Non-Molestation Order

Clear, confidential legal support

A Non-Molestation Order is a serious court order that can affect your safety, freedom, and future. Whether you have been served with an order or are considering applying for protection, getting the right advice early can make a critical difference.

What is a Non-Molestation Order?

A Non-Molestation Order is a family court injunction designed to prevent one person from harming, threatening, harassing, or intimidating another. It is commonly used in situations involving domestic abuse, which can include:

  • Controlling or coercive behaviour
  • Harassment or repeated unwanted contact
  • Threats or intimidation
  • Emotional, psychological, or financial abuse
  • Physical harm or threats of harm

An order can protect:

  • The person applying
  • Any relevant children

If you or a child are in immediate danger, contact the police.

Important to know (if you’ve been served)

  • Do not contact the applicant
  • Do not attend their home or workplace
  • Get legal advice before responding or attending court
  • Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence.

Key terms (plain English)

Applicant — the person asking the court for protection
Respondent — the person the order is made against

In some cases, the court may also consider an Occupation Order, which deals with who can live in or enter the family home.

Your Options Which Situation Applies To You

  • 01.

    If you’ve been served with a Non-Molestation Order

    Many people feel confused or overwhelmed when they are served with an order. It’s important to understand:

    • Being served does not automatically mean findings have been made against you
    • Breaching the order is a criminal offence
    • What you do next can affect the outcome
    What usually happens next

    If the order was made without notice, the court will usually list a hearing within around 14 days.Before that hearing, you need to consider your position carefully.

    Your possible options

    Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:

    • Accept the order on a no-admission basis
    • Offer an undertaking (a formal promise to the court)
    • Challenge or defend the order

    Each option has legal and practical consequences. Choosing the wrong approach — or doing nothing — can increase risk.

    How we help respondents

    We can help you:

    • Understand exactly what the order says and what it restricts
    • Avoid accidental breaches
    • Assess whether to agree, offer an undertaking, or defend
    • Prepare for the court hearing calmly and proportionately
    Urgent advice if you’ve been served
  • 02.

    If you need protection or want to apply

    If you are experiencing abuse, or fear harm to yourself or a child, a Non-Molestation Order can provide urgent legal protection.
    In some cases, the court can make an order without notice, meaning the other person is not informed until after the order is granted.

    Who can apply

    You must be an “associated person” under the Family Law Act. This usually includes:

    • A current or former spouse or civil partner
    • A fiancé or former fiancé
    • A current or former partner
    • Someone you live with or have lived with
    • A close family member

    There is no automatic guarantee that an application will succeed.
    Evidence, urgency, and risk assessment matter.

    How we help applicants

    We can support you by:

    • Assessing urgency and safety
    • Preparing and submitting the application
    • Advising on evidence and statements
    • Helping you plan next steps beyond the order
    Speak to a lawyer about protection

Clear Advice. Calm Support.

How SKB Law supports you

SKB Law is an award-winning family law firm supporting clients across England & Wales, in person, by phone, or by video. Clients choose us for:

  • Experience with urgent protective orders
  • Clear, strategic advice under pressure
  • Culturally responsive practice
  • Discretion and professionalism
  • Fixed fees where appropriate

Whether you are responding to an order or seeking protection, we help you understand your position and move forward safely.

Next Steps

What Happens Next

In most cases, the next step is an Urgent Strategy Session, where a solicitor will:

  • Review the order, paperwork, and the facts of your situation
  • Explain your legal options clearly, including timeframes and likely outcomes
  • Help you decide the safest and most proportionate next step, based on risk and urgency

You are not locked into any further services. The aim is to give you clear, practical advice so you can make a calm, informed decision — with safety, reassurance, and next steps you understand.