Our experienced team of intervention order lawyers in Melbourne is here to offer expert legal guidance and support in all matters related to family violence. Whether you require protection from violence or need assistance in responding to an intervention order, we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to your safety and wellbeing.
With a wealth of experience in family violence matters, we offer expert legal representation and practical advice to help you secure a safe and just resolution. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you through every aspect of domestic violence cases, with a focus on your personal safety and wellbeing.
We recognise the sensitive nature of family violence cases and aim to provide accessible legal services. Our transparent fee structure ensures no hidden charges, giving you peace of mind and value for your legal investment.
Our team offers thorough support across all areas of family violence, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual violence, economic abuse and coercive control. We provide clear, expert guidance on intervention orders, family violence legislation, and family law matters, ensuring you have the protection and support you need.
At Tonkin Legal, we provide expert legal assistance for individuals seeking intervention orders in Melbourne. With years of experience in managing complex family violence cases, our compassionate team offers clear advice and robust representation to ensure your protection and rights are upheld.
Whether you’re applying for an intervention order, dealing with family law matters impacted by family violence, or need support navigating family violence charges, we are here to guide you through every step. We are committed to securing the safety and fair resolution you deserve, offering peace of mind during the legal process.
Family Lawyer, Cassandra Rush, explains what family violence is, the different definitions and dynamics, and most importantly, how to get help.
At Tonkin Legal, we are committed to helping individuals address family violence situations that result in the need for intervention orders, focusing on securing your safety and legal protection. Our experienced team of lawyers in Melbourne provides expert advice on intervention orders and family violence orders, ensuring you understand the process and your rights.
We are here to support you through every step of applying for or responding to these orders, helping to protect you from harm. Our lawyers work tirelessly to secure a fair and just resolution for your case, focusing on achieving the safety and peace of mind you deserve. We can also assist with responding to an intervention order.
Our goal is to protect victims of family violence and help them gain the necessary legal protection through intervention orders or domestic violence orders. We ensure that family members facing threats of violence are supported through the legal system.
We understand that dealing with domestic violence can be overwhelming, and seeking legal advice is essential to protect your personal safety. Our team of family violence lawyers in Melbourne is dedicated to helping clients who are experiencing family violence or need assistance with related legal matters.
Family law matters impacted by violence can be distressing and complicated. Our experienced team are committed to helping you understand your legal options to protect your safety while also addressing any concurrent family law or child protection matters.
We offer sensitive and practical guidance through the legal aspects, ensuring a fair resolution and that your voice is heard. Whether it’s addressing abusive behaviour or securing your future after a relationship ends, we’re here to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your family law matter.
In Victoria, the process for applying for a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) begins by submitting an application through the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, which can be done online via the Family Violence Online system. This allows individuals to apply for an order electronically, making the process quicker and more accessible.
Once the application is submitted, the court will review it and, if necessary, issue an interim order to provide immediate protection. The court will then schedule a hearing to consider whether a final order is needed. Legal advice is recommended to ensure your rights and safety are fully protected throughout the process.
On the day of the hearing, both the applicant (the person seeking protection) and the respondent (the person against whom the order is sought) will attend the Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing, the magistrate will listen to both parties, review evidence, and consider whether a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) should be issued.
If the magistrate grants a final order, it will specify the conditions the respondent must follow, such as not contacting or approaching the applicant. If the respondent agrees to the order, it may be made without further hearings. If the respondent contests the order, the case may be adjourned for further hearings, and the respondent will need to attend.
In cases of non-compliance, the applicant can seek enforcement through the police.
We offer compassionate legal support, providing advice on your rights, options, and safety measures. Our team ensures you understand the steps involved in seeking protection and support for yourself and your family.
We assist with applying for intervention orders, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and your case is presented clearly, providing the legal protection you need to stay safe.
Our lawyers will represent you in the Magistrates’ Court for your intervention order hearing, preparing you for proceedings and advocating for your safety and wellbeing to ensure the protection you deserve.
We assist with modifying existing Family Violence Intervention Orders, ensuring adjustments are made to reflect changing circumstances, such as altering conditions or extending protection where necessary.
If an intervention order is breached, we guide you through the legal process, ensuring the breach is addressed appropriately, and your ongoing safety is maintained, including potential criminal consequences for the respondent.
We support victims of coercive control by providing legal guidance on recognising and addressing this form of abuse through intervention orders, legal remedies and family law support.
We represent individuals in child protection cases involving family violence, advocating for the safety and wellbeing of children throughout complex legal proceedings in family law and child protection courts.
If a child has been removed or is at risk, we assist in securing location and recovery orders to ensure the child’s safety and return, providing prompt legal action for the wellbeing of children and parent/s involved.
In family violence cases, we provide legal assistance with parenting matters, ensuring that intervention orders are incorporated to safeguard both parents and children while achieving fair, safe and legally sound outcomes.
If you’ve been served with an intervention order, we provide clear guidance on your options, whether contesting, accepting, or responding to an order, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
We provide legal support in family law matters affected by family violence, including divorce, property settlements, and custody. We ensure your safety is prioritised while addressing family law matters.
Our team provides expert legal representation in Family Court for matters related to family violence. Whether you’re seeking protection or dealing with property or parenting matters impacted by family violence, our lawyers are here to provide clear, strategic advice.
At Tonkin Legal, we understand the challenges and emotional strain of family violence matters. Our team offers confidential, compassionate legal advice to guide you through the legal process for intervention orders and related family violence issues.
Whether you’re seeking protection or need assistance responding to an order, we are here to help you manage the legal process with care and expertise.
PARTNER – Accredited Specialist in Family Law
St John Heath is a Partner at Tonkin Legal Group and a leading Family Lawyer in Victoria.
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Richard Tonkin is a Consultant Lawyer and one of Victoria’s most experienced and respected Family Lawyers.
In Victoria, a temporary or interim intervention order is called an Interim Family Violence Intervention Order (IVO). This order is made by the court when there is an immediate need for protection, typically before a final hearing.
It provides temporary protection to the affected person until a full hearing can be held to determine whether a permanent order should be issued. Interim orders are designed to ensure the safety of the person at risk while the legal process continues.
The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 is essential legislation in Victoria aimed at safeguarding individuals from family violence. It establishes the legal framework for obtaining Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) and outlines the protections available for affected family members.
The Act addresses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and economic harm, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of victims. It also outlines the responsibilities of those involved and guides legal proceedings in family violence matters.
A ‘protected person’ refers to an individual for whom an intervention order is sought. This person may be at risk of physical or mental harm due to prohibited behaviour. In intervention order proceedings, the court aims to prevent harm by imposing orders to protect the affected person from the respondent.
Yes, breaching an intervention order can lead to serious consequences, including criminal prosecution. If the respondent commits prohibited behaviour, they may face criminal charges. If the respondent is charged with a criminal offence or a breach, this can result in fines or even imprisonment. The court imposes these sanctions to protect the affected person from further harm.
A contested hearing for intervention orders occurs when the respondent disagrees with the order or its terms. During this court hearing, both parties present evidence. The court assesses the case, including any criminal defence lawyers’ arguments, to determine whether the intervention order should be imposed. A contested hearing may involve serious threats or prohibited behaviour.
Prohibited behaviour refers to actions that cause harm or pose a risk to the protected person. This includes physical violence, mental harm, threats, or harassment. In intervention order proceedings, the court will assess if the respondent committed prohibited behaviour and determine the appropriate intervention order based on the evidence presented.
To obtain an intervention order, the protected person must provide evidence of prohibited behaviour, such as police reports, witness testimony, or medical records showing physical or mental harm. This evidence supports the need for an order. Victoria police, witnesses or the affected person may present evidence during intervention order proceedings.
If there is a safety risk, the affected person may not need to attend the intervention order court hearing, but it’s important to confirm this well prior to the court date. A directions hearing may be held where legal representatives, such as criminal defence lawyers or police officers, present the case. The court may proceed without the protected person if it’s too dangerous for them to attend.
A safety plan is a set of actions designed to protect the affected person from further harm, particularly in cases of domestic violence or prohibited behaviour. It may involve notifying Victoria Police, arranging safe accommodation or securing restraining orders. A safety plan helps mitigate the risks associated with intervention orders and provides the protected person with immediate support.
Victoria has two main types of intervention orders: family violence intervention orders and personal safety intervention orders. Both types are civil orders aimed at protecting individuals from prohibited behaviour, such as threats or violence. They have the same effect, but family violence intervention orders apply to intimate relationships, while personal safety orders cover other relationships. If you’re facing either type, it’s important to seek advice from experienced intervention order lawyers.
Tonkin Law is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. Our team uphold the highest protection policies to minimise risk. Read more about our policy here.
Contact us today on (03) 9435 9044
8-10 Flintoff Street
Greensborough
VIC 3088
Email: mail@tonkinlaw.com
Fax (03) 9435 2452
PO Box 241, Greensborough VIC 3088DX98803 Greensborough