Domestic Abuse Support

Domestic Abuse Solicitors in Manchester

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the law in England and Wales offers real protection, and you do not have to face it alone. At MCR Solicitors we act quickly and sensitively for people who need to safeguard themselves and their children from an abusive partner, former partner or family member. Whether you need an urgent court order or considered advice about your longer-term options, our family law team is here to help you take back control.

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, abuse includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and economic abuse, as well as controlling and coercive behaviour and threats. You do not need to have suffered physical harm to be entitled to protection from the courts.

How MCR Solicitors Can Help

Our solicitors advise on the full range of protective legal remedies available under the Family Law Act 1996 and related legislation. We will listen carefully to your situation, explain your options in plain English, and act at the pace your safety requires. We can help you with:

• Non-molestation orders - court orders that prohibit an abuser from using or threatening violence, harassing, intimidating or pestering you or your children. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence.
• Occupation orders - orders that regulate who can live in the family home, and can require an abuser to leave the property or stay away from it and the surrounding area.
• Emergency and without-notice applications - where there is a risk of serious harm, we can apply to the court urgently, sometimes without the other person being told in advance, so that protection can be put in place quickly.
• Arrangements for children - advice on child arrangements, and how allegations of domestic abuse are dealt with by the family court, including safeguarding checks and fact-finding hearings.
• Divorce and separation - support with divorce, dissolution and financial matters where abuse is a factor.
• Referrals to support services - signposting to specialist domestic abuse charities, refuges and the police where appropriate.

Because non-molestation orders and occupation orders fall under the family courts, you may be eligible for legal aid for this type of case, subject to a means and merits assessment. Eligibility rules change from time to time, so we will assess your circumstances and explain the current position; you can also check the latest guidance on gov.uk. We can also discuss private funding options where legal aid is not available.

The Process: What to Expect

Every case is different, but the typical steps for obtaining protection through the family court are:

1. Confidential initial discussion. We talk through what has happened, assess the level of risk, and explain which orders may be appropriate.
2. Preparing your evidence. We help you prepare a witness statement setting out the abuse and why you need protection, along with any supporting evidence such as messages, photographs or medical records.
3. Applying to the court. We prepare and submit the application. In urgent cases we can ask the court to hear the matter quickly, and where necessary without notice to the other party.
4. The hearing. A judge considers the application. If an order is granted without notice, a further hearing is usually listed so the other person can respond. We represent you throughout and can arrange for special measures, such as a separate waiting area or a screen, so you do not have to face the abuser in court.
5. Serving and enforcing the order. Once an order is made it must be served on the other person. We advise you on what to do if the order is breached, including involving the police.

Court timescales vary depending on urgency and local court capacity, so we cannot promise a specific timeframe. What we can promise is that we will treat your matter with the priority it deserves and keep you informed at every stage.

Why Choose MCR Solicitors

MCR Solicitors is a Manchester-based law firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our family law team has significant experience acting for clients in sensitive and often frightening circumstances, and we understand that seeking legal help can itself feel daunting.

• Sensitive, non-judgemental advice. We know how difficult it is to talk about abuse. We listen without judgement and keep your information confidential.
• Prompt action when it matters. We understand the urgency involved in protective proceedings and are set up to act quickly.
• Local knowledge. Based in Manchester, we regularly work within the family courts serving Greater Manchester and the North West.
• Clear communication. We explain the law and your options in straightforward terms, so you always understand what is happening and why.

We cannot guarantee any particular outcome, as every decision ultimately rests with the court, but we will give you honest advice and robust representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse covers far more than physical violence. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 it includes psychological, emotional and economic abuse, sexual abuse, threats, and controlling or coercive behaviour between people who are personally connected, such as partners, former partners or family members. You do not need to have been physically hurt to seek protection.

What is the difference between a non-molestation order and an occupation order?

A non-molestation order is designed to stop an abuser from harassing, threatening or being violent towards you or your children. An occupation order deals with the family home and can decide who is allowed to live there, or require an abuser to leave. The two are often applied for together.

Can I get an order urgently if I am in immediate danger?

Yes. Where there is a risk of significant harm, the court can hear an application urgently and may grant a without-notice order before the other person is informed, followed by a further hearing. If you are in immediate danger, always call the police on 999 first.

Will I have to pay for a solicitor?

Legal aid may be available for domestic abuse cases such as non-molestation and occupation orders, subject to a means and merits test. Eligibility criteria change over time, so we will check whether you qualify and explain any private funding options. Up-to-date information is also available on gov.uk.

Do I have to face the abuser in court?

Not directly. The family courts can put special measures in place, such as separate waiting areas, screens or video links, so that you do not have to be in the same space as the other person. We will make sure any measures you need are requested in advance.