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Intervention Order Lawyer Melbourne
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Whether you are considering applying for an order or have been served with one, understanding the process early is essential. With a strong background in criminal law, our intervention order lawyers in Melbourne provide measured, practical advice to help you understand your position and the steps ahead.
How We Assist With Intervention Orders
Intervention orders are designed to protect individuals, children, and property from harmful or threatening behaviour. These matters can affect parenting arrangements, access to the family home, and future legal proceedings, which is why careful legal guidance is important from the outset.
Our lawyers assist both applicants and respondents by explaining the process in plain language, preparing applications and responses, and guiding matters through the Magistrates’ Court where required. As experienced family violence lawyers in Melbourne, we approach each matter with care, discretion, and a focus on clarity.
Understanding Intervention Orders in Victoria
In Victoria, intervention orders are court orders intended to prevent specific behaviours and provide protection where required.
There are two main types of orders under intervention order Victoria laws:
- Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) – apply where there is a family or intimate relationship
- Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIOs) – apply where no family or intimate relationship exists
The type of order depends on the relationship between the parties and the nature of the behaviour alleged.
Family Violence Intervention Orders
A Family Violence Intervention Order may be sought where behaviour involves physical harm, threats, emotional abuse, coercive control, or behaviour that causes a child to be exposed to family violence. The legal definition of family violence extends beyond physical acts and can include non-physical conduct.
As a domestic violence lawyer Melbourne clients rely on, our role is to explain how the law applies to your circumstances and what protections or obligations an order may involve.
Personal Safety Intervention Orders
A Personal Safety Intervention Order may apply where the parties are not related and do not have an intimate relationship, such as neighbours, colleagues, or acquaintances. These orders address behaviours such as harassment, stalking, or threats.
Our family lawyers in Melbourne provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and what to expect if the matter proceeds through the Court.
Applying for an Intervention Order
An application for an intervention order may be made through the Magistrates’ Court, sometimes with the assistance of Victoria Police. In urgent situations, an interim order may be issued before the matter is fully heard.
Our intervention order lawyer in Melbourne team can assist by:
- Advising on whether an application is appropriate
- Preparing applications and supporting documents
- Appearing at mentions, directions hearings, and contested hearings
- Assisting with variations or extensions of existing orders
Each matter is assessed individually to ensure advice is relevant and proportionate.
If You Have Been Served With an Intervention Order
Being served with an intervention order can be confronting, particularly if it is unexpected. It is important to understand that an interim order may be made without the respondent being present.
If you are served with an order:
- Do not contact the protected person unless permitted by the order
- Read the conditions carefully
- Seek legal advice as soon as possible
Our family violence lawyer in Melbourne team assists respondents by explaining conditions, advising on options, and representing clients at Court where required.
Supporting Clients Through Intervention Order Matters
Intervention order matters require a careful balance of urgency, accuracy, and sensitivity. We focus on helping clients understand their rights and responsibilities, while guiding matters forward in a way that is measured and appropriate to the circumstances.
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important things you should know
Information about intervention orders
‘Family violence’ is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. Emotional abuse of any kind, as well as threatening, controlling, or coercive behaviour are all forms of family violence. Family violence also includes any behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear or witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence. Not all Intervention Orders are taken out due to family violence, but with family violence affecting one in five Victorian women, a large proportion of Intervention Orders are the result of family violence. Victims of family violence should be reassured that they do not have to continue being victim to family violence and that there are a number of support services who can assist.
If you are served with an Intervention Order, it is critical that you do not contact the Protected Person listed on the application without first obtaining legal advice. When you are served with an Intervention Order, usually a member of the Victoria Police will explain the conditions of the order to you. However, the Police are often very busy and only have limited time to explain the order to you. Additionally, most people are surprised to be served with an Intervention Order, and may not fully understand the conditions of the order the first time they see it. We strongly advise that you immediately make an appointment to speak with a lawyer to understand the conditions of the order. Sometimes, the conditions are quite simple. Usually, however, there are several conditions, exceptions, and sometimes other orders already in place that make understanding the order very difficult. For example, the Intervention Order can sometimes suspend Family Court orders. Every Intervention Order is unique, and the Court can include specific clauses depending on the circumstances. You should consider obtaining legal advice as soon as possible; our lawyers are on call to speak to you about your Intervention Order matter.
An intervention order may include conditions such as prohibiting family violence, limiting or preventing contact, restricting proximity to certain locations, and requiring the surrender of firearms or weapons. Conditions vary depending on the circumstances and may also affect parenting arrangements.
Intervention orders can impact parenting arrangements and access to the family home. In some cases, they may suspend existing family law orders. Understanding how different court orders interact is important, particularly where children are involved.
To make an application for an Intervention Order you should first contact your nearest court and make an appointment to see a registrar. The registrar will talk to you about your application and will give you information about legal representation. In certain circumstances, a member of Victoria Police may make an application on your behalf. Children can also be named as Protected Persons on an Intervention Order. A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) can be taken out by yourself or by a Child Protection practitioner on behalf of your child. In these circumstances, the Respondent would likely no longer be able to stay in the child’s home to provide a safer home environment for your child.
Often, the first question someone will ask their lawyer after being served with an Intervention Order is “how did this person obtain an order without me getting to tell my side of the story?” This is because the court process for obtaining an Intervention Order means that the Respondent (i.e. the person who has been served with the Intervention Order) does not need to attend, or even know about, the application at first. The general stages of an Intervention Order are: Application for an Intervention Order; Mention; Consent or Contest of an Order; Directions Hearing; Contested Hearing.
An intervention order itself is not a criminal offence and does not create a criminal record. However, breaching an intervention order is a criminal offence and can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment. Legal advice is recommended if there are concerns about compliance or alleged breaches.
“Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.”
Initial Discussion
Discuss your situation and understand how intervention order laws apply.
Obligation-Free Consultation
We review the details and explain possible pathways and next steps.
Let Us Get to Work
Where required, we assist with preparation, Court appearances, and ongoing advice.
We’re With You. All The Way Through.
If you are seeking an intervention order lawyer in Melbourne who provides clear, respectful, and practical legal guidance, our team is here to help.