Experts in Domestic Violence Protection Orders.
Avoid police intrusion and restore balance to your relationship with the assistance of Donnelly Law Group – expert domestic violence lawyers with 50+ years of combined experience working with protection orders in Queensland.
We regularly help people apply for, vary and contest domestic violence protection orders – helping to ensure both parties’ safety and well-being whilst limiting the state’s intrusion upon your life and relationship. Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation or relationship status, our approachable and sensitive lawyers are here to help.
Our Lawyers Specialise in Domestic Violence Protection Orders
- Applying for Protection Orders.
- Varying Protection Orders.
- Challenging Protection Orders.
- Mediation for Relationship Resolutions.
- All Other Protection Order Matters.
Book An Appointment.
Applying for a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
The domestic violence lawyers at Donnelly Law Group understand that you may not want to involve the police in your relationship or family life.
We regularly help domestic violence victims (the aggrieved) to apply to the Magistrates Court for a domestic violence protection order. This means that you receive court-ordered protection from the respondent without having to make a domestic violence report to the police.
You can feel comfortable having a confidential conversation with our approachable and understanding lawyers. We will listen to you, provide sensitive advice and help you make the best decision for the safety and well-being of you and your family. We can then help you prepare the application form, witness your statutory declaration, lodge the form in court and represent you in court.
Live with confidence again and contact Donnelly Law Group today. Our trained support staff are ready to take your call 24/7 and can arrange your free consultation with one of our specialist domestic violence lawyers.
- Partners being physically abused.
- Partners being verbally abused.
- Partners being stalked.
- Partners being exploited.
- Partners being made uncomfortable.
- Parents worried about their children’s wellbeing.
Contesting a Protection Order.
The domestic violence lawyers at Donnelly Law Group appreciate that protection orders can have devastating effects on your relationship and family life.
We regularly help people accused of domestic violence (the respondent) to challenge protection order applications in the Magistrates Court. This may result in the application being dismissed or the conditions being varied to be more fair to both parties.
Our specialist domestic violence lawyers will help you gather evidence and present your side of the story in court. We will also have open and honest conversations with you about the potential for reconciliation. In some cases, we may arrange for you to attend behavioural courses or counselling to prove to the court that you are making the changes necessary for a better home life.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today and have your voice heard. Our trained support staff are ready to take your call 24/7 and can arrange your free consultation with one of our specialist domestic violence lawyers.
- Partners wanting a second chance.
- Parents losing contact with their children.
- Partners who want to change their behaviour.
- Partners who are wrongfully accused of DV.
- Partners who admit to DV.
FAQs.
What is the difference between a police protection notice, a temporary order and a domestic violence protection order?
A police protection notice (PPN) is a temporary order made by the police. It requires respondents to be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence for 24 hours. It may also mean that the respondent is taken into custody and prevented from contacting the aggrieved or coming within a certain distance of a premises. During this time, the police may apply for a temporary protection order or domestic violence protection order.
A temporary protection order (TPO) is a short-term order made by the court. It aims to protect the aggrieved in the interim period before the court decides whether to make or vary a long-term domestic violence protection order. A TPO application can be made by the aggrieved, a lawyer for the aggrieved or the police.
A domestic violence protection order (DVPO) is a long-term order made by the court. It imposes conditions and restrictions upon the respondent to prevent future domestic violence from occurring. It requires that the respondent is of good behaviour towards the aggrieved (and other named persons (e.g. children)) and does not commit further domestic violence. Other conditions will also likely be imposed upon the respondent (see below).
What must be proven when applying for a domestic violence protection order?
You must apply for a domestic violence protection order at the Magistrates Court. The magistrate may make an order when:
- A relevant relationship exists between the aggrieved and the respondent;
- The respondent has committed domestic violence against the aggrieved;
- The protection order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved from domestic violence.
Contact Donnelly Law Group if you are suffering from domestic violence and wish to apply for a protection order without needing to make a police report. Your well-being, safety and privacy is our top concern.
Are children protected under police protection orders?
The Magistrates Court can include children on a domestic violence protection order if they believe it is necessary or desirable to protect the child from domestic violence.
Children that can be included on a domestic violence protection order include:
- Your children (including unborn children);
- Children who spend time at your home on a regular or on-going basis (e.g. step-children or grand-children).
What conditions are imposed under a domestic violence protection order?
The magistrate will decide what conditions to include when making a temporary protection order or domestic violence protection order. The conditions may include that the respondent:
- Is of good behaviour and does not commit domestic or family violence;
- Is not allowed to possess any weapons or a weapons licence;
- Is not allowed to expose a child named on the order to domestic violence;
- Is not allowed to attempt to locate or approach the aggrieved;
- Is not allowed to be within a certain distance of a premises;
- Is not allowed to contact or attempt to contact the aggrieved (either directly or through someone else);
- Is limited or not allowed to contact a child to the extent necessary to protect the child;
- Must return property that belongs to the aggrieved;
- Any other conditions that the magistrate sees fit.
These conditions last for the duration of the protection order. However, the aggrieved or the respondent can apply to the Magistrates Court to have these conditions varied.
The court may also make an intervention order (with the respondent’s consent), which requires the respondent to attend an approved intervention program and/or counselling to address the respondent’s violent behaviour.
The respondent will not receive a criminal penalty or record when the protection order is made. However, it is a criminal offence if the respondent breaches the conditions (see below).
Do I need a lawyer when applying for a domestic violence protection order?
Donnelly Law Group understands that relationships are complicated. We often help people who are suffering from domestic violence and need protection but don’t want the police intruding upon their private lives.
Our domestic violence lawyers are approachable and understanding. We will listen to you, provide sensitive advice and help you decide on the best path forward for your relationship, your family, your well-being and your safety. In cases where the best option is to apply for a domestic violence protection order, we will help you prepare the application and represent you in court.
Book your free consultation with Donnelly Law Group today and have a team of the best domestic violence lawyers in Queensland professionally prepare your application.
Do I need a lawyer when challenging a domestic violence protection order?
Donnelly Law Group appreciates that having a domestic violence protection order made against you can have devastating consequences on your intimate and familial relationships.
Our domestic violence lawyers often help people who feel a protection order is being made against them unfairly. We can help you gather evidence, challenge the application in court and achieve a fair outcome for all parties.
Book your free consultation with Donnelly Law Group today and have a team of the best domestic violence lawyers in Queensland professionally prepare your defence.
Will my domestic violence lawyer represent me in court?
Donnelly Law Group’s team of domestic violence lawyers will listen to you, provide sensitive advice, gather evidence and prepare your case for you. We will then represent you in court and methodically argue your case to attain the best possible outcome.
What are the penalties for breaching a protection order in Queensland?
In Queensland, it is a criminal offence for a respondent to breach the conditions of a domestic violence protection order.
If it is the first time that you have been convicted of breaching a domestic violence protection order, the maximum penalty is a fine of 120 penalty units or 3 years imprisonment.
If you have been previously convicted of breaching a domestic violence protection order (within 5 years before the current offence), the maximum penalty is a fine of 240 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment.
See our page on Breaching Domestic Violence Orders for more information.
Book a free consultation with Donnelly Law Group if you have been charged with breaching a protection order. Our expert domestic violence lawyers will discuss the circumstances in your matter, collaborate on a defence strategy and fight for the best possible outcome.
Are there any legal defences to breaching a protection order?
Yes, it is possible to defend a breach of a domestic violence protection order (such as when the accused is not made properly aware of the existence of the order).
Donnelly Law Group’s specialist domestic violence lawyers will assess the evidence and circumstances in your case when determining whether any legal defences may apply.
See our page on Breaching Domestic Violence Orders for more information.
What legislation covers domestic violence protection orders in Queensland?
How much does Donnelly Law Group charge for protection order matters?
A lot of people believe that they cannot afford to hire a domestic violence lawyer. But at Donnelly Law Group, we ensure that our legal fees are affordable so that everyone can access high-quality legal representation in Queensland.
We will provide you with a fixed quote after your free initial consultation. A fixed fee ensures that you have total transparency over costs and won’t receive any surprising invoices.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation and receive a fixed quote.
See our page on Legal Fees for more information on payment plans and options.
Can Donnelly Law Group help me if I live outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
Donnelly Law Group regularly represents people living all over the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland (including Toowoomba, Noosa, Maroochydore, Cairns, Townsville, Rainbow Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and more.)
We can hold meetings with our regional clients over the phone, via video conference or in person. Our lawyers travel to courts all over Queensland to represent locals in criminal, traffic, domestic violence matters and bail applications.
It can be difficult to find high-quality legal representation in regional Queensland. Do not hesitate to contact Donnelly Law Group for the best possible outcome in your matter.
