A non-molestation order is used to protect victims of domestic violence.  The order prevents an abuser from ‘molesting’ the victim.  This extends to protecting from physical violence, messaging, stalking and harassment.  If this order is breached, it will then become a criminal offence.

To obtain a non-molestation order, the applicant must be associated to the abuser.  This extends to those who are married, those once in a relationship, if they had lived together or those related to one another.  The court will consider all the circumstances and consider the need to secure the health, safety and well-being of the applicant and any children involved.

An Order can be made without the abuser being made aware of it until it is granted.  These Orders are typically granted without notice to the other side where there is risk of significant harm to the applicant.

A non-molestation order typically lasts between 6 months up to a year but can be extended and can last indefinitely.

If you would like any further information or advice, our specialist family lawyers are happy to help. Our lawyers have offices based in Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath and provide assistance to clients across the West Midlands including: Stourbridge, Kidderminster, Birmingham, Dudley and Walsall.