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What can it do for me? - Interim FVROs

A Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) is one tool that might help keep you safe from family violence.

Before you apply for an FVRO, you should think about whether having an FVRO will actually help improve your safety. There might be other orders in place, or other ways you can get protection[...]

Restraining orders

If someone else is using violence, making threats, or behaving in a way that makes you feel unsafe or upset, you may be able to get a restraining order against them from a court or from the police. If you are in immediate danger, phone 000. This section goes through the different types of[...]

Restraining orders dealing with neighbours

If someone else is using violence, making threats, or behaving in a way that makes you feel unsafe or upset, you may be able to get a restraining order against them from a court or from the police. If you are in immediate danger, phone 000. This section goes through the different types of[...]

Court procedure for FVROs

Applying to a court for a family violence restraining order (FVRO) may be a new experience for you.

The court will usually hear your application as soon as possible. When you fill in the paperwork asking for an FVRO, you have the option of having the first hearing without the person you want the[...]

Keeping kids safe - Interim FVROs

If you are leaving an abusive relationship, it's best to take your children with you if you can do so safely.

If you are applying for a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) and your children have seen, heard or experienced family violence, you can ask the court for your FVRO to also cover your[...]

Who can apply? - Interim FVROs

You can apply for an FVRO against someone if you are, or have been, in a family relationship with that other person.

You are called the 'Applicant' or 'Person seeking to be protected'. The person you want the order against is called the 'Respondent' or the 'Person bound' if an order is made.

[...]

Infosheets and factsheets

This page provides access to all the infosheets and factsheets that Legal Aid WA has available for the public. Choose a heading below to access the infosheets and factsheets on that topic.

FAMILY

Family violence and your safety
Separation and divorce
Making decisions[...]

Changes to the ways you can apply for an FVRO

Recent changes to the law in WA have made it easier for some people to apply for a family violence restraining order (FVRO).

Interim Family Violence Restraining Order guide

If you need protection from violence, threats or abuse from a family member (or former family member), you may want to apply for a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO). An FVRO is a court order that can be made to suit your situation requiring a family member: to stay away from you to stop[...]

Conferences in FVRO cases

You might be applying for a family violence restraining order (FVRO) and have seen the question ‘Do you agree to the matter being listed for a conference?’ or heard about FVRO conferences and want to know what they are.

You might be responding to an FVRO application and have seen the question on[...]

Get help dealing with neighbours

How can Legal Aid WA help?

We do not normally give legal advice on disputes with neighbours unless it involves a restraining order. You may be able to get help with dividing fences and neighbourhood disputes through a virtual office appointment.

Contact us

Call the Infoline, Legal Yarn (for First[...]

Can I get one? - Interim FVROs

A Family Violence Restraining Order is a court order made against your partner, ex-partner or another family member. It is designed to stop: violence or threats of violence, or other sorts of behaviour or a pattern of behaviour that coerces or controls you, or causes you to be fearful. This section[...]

Domestic Violence Legal Unit - 30 years of service

This year Legal Aid WA’s Domestic Violence Legal Unit marks 30 years of service to the Western Australian community.

Serving a claim

If you have filed a claim in the Magistrates Court of WA, the next step is to give the defendant a copy of the claim against them. This is called serving the claim.

Serving a claim is very important, as you cannot do anything else to progress your case until the defendant has been served with the[...]

I didn't get an interim FVRO - Interim FVROs

If the magistrate did not grant your application for an interim FVRO, you have several options.

You can:

proceed with your application and go to a final order hearing
withdraw your application and reapply if there is a new incident of family violence
consider appealing the decision
look at[...]

Keeping safe - Interim FVROs

This section has information and practical tips about safety planning. Always put your safety first If you or your children are in immediate danger: call the police on 000 call the Infoline for urgent legal advice on 1300 650 579 call Crisis Care on 1800 199 008 The safety of you and your children[...]

Types of offences

This information talks about state offences only, not commonwealth offences.

There are many different state criminal offences contained in a range of statutes including, for example:

Criminal Code (WA)
Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA)
Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA)
Firearms Act 1973 (WA)
R[...]

Changing final Family Court orders

When making parenting orders, including consent orders, the Family Court expects everyone involved in the case to follow the arrangements.

You must do everything a parenting order says as they are binding court orders. This means taking all reasonable steps to follow the order. There can be serious[...]

Telling your story - Interim FVROs

The court can only make an FVRO if the grounds for the order are met. You must explain why you need the FVRO and satisfy the grounds.

When you go into court, you will need to give evidence to support why you need an interim FVRO.

You must order your thoughts and think about the most important[...]

After an interim FVRO is made - Interim FVROs

Having an interim FVRO from the court is only one part of the process of applying for a final restraining order. There are a few important things to understand about your interim FVRO at the end of the first hearing. Your interim FVRO will not come into force (does not start) until the police serve[...]

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