If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we can provide the protection, advice and representation you need. We can take immediate steps to keep you and your children safe, both now and in the long term. Our domestic abuse solicitors in Eastbourne are understanding and supportive, and if you call us today, we will do everything possible to assist.
We know how hard it is to deal with an abusive partner. If you ask us to help you, we will ensure that you have the representation necessary to protect you and your family.
All of our family team are ambassadors for the Women’s Aid 'Ask Me' scheme and have had training in understanding domestic abuse and providing a supportive response. As scheme members, we are passionate about ending domestic abuse.
Our domestic abuse solicitors in Eastbourne offer a full range of services, including:
- Legal advice on domestic abuse
- Applications for non-molestation orders
- Applications for occupation orders
Where necessary, we deal with related issues such as domestic violence, divorce, child arrangements and prohibited steps orders preventing individuals from taking certain actions in respect of children.
If you ask our experienced domestic violence lawyers to help, you can trust us to:
- Explain everything in plain English, and answer your questions as needed
- Always be available to speak to you, whenever you need to contact us
- Be transparent about our costs, so that you know how much our services will cost from the start
Get in touch with our experienced domestic abuse solicitors in Eastbourne
For legal advice on domestic abuse, contact our solicitors in Eastbourne.
Or fill in our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch shortly.
Our domestic abuse services in Eastbourne
Legal advice on domestic abuse
If you need help from one of our domestic abuse lawyers, we will start by assessing what has happened and taking the time to understand your situation. We can discuss the options open to you and provide any help you may need with related issues such as arrangements for children, divorce and a financial settlement.
We will establish the key issues that need to be dealt with and, where necessary, take urgent steps to protect you and your children, including in domestic violence and divorce cases.
We deal with all types of abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, and abusive behaviour such as coercion, control, gaslighting and violence.
We offer an initial no-obligation fixed-fee interview. This will give you the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have and raise any points of concern.
Applications for non-molestation orders
A non-molestation order is a type of injunction. It can prevent someone from threatening, harassing and intimidating you and your children. Communicating with you can also be stopped, including coming to your home, your workplace or your children’s school.
We can ask the court to make an emergency non-molestation order where necessary. This can be done ‘without notice’, so that the individual is not told about the application until after the court has made the order.
An emergency order made without notice can be used if:
- You are at risk of significant harm
- You may be prevented or deterred from making the application if you cannot have an order now
- Your abuser has avoided having notice of a hearing served on them
Once we have obtained a non-molestation order, we will arrange for it to be served on the person in question. You should not do this yourself.
It is a criminal offence to breach a non-molestation order, meaning that the police will have the power to arrest someone if necessary.
Where necessary, we can apply to have a non-molestation order extended, to ensure that your protection continues.
Applications for occupation orders
An occupation order is also a type of injunction. It sets out details of who can enter your home and the areas of your home someone is entitled to access.
Your abuser could be excluded from your home, or limits could be placed on the rooms they can enter.
In deciding whether to make an order, the court will consider the risk of significant harm, including to any children who are involved. It will also consider each of your need for housing and relevant available financial resources. If the potential harm you might suffer outweighs any potential harm that might be caused to the other party by excluding them from the property, then the court will generally make the order.
An emergency order can be made where necessary.
An occupation order lasts for six months, but it is possible to apply for an extension if necessary.
Frequently asked questions about domestic abuse
I am worried my partner will be abusive if I leave. How can I handle this?
This is a common concern, however, legislation exists that offers protection. An emergency injunction may be appropriate. If you speak to us confidentially, we can discuss the first steps in helping you deal with the situation.
We know how complex domestic abuse situations often are. We have the expertise to take decisive action and put the protection you need in place without delay.
What evidence do I need for domestic abuse?
If you are able to gather evidence, this can help support our application for an injunction.
You can keep a record of what has happened as well as photographs of any injuries or recordings, provided that you can do this safely.
Police and GP records may also be useful. Anyone who has witnessed abusive behaviour may be prepared to give a statement.
It is important to prioritise your safety. We can provide guidance on useful information and ways to secure this while also avoiding difficulties.
What should I do about domestic abuse?
Taking the first step in dealing with domestic abuse can be incredibly hard. If you call us, we can arrange an initial no-obligation, fixed-fee meeting to take matters further. This is your opportunity to explore the available options and gain some understanding of how you can deal safely with the situation you are in.
We routinely help those experiencing domestic violence, and our solicitors for domestic abuse will handle your case carefully and with great attention to detail, ensuring you have the support and representation you need.
We have a sound understanding of the way in which domestic violence defences are made and we will ensure that your case is robust and well-presented.
If you can call us today, we are ready to take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your children have a safer future.
What organisations help with domestic abuse in Eastbourne?
Respect works with domestic violence perpetrators, male victims of domestic violence and young people’s violence in close relationships.
The Freedom Programme provides programmes and courses, including an online course.
The Change Grow Live portal for Eastbourne and East Sussex offers advice and information.
Get in touch with our experienced domestic abuse solicitors in Eastbourne
For legal advice on domestic abuse, contact our solicitors in Eastbourne.
Or fill in our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch shortly.