Domestic abuse solicitors

Our domestic abuse solicitors are here to help

Often, those in an abusive relationship find it hard to see how to get out of it. If you or a member of your family is a victim of domestic abuse it is important that you contact our team today.

Our domestic abuse solicitors are experienced in helping people like you to find a way to quickly and discreetly feel safe and secure.

Royds Withy King Family Department are highly recommended in the “The Times Best Law Firms” 2019 survey

Our priority is to make sure you and your family are safe and protected.

We can help victims of domestic abuse – fast

As a victim of domestic abuse, the first thing on your mind will be to remove the threat of further harm, abuse or intimidation – and to protect yourself and your family.

We can do this through something called an emergency non molestation court order. This can remove the immediate threat, or an occupation order could remove your abusive partner’s rights to live in your home for a period of time. Our domestic abuse solicitors have helped many people in your situation. They will work with the utmost sensitivity to provide protection for you quickly.

Funding

As a victim of domestic abuse, you may be entitled to free legal assistance public funding provided certain criteria set by the Legal Aid Agency are met. We are normally in a position to confirm to you whether you are entitled to legal aid by discussing your circumstances and reviewing certain financial documents.

Frequently asked questions about domestic abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is the term used to describe unacceptable and inappropriate verbal, physical, sexual, emotional and psychological behaviour from one person towards another. This abuse may involve an element of control, for example, of finances or of a person’s time and actions. It may be threatened and will not necessarily involve a physical act. Harassment commonly includes offensive and unwelcome phones calls, emails/letters, verbal comments and messages posted on social networking sites.

I think I and my children are in danger – can you help?

Depending on your circumstances, we can help you by providing an individual or a group of individuals, with an appropriate written warning.  If more drastic action is needed for your safety and protection one, then we can help you make an application for one of the following orders;

• Non Molestation Order – This would prevent an abusive/violent person from molesting you and/or your children.
• An Occupation Order – This would exclude an individual from a property and state that you can live there for a specified period.
• A Prohibited Steps Order – This would forbid another person who has parental responsibility for your children from removing them from your care in situation where there have been threats to remove them.

Will legal aid be available to me?

As a victim of domestic abuse, you can be entitled to public funding.  You may need to provide some evidence of the fact that you have suffered domestic abuse.  Access to legal aid depends on your financial circumstances – we can assess your position and let you know whether you qualify.  We will need to see copies of certain financial documents (e.g. bank statements, welfare benefit awards letters, etc.) to do so.

I am being/have been forced to marry somebody against my will – can you help?

If required for your safety and protection, we can assist you in applying for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. This order is to protect a person who is being threatened with a forced marriage or is already in one. It is designed to protect a person according to individual circumstances, e.g. to stop someone from being taken out of the UK.