Family Violence & Protection Orders.
Protecting your safety. Supporting your next step.
If you or your children are experiencing harm, threats, or fear from a current or former partner or family member, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Family First Lawyers, we act quickly to help you secure protection, understand your legal options, and take the next step toward safety and stability; with care, confidentiality, and strength by your side.
How we can help
Clear, compassionate legal support in all family law matters involving family violence.
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We prioritise the safety of children and caregivers, helping you secure parenting orders that limit or prohibit contact, establish supervised visits, or include safe changeover arrangements when needed.
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Our team can apply for urgent injunctions under the Family Law Act to prevent harassment, contact, or child removal — ensuring immediate safety for you and your family.
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Where appropriate, we can seek exclusive occupation of the family home so you can remain safely in your residence, even if the property is jointly owned or rented.
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If you’re facing allegations of family violence, we provide calm, strategic guidance to help you present evidence, demonstrate safe parenting, and navigate the process with integrity.
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We’ll help you understand how family violence influences parenting orders and ensure the court has the right evidence to make decisions that protect your child’s wellbeing.
Why Choose Family First Lawyers
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and protected. Our approach combines empathy, swift legal action, and strong advocacy — ensuring you have the clarity, confidence, and protection you need to move forward.
Empathy first
We approach every situation with care and understanding, creating a safe, confidential space where you can share your story without judgment.
Resolution focused
We act quickly to secure your safety — providing clear advice and strong legal protection for you and your children.
Strength when needed
When urgent action is required, we stand firmly by your side — representing you with composure, clarity, and unwavering commitment to your wellbeing.
What to Expect
Your First Steps with Us
When you work with us, you can expect:
A safe, supportive space to share your story confidentially and without judgment.
Clear advice on your legal options and the immediate steps available to help protect you and your children.
Practical guidance to help you understand the process, gather evidence, and access protection quickly.
Transparency from the start, with clear communication about timeframes, costs, and what to expect next.
Steady, compassionate support every step of the way — helping you feel protected, informed, and in control.
Client Testimonials
Real Families, Real Experiences
FAQ
Common Questions About Family Violence & Protection Orders.
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Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), family violence includes any behaviour that is violent, threatening, coercive, or controlling — or causes a family member to feel fearful. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or even social isolation. We can help you understand how the law applies to your situation and what protections are available.
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Examples include assault, threats, stalking, verbal abuse, damaging property, financial control, and isolating someone from friends or family. It can also include exposing children to violence — such as overhearing arguments, witnessing harm, or comforting a victim afterwards.
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You may be able to apply for a Family Violence Order (AVO or ADVO) through the local court, or an injunction under the Family Law Act to prevent contact, harassment, or interference with your children. We’ll help you determine which protection best fits your circumstances and act quickly to secure your safety.
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A Section 68B Order is an urgent court order that restrains a person from approaching, contacting, or threatening you or your children. It can also prevent them from attending your home, workplace, or your child’s school. These orders can be made alongside parenting orders to protect you immediately.
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A Section 114(1)(f) Order can give one person exclusive occupation of the family home — even if it’s jointly owned or rented. This allows you to stay in your home safely while preventing the other person from returning or causing further harm.
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The court prioritises the safety of children and caregivers above all else. Evidence of family violence can affect decisions about shared parental responsibility, visitation, and communication arrangements. We’ll help you present evidence clearly and ensure the court fully considers safety risks in its decision.
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If you’re responding to allegations, we’ll guide you through the process with care and professionalism. We help you prepare evidence, demonstrate your commitment to safe parenting, and ensure your side of the story is heard fairly and respectfully.
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Yes. You can still apply for or respond to parenting orders if there’s a domestic violence order in place. We’ll help you understand how both sets of orders interact and ensure your parenting arrangements remain safe and compliant.
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If your child is in immediate danger, call 000. For ongoing safety concerns, we can help you apply for urgent interim parenting orders and ensure protective measures are included in your case.
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You don’t have to attend mediation if it puts you or your child at risk. We’ll help you apply for an exemption and ensure your matter proceeds safely through the court process instead.