- (07) 3378 8500
- [email protected]
- 1/2059 Moggill Rd, Kenmore, QLD
- Ipswich by Appointment
Domestic and family violence can leave you feeling scared, alone and unsure where to turn. At Ipswich Family Lawyers, we help people in Ipswich apply for protection orders, and we also advise people who have been served with an application. We treat every matter with care and confidentiality, and we explain your options in plain language. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Our initial consultation gives you time to talk through your situation with a family lawyer and leave with clear, practical advice on your next steps. Call (07) 3378 8500 or send us a message to arrange a time.
In Queensland, protection orders are made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012. A domestic violence order (DVO) is a civil court order that requires the respondent to be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence against the person it protects. It can also include extra conditions, such as staying away from your home or workplace, or not contacting you.
Domestic violence is not only physical. It can include emotional, psychological and financial abuse, threats, stalking, and coercive control, which is a pattern of behaviour used to control or isolate someone. Queensland has also made coercive control a criminal offence.
A DVO can protect you, your children, and other people named in the order, such as relatives or a new partner.
Applications for protection orders are heard in the Magistrates Court, including the Ipswich Magistrates Court. You can apply yourself, a lawyer can apply for you, or the police can apply. While the application is being decided, the court can make a temporary protection order to keep you safe.
If you are the respondent, you can consent to the order without admitting the allegations, negotiate the conditions, or contest the application at a hearing. Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence, so it is important to get advice early.
In Queensland, a protection order usually lasts for five years unless the court decides a different period is needed.
Whether you need protection or are responding to an application, we give you calm, clear advice. Here is how we can assist:
We are proud to support families across Ipswich, from Raceview and Redbank Plains to Springfield and Yamanto.
We understand that no two families are the same. Our team takes time to learn about your situation so we can give advice that fits your needs.
Here is what sets us apart:
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’re here to listen, understand your needs, and guide you toward a brighter future for you and your loved ones.
Protection order applications can move quickly. Here is what usually happens at each stage.
Your safety comes first. If you are in danger, call 000. For confidential support at any time, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Once you are safe, talk to us about your legal options.
An application is filed with the Magistrates Court. It explains what has happened and why you need protection. If needed, the court can make a temporary protection order straight away.
The police usually serve the application and any temporary order on the respondent. A temporary order applies from the time the respondent is served or told about it.
At the first court date (the mention), the respondent can consent, ask for time, or oppose the order. If the order is opposed, the court sets a hearing where both sides give evidence and the magistrate decides.
Keep a record: Write down dates and details of incidents, and keep photos.
Save messages: Store threatening texts or emails somewhere safe.
Tell the school: Let your children’s school or childcare know if an order affects pick-ups.
If you are the respondent: Follow any temporary order strictly, even if you disagree with it.
Family violence often affects other parts of separation. We also help with:
Most protection orders last for five years. The court can make an order for a shorter or longer period if it thinks that is needed to protect the person.
No. You can apply yourself, or the police can apply. A lawyer can help you prepare a clear application, ask for the right conditions, and represent you if the respondent opposes the order.
A protection order is a civil order, so it is not a criminal conviction. However, breaching the order is a criminal offence and can lead to a criminal record.
Yes. A respondent can agree to an order being made without admitting any of the allegations in the application.
It can. Family violence is a key safety issue in parenting decisions. If you have parenting orders as well as a protection order, the two need to work together, so get advice about both.
Whether you need protection or have been served with an application, our Ipswich family lawyers will give you clear advice and support you through every step.
Call Ipswich Family Lawyers today or send us a message to book a confidential consultation. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Our initial consultation gives you time to talk through your situation with a family lawyer and leave with clear, practical advice on your next steps. Call (07) 3378 8500 or send us a message to arrange a time.
