Injunctions – Family Law Solicitors

You can apply if you are a parent, guardian, or anyone with parental responsibility for a child, or if you need protection from abuse or harassment. This includes applying for urgent injunctions or injunctions without notice in cases of immediate risk.

A prohibited steps order prevents a parent or guardian from taking a specific action regarding a child, such as taking them out of the country, changing their school, or making medical decisions without consent. You must demonstrate that the order is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.

A specific issue order resolves disputes about particular decisions affecting a child, such as education, health, religion, or contact with relatives. This order allows one parent or guardian to make a decision when the parties cannot agree.

An occupation order regulates who can live in or enter a family home. It is often used to exclude an abusive partner or to secure a parent and children’s residence. Emergency occupation orders can be applied for if immediate protection is needed.

Yes, in urgent situations where there is a risk of immediate harm, you can apply for an injunction without notice. This means the other party is not informed before the order is made. The court will usually schedule a hearing later where both parties can present their case.

The duration depends on the type of order. For example, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders may last until a particular event occurs, such as a child reaching a certain age. Occupation orders are often temporary (six to twelve months) but can be extended or varied.

You should provide witness statements, medical reports, school or childcare records, proof of threats or abuse, and any previous court orders or agreements. Strong documentation is critical to securing a prohibited steps order, specific issue order, or occupation order.