Most people who are served with a family violence intervention order don't know what they should do or the potential consequences of their actions. We're here to help.
If you have been served with an intervention order you have some important decisions to make:
- Should you agree to the order?
- Should you fight the order?
- Should you try to have the conditions changed?
These decisions are critical - and the right approach depends very much on your personal situation. The consequences of making the wrong decision can also be very serious, especially if you are separating from your partner and involved in a family law dispute about the children and their living arrangements.
Negotiating appropriate conditions that are practical can also reduce the risk of breaching an intervention order which is a serious criminal offence. For further information regarding the consequences of breaching an intervention order, including the significant penalties that apply, read this article from a Melbourne-based criminal defence lawyer and accredited specialist.
It's our job to help you assess your options and determine the best approach for your personal situation.
How we can help with Intervention Orders
A family violence intervention order (also known as an IVO or AVO) protects a person from a family member who has committed family violence. Family violence is behaviour between family members that causes fear. It includes emotional and financial abuse, as well as physical violence and sexual abuse.
There are two types of intervention orders:
- an interim order – a short-term order made until a Magistrate can hear all the evidence and make a final decision
- a final order – a longer-term order made if a Magistrate believes a person or persons needs protecting from any further family violence.
The Magistrate will listen to evidence about the order at a hearing. If you want to change any of the conditions or defend the order, you need a family lawyer to represent you.
Our team is here for you. Contact us today.
1. Meet with us
The first step is to attend a confidential meeting with a lawyer from our Family Law team, led by partner, St John Heath.
At this meeting, we will:
- Talk about your personal situation and family relationships
- Clearly explain the options available to you and the consequences of choosing each one.
- Discuss the recommended approach for you.
The first meeting will cost $450 (including GST) and usually takes about an hour and a half.
Sometimes, this meeting is all you need in terms of legal advice. In other situations (for example if you decide to defend the order in court) there will be further legal costs involved.
2. Prepare a cost-estimate
Based on the information gathered at our first meeting, we will prepare a cost-estimate which clearly explains the anticipated costs of appointing us to proceed with the recommended approach. You will need to pay some of this money in advance.
This cost-estimate is based on many years of experience undertaking this type of work. We pride ourselves on working as quickly and as efficiently as possible to keep your costs to a minimum. However, we do not cut corners. Our focus is on getting the best result we can for you.
3. Proceed with the agreed approach
Once you are happy to retain us, we proceed with the agreed approach and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
This may include gathering evidence, engaging a Barrister and representing you at the Magistrate's Court hearing and any subsequent Court appearances.
A Helpful Guide to Successfully Navigating Separation and Divorce
Are you in the process of separating or divorcing? Our free guide to navigating separation and divorce is here to answer your questions!
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