If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent legal advice, call PDA Law on 01244 757352.
Urgent Protection Available

Non-Molestation Orders & Occupation Orders

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, harassment or threats, the court can act quickly to protect you. We can apply for an emergency injunction — sometimes on the same day.

PDA Law acts urgently for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.

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Types of Protective Orders

The Family Law Act 1996 provides two main types of injunction to protect victims of domestic abuse.

Non-Molestation Order

  • Prohibits violence, threats of violence, harassment and intimidation
  • Can prevent all contact — direct and indirect
  • Can be obtained without notice in urgent cases (same day)
  • Breach is a criminal offence — up to 5 years imprisonment
  • Available to associated persons: partners, ex-partners, family members

Occupation Order

  • Regulates who can live in the family home
  • Can require an abuser to leave the property
  • Can prevent return to the property or a defined area around it
  • Can be granted even if the property is in the abuser's sole name
  • Usually granted for a fixed period, extendable by the court

How We Obtain an Injunction

1

Urgent Consultation

We speak with you urgently — by phone if necessary — to understand your situation and advise on the most appropriate protective orders.

2

Preparing the Application

We prepare a witness statement setting out the abuse and the orders you are seeking. In urgent cases, we can prepare this the same day.

3

Without Notice Application

In urgent cases, we apply to the court without notifying the other party. The court can grant an order the same day to protect you immediately.

4

Service and Return Hearing

The order is served on the other party. A return hearing is listed (usually within 14 days) where they can respond. We represent you at the hearing.

5

Ongoing Protection

We advise on what to do if the order is breached and can apply to extend or vary the order as your circumstances change.

Support Resources

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Freephone 24/7: 0808 2000 247

Run by Refuge. Free, confidential advice.

Men's Advice Line

Freephone: 0808 801 0327

Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse.

Cheshire Police

Non-emergency: 101 | Emergency: 999

Serving Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Crewe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is a court order under the Family Law Act 1996 that prohibits a person from using or threatening violence against you, or from intimidating, harassing or pestering you. It can also prevent them from contacting you directly or indirectly. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
What is an occupation order?
An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home. It can require the abuser to leave the property, prevent them from returning, or restrict them to certain parts of the property. An occupation order can be granted even if the property is in the abuser's sole name.
How quickly can I get a non-molestation order?
In urgent cases, the court can grant a non-molestation order on the same day — without the other person being notified first (a "without notice" or "ex parte" application). We can advise on whether an urgent application is appropriate and act immediately. We serve clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire.
Do I need to have been physically harmed to apply?
No. Domestic abuse includes psychological, emotional, financial and coercive control — not just physical violence. Courts can grant injunctions to protect against all forms of domestic abuse, including harassment, stalking and controlling behaviour.
What happens if the order is breached?
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. You should contact the police immediately if an order is breached. The police can arrest the person who has breached the order. Breaching an occupation order can also lead to arrest and committal for contempt of court.
Can I get legal aid for an injunction application?
Legal aid may be available for injunction applications in domestic abuse cases, subject to means and merits tests. We can advise on whether you may qualify. Even if legal aid is not available, we will discuss all funding options with you.
Will an injunction affect my divorce or financial settlement?
An injunction is a protective measure — it is separate from divorce and financial proceedings. However, evidence of domestic abuse may be relevant to financial remedy proceedings and child arrangements. We can advise on how these matters interact.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”

Rebecca H.

Family law client, Chester

* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.

Martin Dias, Family Law Executive with almost 30 years experience at PDA Law

Your Family Law Specialist

Martin Dias

Family Law Executive

Divorce · Financial Settlements · Children MattersAlmost 30 Years' ExperienceFinancial Remedy & Pension Sharing Specialist

Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.

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Get Urgent Injunction Advice

We act urgently for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire and North Wales. Call 01244 757352 or submit an enquiry below.