 14 days. Before that hearing, you need to consider your position carefully.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to: accept the order on a no-admission basis, offer an undertaking (a formal promise to the court), or challenge or defend the order. Each option has legal and practical consequences.
We help you understand exactly what the order says, avoid accidental breaches, assess whether to agree, offer an undertaking, or defend — and prepare for the court hearing calmly and proportionately.
Many people feel uncertain or frightened when they believe they need a protective order. It's important to understand:
If your situation is urgent, a solicitor can apply for an order without the other person being notified first. A hearing will usually follow within a few days, giving both parties the opportunity to be heard.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Non-Molestation Order to prevent harassment or threats, an Occupation Order to regulate who lives in the family home, or both. Each carries different legal thresholds and effects.
We help you understand which order is right for your situation, gather the evidence needed to support your application, and represent you at court — acting quickly when your safety requires it.
SKB Law is an award-winning family law firm supporting clients across England & Wales, in person, by phone, or by video. Whether you are responding to an order or seeking protection, we help you understand your position and move forward safely.
Experience with emergency applications and without-notice orders.
Calm, precise guidance under pressure — no jargon.
Sensitive to cultural context and community dynamics.
Your situation is handled with complete confidentiality.
Transparent pricing so you know where you stand.
We work with clients across England & Wales, however suits you.
In most cases, the next step is an Urgent Strategy Session with a solicitor.
A solicitor reviews the order, paperwork, and the facts of your situation — clearly and without judgement.
We explain your options clearly, including timeframes and likely outcomes, so you can make an informed decision.
We help you decide the safest and most proportionate next step — based on risk and urgency. You are not locked into any further services.
A Non-Molestation Order protects a person (and any relevant children) from harm, threats, harassment or controlling behaviour. An Occupation Order is different — it deals with who can live in or enter the family home. The two can be applied for together where appropriate.
Yes. Where there is a real and immediate risk, the court can make a “without notice” (ex parte) order so the respondent is not alerted in advance. A return hearing is then listed, usually within around 14 days, where both sides can be heard.
Breach of a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence. It can be reported to the police and result in arrest, charge, prosecution, and a custodial sentence of up to five years. It can also be dealt with as contempt of court in the family courts.
Most orders are made for between six and twelve months, but they can be made for longer or until further order, depending on the circumstances. They can also be extended, varied, or discharged on application to the court.
No, but most people benefit from one. A solicitor will help you prepare a clear, properly evidenced statement, navigate without-notice procedure, and present your case at the return hearing. Strong applications turn on detail and the right legal framing.
Read the order carefully and comply with every term — do not contact the applicant or attend their home or workplace. Do not respond to provocation. Then get specialist legal advice before the return hearing so you understand your options and prepare a proportionate response.
Legal aid may be available for applicants in domestic abuse cases, subject to means and merits tests and acceptable evidence of abuse. SKB Law is a private firm; we can advise on private fee options and signpost you to legal aid providers where appropriate.
A Strategy Session with SKB Law is a focused, lawyer-led meeting. You’ll leave with a clear picture of where you stand, your options, and a written action plan.