Domestic Abuse & Violence Solicitors
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Domestic Abuse FAQs
1. What counts as domestic abuse?
2. I’m experiencing domestic abuse – what should I do first?
3. What can domestic abuse solicitors do for me?
A specialist domestic abuse solicitor can:
- Advise you on injunction orders (e.g., non-molestation and occupation orders).
- Represent you in court if necessary.
- Help you gather evidence and prepare applications to keep you safe.
- Refer you to appropriate support organisations for emotional, financial, and housing assistance.
4. What are non-molestation and occupation orders?
- Non-molestation order: Prevents an individual from using or threatening violence, contacting or harassing you, or encouraging others to do so.
- Occupation order: States who can and cannot live in or visit a particular home. This can exclude your abuser from entering the property or being within a certain distance of it.
Both are obtained through the family court and offer legal protection for those experiencing domestic abuse.
5. How quickly can I get a non-molestation or occupation order?
If your situation is urgent, these orders can be applied for swiftly—sometimes without the other person even knowing about it initially (known as an ex parte application). The family court will typically schedule a hearing to decide if the order should remain in place after the abuser has had a chance to respond.
6. Can the police get involved if a non-molestation order is breached?
Yes. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. If someone breaks the terms of their order, the police can arrest them, and they can be prosecuted in criminal courts.
7. I’m worried about leaving my home. Can I force my abuser to move out?
Occupation orders can exclude an abuser from living in or visiting the property if the court believes it’s necessary for your safety and wellbeing. A family law solicitor can help you assess whether an occupation order is suitable in your case.
8. Do I qualify for legal aid if I’m experiencing domestic abuse?
Some survivors of domestic abuse may be entitled to legal aid if they meet specific criteria, such as providing evidence of abuse and meeting financial eligibility requirements. HM & Co. Solicitors do not provide legal aid, but you can explore other avenues such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or check the government’s legal aid guidelines for more details.
9. What should I do if my friend or family member is experiencing abuse?
If someone you know is in immediate danger, encourage them to call 999 or do it on their behalf. Advise them of the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and suggest they speak to a solicitor about options such as injunction orders. Emotional support and practical help (e.g., providing a safe place to stay) are also essential.
10. Where else can I find help or resources on domestic abuse?
- National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247)
- Women’s Aid (local support services)
- Mankind Initiative (male victims, 01823 334244)
- Galop (LGBTQ+ support, 0800 999 5428)
- Refuge (0808 2000 247)
- NSPCC (child safety, 0808 800 5000)
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors
If you need professional legal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out:
Address: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
Telephone: 02071128180
Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Our specialist team at HM & Co. Solicitors is here to help you stay safe, protect your rights, and navigate any legal challenges related to domestic abuse. Please get in touch with us for personalised advice or representation.
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Testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Shocked and surprised!
I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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