Get help with restraining orders
How can Legal Aid WA help?
Our Domestic Violence Legal Unit (DVLU) provides legal advice and assistance to women about family violence issues. DVLU is able to provide legal advice and assistance before matters are in court. DVLU also runs a duty lawyer service at Perth Magistrates Court between 9 am and 1 pm.
DVLU duty lawyers can help with:
• Advice and representation to get a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO)
• Advice and limited representation if you have to come to court for a contested FVRO, and
• Representation during an FVRO shuttle conference.
A DVLU duty lawyer also attends Joondalup Magistrates Court to assist FVRO applicants if an objection to the interim FVRO has been lodged with the court and a first hearing is set.
You can now apply online through Legal Aid WA and other approved legal service providers: Changes to the way you apply for an FVRO.
There is also an online self-help guide to help you apply for an FVRO without being represented by a lawyer.
Although DVLU is a specialist unit for women, our Civil Law Division can give legal advice about Violence Restraining Orders and Misconduct Restraining Orders, for both applicants and respondents. In limited situations, we might be able to give you advice about responding to an FVRO if you have been served with an interim order.
Contact us
Call the Infoline or contact your nearest Legal Aid WA office to find out what help we can give for your situation. If we can’t help, we may be able to refer you to someone else who can.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter.
If you are in immediate danger, phone 000. For non-emergency help from police, call 131 444.
Where else can I get legal help?
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Many Community Legal Centres offer services for people experiencing or at risk of family violence and can advise on FVRO conferences. Respondents with FVRO conferences at Perth Magistrates Court can call the Sussex Street Community Law Service (SSCLS) on (08) 6253 9500 to book an appointment with a lawyer.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people needing help with FVROs may also be able to get help from Family Violence Prevention Legal Services.
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The Law Society of WA can provide information about private lawyers who can provide advice and representation in restraining order cases.
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The Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to give advice if you are the Respondent or Person Bound by an FVRO.
What other services and supports are available to help with family violence?
Details about some of the counselling, information and support services for women, men and children in situations of family violence is available if you want to get help with family violence and your safety.
Reviewed: 5 April 2018
Applying for an FVRO?
