Domestic abuse takes many forms and is not limited to physical violence or threatening behaviour, but can also include coercive control, financial and economic abuse and emotional and psychological abuse. Our domestic abuse solicitors specialise in helping people to escape these unjust and challenging situations.
If you have been impacted by domestic violence, we can assist you in taking the requisite legal steps to bring this to an end and protect yourself and your children.
We also have extensive experience in assisting you if you need to respond to such an application.
Legal options to protect you and your family
In situations of domestic abuse, it is vital to know your legal options. You may be able to apply for non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Non-molestation orders prohibit an abuser from using violence or threatening behaviour against you. This order can provide immediate protection, ensuring you can live without fear of harassment.
Occupation orders determine who can live in the family home. If you need to stay safe from a partner or family member, this order can give you the legal right to occupy your home while removing the abuser.
We can help you make an informed decision as to whether a court order is appropriate in your case. If required, there are several separate orders that can be made to protect you or your children.
When family emergencies arise, it is natural to feel anxious and uncertain about what to do next.
Whether it is a situation involving domestic abuse, a need for an injunction or other urgent matters, we focus on ensuring your safety and protecting your rights.
Our experienced and professional team is ready to support you every step of the way, so you do not have to go through it alone.
Why you should act quickly
In family law, timing can be crucial. Delays can worsen your situation, especially if you are in an unsafe environment.
Our solicitors are ready to respond swiftly. We offer urgent advice and take decisive action to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Your well-being is our priority, and we aim to provide you with the care and assistance you deserve.
If you are facing a family emergency, do not let the situation escalate – contact our emergency family lawyers immediately. We are here to listen, offer support, and take swift legal action to protect you and your loved ones.
Whether you need immediate protection, urgent child arrangements or help with safeguarding your home, we are ready to act.
Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are committed to standing by you through every step of this difficult time.
Let us help you find the resolution and security you deserve.
Thomas Mansfield has an exceptional and highly collaborative team. Whenever my key point of contact has been away, issues are quickly picked up and dealt with by other members of the team, all of whom appear to have a great, collective and collaborative understanding of their clients’ issues.
It’s amazing that you have given us the opportunity to have the children back in our lives. We sat and talked for days about giving up, moving away but we have finally got there. It wouldn’t have been achievable without your help.
All the staff I had dealings were very professional and approachable. I would highly recommend Thomas Mansfield Family Law.
Great service and advice received throughout the entire divorce process.
My divorce was dealt with in a very professional manner. I felt very looked after and cared for, during what was a difficult time.
From the start everyone at Thomas Mansfield was very professional and approachable, as well as be willing to answer any questions that I had.
Hollie is efficient with her time and has a common sense approach to charging. She is empathetic whilst being completely professional at all times.
Hollie has been fabulous helping me through a difficult time. Always there when I needed advice and so helpful, sensitive and understanding.
Thank you for all of your support provided to this stage of my case, your experience and knowledge has been extremely helpful.
These past few months have been extremely stressful, but knowing Hollie is there to help me navigate these difficult divorce waters has helped me immensely.
Hollie has the perfect balance of professionalism and genuine care for her clients.
Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has given great advice, clear explanations and been very thorough and professional in their work.
Efficient team, easy to work with – they have gone above and beyond to help in my case.
I would definitely recommend Thomas Mansfield to anyone going through divorce.
Kate's advice was excellent and nothing was too much trouble - she worked outside office hours to assist me urgently.
I really cannot thank Kate enough. There is no way I would be in the position I am now without her help and expertise.
Great advice and prompt communication by Kate really helped alleviate a stressful process.
The service I have received from Kate Rayner at Thomas Mansfield has been second to none!
The process of a getting divorced is unpleasant and unfamiliar, and so it is important to have quality, compassionate and clear advice. Thomas Mansfield offered this in abundance and together we were able to navigate the unsavoury business as efficiently and as effectively possible.
My divorce was very difficult and I was supported brilliantly throughout from both a legal and empathetic perspective by Kate and the team at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
Kate was friendly and approachable and always able to provide sound advice that helped to move things forward. I highly recommend the services provided.
Service and efficiency. Compassion and transparency
Kate and her team are no nonsense and understanding. They smoothly navigated me through the turmoil. Kate is empathetic, to the point and efficient, at the same time as being on your side.
I had put off seeing a solicitor about my unhappy marriage for years but Kate put me at ease and inspired confidence to move forward.
I’ve been extremely impressed with the service from Kate and the speed with which she acted on my case.
Kate handled my divorce, and did so with amazing professionalism and understanding.
My initial consultation was very informative. Communication was always excellent and the time zone difference was always considered.
Professional, discreet and knowledgeable. I couldn’t have asked for a better service.
Excellent matrimonial and family law advisers and advocates.
Their advice is always excellent, behaviour is always professional, and you genuinely feel they want they best for the client as opposed to making money from them.
Fantastic experience in dealing with a matter, I absolutely recommend Thomas Mansfield should you need some legal advice.
The team have been amazing, explained everything along the way and gave me great advice with my international divorce.
I have been comforted by excellent insight and a calm and effective service. The team provides succinct communication which is action-orientated and targeted towards the objective.
Fantastic service, fast response. Would recommend TM to anybody looking for legal assistance.
Everything was done virtually and my solicitor kept me fully informed throughout. I would definitely recommend Thomas Mansfield for anyone needing a family lawyer.
Clear communications, and an honest and authentic response to challenging questions. They also listen, and properly listen to concerns. I would highly recommend Thomas Mansfield.
My experience of dealing with individuals at the firm is that they demonstrate a great amount of empathy, care and tact at dealing with tricky family law issues.
Simplicity, listening and professionalism! At a very stressful time (involving French and UK laws) the whole process was made clear, helpful and concise.
My situation wasn't an easy one being that it was an international case as well, but Thomas Mansfield Solicitors was brilliant and kept me informed along the way and made it a painless resolution and I can't thank you enough.
Thomas Mansfield have been amazing and truly supportive company when dealing with my situation. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who has any family issues.
From a client's perspective a perfect blend of empathy, professionalism, pragmatism and commitment to giving her all to achieving the best results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your diligence and invaluable assistance throughout this process. Your support has been greatly appreciated.
I had an excellent experience working with Connor during my divorce proceedings. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process.
From the very beginning I felt as if Connor McKee knew his job back to front, had my best interests at heart (even when he occasionally had to tell me that such and such was unrealistic, unreasonable or unwise) and was a thoroughly reassuring ally throughout.
Connor explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every stage, and handled all matters efficiently and with great attention to detail.
Connor helped me to reach a fair result in the fastest time possible. I never felt as if I was just another client. I felt, instead, as if I were a priority. My divorce was in extremely good hands and has ended as well as it could.
Kate Rayner handled my divorce with kindness and understanding whilst at the same time giving me the confidence to advocate for myself in mediation.
As stressful as having to use a family law solicitor firm is in the first place regarding child arrangement, I can wholeheartedly say that Thomas Manfield and Connor McKee in particular has done everything to make it less so. Connor is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, always calm and laser focused on finding a solution.
The service was outstanding and the response time for queries and communication was very quick. Guidance and advice was great, and I am very happy with the service and would recommend Thomas Mansfield!
The service was outstanding and the response time for queries and communication was very quick. Guidance and advice was great, and I am very happy with the service and would recommend Thomas Mansfield!
When you're dealing with something as stressful as a divorce and property transfer, having a solicitor who communicates so effectively makes all the difference... [Connor] remained calm, thorough and proactive, anticipating issues before they became problems... I genuinely felt that Connor cared about my case and was invested in helping me reach the finish line.
Mandy remained a constant source of strength and reassurance. She took the time to explain everything clearly, fought tirelessly on my behalf, and always made me feel supported... Mandy is an outstanding solicitor who combines exceptional legal knowledge with genuine compassion and integrity... I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone needing a family solicitor.
I would highly recommend Sophie for her professionalism, expertise, and consistent support throughout what was a complex financial matter. Sophie provided clear guidance, explained the process thoroughly, and ensured that I understood my options at every stage. She was responsive, approachable, and handled the situation with great attention to detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Non-Molestation Order and who can apply for it?
A Non-Molestation Order is a protective injunction used to prevent an individual from harassing, intimidating or threatening a victim or their children. Anyone experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member can apply. This order can prohibit contact or any form of abuse to safeguard the victim.
What is an Emergency Protection Order and when is it necessary?
An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is a legal measure that grants temporary protection to a child who is at risk of harm or abuse. It allows a child to be removed from their current environment or restricts certain individuals from contacting the child. An EPO is necessary in situations where a child's safety is immediately threatened, and urgent intervention is required.
How quickly can an Emergency Protection Order be obtained?
Emergency Protection Orders can be obtained very quickly, often within hours if there is an imminent risk to the child's welfare. The court prioritises these cases, and immediate evidence of danger to the child must be presented for the order to be granted.
How long does a Non-Molestation Order last and can it be extended?
A Non-Molestation Order typically lasts for a specified period, such as six months or one year, but it can be extended if there is still a risk of harm. The court will review the circumstances and decide on the necessity of an extension.
What is an Occupation Order and what protection does it offer?
An Occupation Order determines who can live in or return to a family home. It can exclude an abuser from the property entirely or regulate who occupies different areas of the home. Occupation Orders can provide legal protection and a safe living environment.
Under what circumstances can I apply for an Occupation Order?
You can apply for an Occupation Order if you are experiencing domestic abuse or threats in your home. The court considers factors like the housing needs of both parties, the conduct of the abuser and the welfare of any children involved when making a decision.
What is financial abuse and how can the law protect me?
Financial abuse involves controlling a person's access to financial resources, making them financially dependent on the abuser. This can include restricting spending, taking control of bank accounts or preventing a person from earning an income. Legal protection can come in the form of restraining orders, financial relief measures or specific protective orders.
What is economic abuse and how does it differ from financial abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse that includes not only financial control but also interference with economic resources like employment, housing or education. While financial abuse focuses on controlling money, economic abuse covers broader economic stability, such as sabotaging employment opportunities or controlling property.
Ready to talk things through?
Speak with our family law solicitors.
Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.
Complete our form to arrange an initial discussion, or call us to speak directly with our family law team.
