🆘 In immediate danger? Call 999 | Need support right now?

0808 2000 247 National DA Helpline (24hr)
0808 168 9111 Victim Support
116 123 Samaritans (24hr)

Your Complete Protection Guide

Everything you need to know about legal protections, support services, and your rights as a victim of domestic abuse in the UK

🛡️ What This Guide Covers

  • Your fundamental rights under the Victims’ Code
  • All UK protective orders explained (Non-Molestation, Occupation, Restraining, DVPOs, DAPOs, SPOs)
  • Key legislation including Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  • Home Office guidance on coercive control and stalking
  • Court support measures for vulnerable witnesses
  • Specialist support services and how to access them
  • Children’s protections and family court guidance
⚖️

Your Legal Rights

The Victims’ Code gives you fundamental rights including information, support, protection, and having your voice heard throughout the justice process.

Read Full Victims’ Code →
🛡️

Protective Orders

Multiple court orders exist to protect you: Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, Restraining Orders, DVPOs, DAPOs, and Stalking Protection Orders.

📞

Support Services

Free, confidential support is available 24/7. IDVAs, ISVAs, and specialist services can help you navigate the system and stay safe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Children’s Protection

Children are now legally recognised as victims of domestic abuse. Special protections exist under the Children Act 1989 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

💡 Important to Know

You don’t need to have reported to police to access most support services. Many orders can be obtained without the abuser knowing in advance (without notice). Legal aid is often available for domestic abuse cases.

The Victims’ Code

Your fundamental rights as a victim of crime in England and Wales

What is the Victims’ Code?

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime sets out the minimum level of service victims should receive from criminal justice agencies. It establishes 12 key rights that agencies must uphold.

📋

Right to Information

  • Be informed about what to expect from the criminal justice system
  • Receive updates on your case progress
  • Be told about available support services
  • Get information in a language you understand
🛡️

Right to Protection

  • Have your needs assessed for support and protection
  • Access special measures if you’re vulnerable
  • Be protected from contact with the offender at court
  • Have bail conditions considered for your safety
💬

Right to Be Heard

  • Make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS)
  • Have your statement considered in sentencing
  • Express views about decisions affecting you
  • Challenge decisions through the Victims’ Right to Review
🤝

Right to Support

  • Access free support services at any time
  • Receive support regardless of whether you report
  • Get help from specialist domestic abuse services
  • Access Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

📌 Enhanced Rights for Domestic Abuse Victims

As a victim of domestic abuse, you have enhanced entitlements including:

  • Automatic eligibility for special measures in court
  • Priority access to support services
  • Information about the offender’s release from prison
  • Referral to Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) if high risk
📄 Download Full Victims’ Code →

UK Protective Orders

Complete guide to all court orders available to protect you from domestic abuse

🛡️ Non-Molestation Orders

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What it does: Protects you from harassment, intimidation, violence, or unwanted contact from the abuser.

A Non-Molestation Order Can:

  • Prohibit the abuser from using or threatening violence
  • Stop intimidating, harassing, or pestering behaviour
  • Prevent contact by phone, text, email, or social media
  • Keep the abuser away from your home, workplace, or children’s school

Who can apply: You can apply if you are or were in a relationship with the abuser, are family members, or have lived together (including same-sex relationships).

How to apply:

  1. Complete Form FL401
  2. Submit to your local family court (no fee required)
  3. Court may grant immediately without notice if you’re in danger
  4. Full hearing scheduled within 14 days

Duration: Usually 6-12 months but can be extended

⚠️ Breach is a Criminal Offence

Breaking a non-molestation order can result in arrest and up to 5 years in prison.

Official Guidance →

🏠 Occupation Orders

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What it does: Determines who can live in the family home, often used to exclude the abuser.

An Occupation Order Can:

  • Require the abuser to leave the home
  • Prevent the abuser from returning to or entering the home
  • Exclude the abuser from a defined area around the home
  • Allow you to remain in or return to the home
  • Regulate removal of belongings

How to apply: Same as non-molestation order – complete Form FL401 and submit to family court.

Duration: Varies depending on your housing rights – can be 6 months to indefinite.

⚠️ Breach Consequences

Breaching an occupation order can result in arrest and contempt of court proceedings.

Official Guidance →

⚖️ Restraining Orders

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What it does: Issued by criminal courts following conviction OR acquittal to protect victims from further harassment.

Key Features:

  • Applied for by the prosecution (CPS)
  • Can include no-contact provisions
  • Can set exclusion zones
  • Can be indefinite or for a fixed period
  • Can be granted even if defendant is acquitted

Duration: Can be indefinite or for a specified period set by the court.

⚠️ Criminal Offence to Breach

Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

CPS Guidance →

🚨 Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs)

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What it does: Emergency protection issued by police immediately after a domestic violence incident.

Key Features:

  • Applied for by police (not by the victim)
  • Provides immediate “breathing space”
  • Can require perpetrator to leave the home
  • Prohibits contact with the victim

Duration: 14-28 days maximum

💡 Note: Being Replaced by DAPOs

DVPOs are gradually being replaced by the more flexible Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) in pilot areas.

🆕 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)

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What it does: New, more flexible protection orders introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

What Makes DAPOs Different:

  • No time limit: Unlike DVPOs (max 28 days), DAPOs can last as long as needed
  • Covers all abuse: Physical, psychological, economic, coercive control, stalking
  • Multiple applicants: Police, CPS, victims, charities, or courts can apply
  • Cross-jurisdictional: Can be issued by criminal, family, and civil courts
  • Electronic tagging: First time family courts can order electronic monitoring

📍 Current Pilot Areas (November 2024)

  • Greater Manchester Police (over 500 orders issued)
  • Three London boroughs (Croydon, Bromley, Sutton)
  • British Transport Police
  • Cleveland Police (from early 2025)
  • North Wales Police (from early 2025)

⚠️ Breach Penalty

Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

Home Office Guidance →

👁️ Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs)

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What it does: Provides early intervention in stalking cases to protect victims before behaviours escalate.

⚠️ Major Update – April 2024

The standard of proof for SPOs was lowered from criminal (beyond reasonable doubt) to civil (balance of probabilities), making it significantly easier for police to protect stalking victims early.

SPOs Can Include:

  • Contact prohibitions
  • Exclusion zones
  • Social media and technology restrictions
  • Mandatory treatment programs
  • Notification requirements

Duration: Minimum 2 years, can be varied, renewed, or discharged

⚠️ Breach is Criminal

Breaching an SPO is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine.

Stalking Protection Guidance →

💒 Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs)

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What it does: Protects someone being forced into marriage or who is already in a forced marriage.

An FMPO Can:

  • Prevent a marriage from taking place
  • Stop intimidation and violence
  • Require passports to be surrendered
  • Prevent someone being taken abroad
  • Require disclosure of someone’s whereabouts

Who can apply: The person at risk, relevant third parties (police, social services), or anyone with court permission.

⚠️ Criminal Offence

Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

Forced Marriage Guidance →

🚫 FGM Protection Orders

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What it does: Protects girls and women at risk of female genital mutilation.

An FGM Protection Order Can:

  • Prevent someone being taken abroad for FGM
  • Require passports to be surrendered
  • Prohibit specific people from having contact
  • Require regular welfare checks

⚠️ Criminal Offence

Breaching an FGM Protection Order is a criminal offence punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

FGM Guidance →

Quick Comparison: All Protective Orders

Order TypeCourtWho AppliesDurationBreach Penalty
Non-MolestationFamily CourtVictim (FL401)6-12 months (can extend)Up to 5 years prison
OccupationFamily CourtVictim (FL401)6 months – indefiniteContempt of court
RestrainingCriminal CourtProsecution (CPS)Fixed or indefiniteUp to 5 years prison
DVPOMagistratesPolice14-28 daysFine or prison
DAPOAny courtMultiple (including victim)No limitUp to 5 years prison
SPO (Stalking)MagistratesPoliceMinimum 2 yearsUp to 5 years prison
FMPOFamily CourtVictim or third partyAs court decidesUp to 5 years prison
FGM ProtectionFamily CourtVictim or third partyAs court decidesUp to 5 years prison

Key UK Legislation

Understanding the laws that protect you

📜

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Landmark legislation that transformed domestic abuse recognition and response in England and Wales.

  • First statutory definition of domestic abuse
  • Recognises children as victims
  • Creates new DAPO powers
  • Prohibits cross-examination by abusers
  • Strengthens duty to provide support
Full Legislation →
👨‍👩‍👧

Children Act 1989

The primary legislation governing children’s welfare in family proceedings.

  • Child’s welfare is paramount
  • Child Arrangement Orders
  • Prohibited Steps Orders
  • Specific Issue Orders
  • Section 7 welfare reports
Full Legislation →
🏠

Family Law Act 1996

Provides for non-molestation and occupation orders to protect domestic abuse victims.

  • Non-molestation orders
  • Occupation orders
  • Rights to occupy family home
  • Provisions for associated persons
Full Legislation →
🚨

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Creates criminal offences of harassment and stalking.

  • Criminal offence of harassment
  • Stalking offences
  • Restraining orders
  • Civil remedies available
Full Legislation →
⛓️

Serious Crime Act 2015 (Section 76)

Created the criminal offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate relationships.

  • Criminalises coercive control
  • Up to 5 years imprisonment
  • Covers non-physical abuse
  • Applies to current/former partners
Full Legislation →
👤

Human Rights Act 1998

Protects your fundamental rights including the right to life, liberty, and freedom from inhuman treatment.

  • Article 2: Right to life
  • Article 3: Freedom from torture
  • Article 8: Right to private/family life
  • Article 14: Freedom from discrimination
Full Legislation →

Home Office Statutory Guidance

Official government guidance documents for understanding and responding to domestic abuse

📘

Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Statutory Guidance

Comprehensive guidance on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, including the statutory definition, duties, and implementation.

  • Statutory definition of domestic abuse
  • Guidance for public authorities
  • Local authority duties
  • Support in safe accommodation
Download Guidance →
⛓️

Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Guidance

Updated April 2023. Detailed guidance on identifying and prosecuting controlling or coercive behaviour.

  • Definition and examples of coercive control
  • Pattern of behaviour indicators
  • Evidence gathering guidance
  • Impact on children
  • Post-separation abuse
Download Guidance →
👁️

Stalking Protection Orders Guidance

Updated April 2024. Guidance on Stalking Protection Orders including the new civil standard of proof.

  • What constitutes stalking
  • Application process for SPOs
  • New civil standard of proof
  • Conditions that can be imposed
  • Breach procedures
Download Guidance →
🆕

DAPNs & DAPOs Police Guidance

November 2024. Operational guidance for police forces on Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders.

  • When to issue a DAPN
  • Application for DAPOs
  • Electronic monitoring provisions
  • Breach enforcement
Download Guidance →
🔍

Clare’s Law (DVDS) Guidance

Guidance on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – your right to ask and police right to tell.

  • Right to Ask: Request information about partner’s history
  • Right to Know: Police can proactively disclose
  • How to make a request
  • What information can be shared
Download Guidance →
💒

Forced Marriage Guidance

Multi-agency statutory guidance for dealing with forced marriage cases.

  • Recognising warning signs
  • Forced Marriage Protection Orders
  • Multi-agency response
  • Criminal offence of forced marriage
Download Guidance →

💡 Clare’s Law – Your Right to Know

Right to Ask: You can ask police if your partner has a history of domestic violence or violent behaviour. You don’t need evidence – just reasonable concern for your safety.

Right to Know: Police can proactively tell you about a partner’s violent history if they believe you’re at risk, even if you haven’t asked.

How to apply: Contact your local police force or visit a police station. A decision is usually made within 35 days.

Court Support & Special Measures

Protections available to help you give your best evidence in court

🛡️ Automatic Eligibility

As a victim of domestic abuse, you are automatically eligible for special measures in court. You don’t have to prove you need them – they’re your right.

📺

Special Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses

Court accommodations to help you give evidence safely and effectively.

  • Give evidence by live video link from another room
  • Screens to shield you from the defendant
  • Pre-recorded video interview as evidence
  • Evidence given in private (public removed)
  • Removal of wigs and gowns
  • Communication aids and intermediaries
Full Guidance →
🚫

Prohibition on Cross-Examination

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, your abuser cannot cross-examine you directly in family court.

  • Abuser prohibited from questioning you directly
  • Court must appoint a qualified legal representative
  • Applies in family proceedings
  • Also applies in criminal courts
🗣️

Intermediaries

Communication specialists who help vulnerable witnesses understand questions and give answers.

  • Help you understand court questions
  • Assist in communicating your answers
  • Support during police interviews
  • Available for neurodivergent witnesses
Intermediary Guidance →
📝

Victim Personal Statement (VPS)

Your opportunity to describe how the crime has affected you and be heard by the court.

  • Describe emotional and psychological impact
  • Explain physical effects
  • Detail financial consequences
  • Can be read aloud in court
  • Considered during sentencing
VPS Guidance →

📋 Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) Guidelines

Police and prosecutors must follow ABE guidelines when interviewing you, which include:

  • Interviews in a comfortable, safe environment
  • Questions appropriate to your needs
  • Video recording of interviews for evidence
  • Breaks when you need them
  • Support person present if required
ABE Guidance →

Specialist Support Services

Free, confidential help available to you

🤝

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

Specialist trained professionals who provide independent support to high-risk victims.

  • Safety planning and risk assessment
  • Support through the criminal justice process
  • Help with housing, benefits, and legal issues
  • Court accompaniment
  • Referrals to other services

How to access: Ask police, your GP, or contact your local domestic abuse service

💜

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

Specialist support for victims of sexual violence, including sexual abuse within domestic abuse.

  • Emotional support and practical help
  • Information about reporting options
  • Court support and accompaniment
  • Help accessing counselling

How to access: Contact your local sexual violence service or Rape Crisis

🏠

Refuge & Safe Accommodation

Emergency and longer-term safe housing for those fleeing domestic abuse.

  • Emergency refuge accommodation
  • Dispersed safe housing
  • Support with children
  • Help finding permanent housing
⚖️

Legal Aid

Free legal representation may be available for domestic abuse cases.

  • Available for family court proceedings
  • No means test for injunctions
  • Evidence of abuse required for some applications
  • Check eligibility on GOV.UK
Check Eligibility →

📞 Key Support Organisations

🆘 National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

24 hours, 7 days a week – Free & confidential

nationaldahelpline.org.uk

💪 Refuge

0808 2000 247

Emergency accommodation and support

refuge.org.uk

❤️ Women’s Aid

Live chat available

Information, support, and services directory

womensaid.org.uk

🤝 Victim Support

0808 168 9111

24/7 support for all crime victims

victimsupport.org.uk

👨 Men’s Advice Line

0808 801 0327

Support for male victims of domestic abuse

mensadviceline.org.uk

🏳️‍🌈 Galop

0800 999 5428

LGBTQ+ domestic abuse support

galop.org.uk

📞 Rape Crisis

0808 500 2222

Support for sexual violence survivors

rapecrisis.org.uk

👁️ Suzy Lamplugh Trust

0808 802 0300

National stalking helpline

suzylamplugh.org

⚖️ Rights of Women

0808 802 0028

Free legal advice for women

rightsofwomen.org.uk

🏡 SafeLives

Works to transform the response to domestic abuse

safelives.org.uk

💬 Bright Sky App

Free app with support directory, safety planning, and journal

hestia.org/brightsky

💚 Samaritans

116 123

24/7 emotional support – Free to call

samaritans.org

Children & Family Protections

Safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse

⚠️ Children Are Recognised as Victims

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who see, hear, or experience the effects of domestic abuse are legally recognised as victims in their own right – even if they weren’t directly physically harmed.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Children Act 1989

The child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration in all decisions about children.

  • Welfare checklist guides all decisions
  • Child Arrangement Orders
  • Prohibited Steps Orders
  • Specific Issue Orders
  • Section 7 welfare reports
Full Legislation →
📋

Practice Direction 12J

Requires family courts to properly investigate domestic abuse allegations before making child arrangements orders.

  • Courts must consider domestic abuse
  • Fact-finding hearings may be needed
  • Risk assessment required
  • Protective measures for parent and child
Full Practice Direction →
🔍

Cafcass

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – represents children’s interests in family courts.

  • Safeguarding checks
  • Domestic abuse screening
  • Child impact reports
  • Voice of the child
Cafcass Website →
📝

C100 & C1A Forms

Forms for child arrangement applications and disclosing domestic abuse/safeguarding concerns.

  • C100: Child Arrangements application
  • C1A: Allegations of harm and domestic abuse
  • Must be completed when abuse present
Download Forms →

📚 Working Together to Safeguard Children

Statutory guidance requiring all agencies to work together to protect children from harm, including from domestic abuse.

  • Multi-agency safeguarding arrangements
  • Information sharing protocols
  • Child protection procedures
  • Early help assessments
Full Guidance →

Support for Children & Families

👶 NSPCC

0808 800 5000

Child protection helpline

nspcc.org.uk

📞 Childline

0800 1111

Free helpline for children and young people

childline.org.uk

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Rights Group

0808 801 0366

Advice for families involved with children’s services

frg.org.uk

🏡 Shelter

0808 800 4444

Housing advice and support

shelter.org.uk

Emergency Contacts & Crisis Support

Immediate help when you need it most

🆘 In Immediate Danger?

Call 999

If you can’t speak, dial 999 then press 55 when prompted. This signals to the operator that you need help but can’t talk.

🚨 Emergency Services

999

Police, Ambulance, Fire

Silent call: Dial 999, press 55

💜 National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

24 hours, free & confidential

nationaldahelpline.org.uk

🤝 Victim Support

0808 168 9111

24/7 free support line

victimsupport.org.uk

💚 Samaritans

116 123

24/7 emotional support – Free

samaritans.org

👨 Men’s Advice Line

0808 801 0327

Mon-Fri 10am-8pm

mensadviceline.org.uk

🏳️‍🌈 Galop (LGBTQ+)

0800 999 5428

LGBTQ+ domestic abuse support

galop.org.uk

📞 Rape Crisis

0808 500 2222

Sexual violence support

rapecrisis.org.uk

👁️ Stalking Helpline

0808 802 0300

Mon-Fri 9:30am-4pm

suzylamplugh.org

💒 Forced Marriage Unit

020 7008 0151

Government helpline

gov.uk/forced-marriage

🚫 Karma Nirvana

0800 5999 247

Honour-based abuse support

karmanirvana.org.uk

👶 NSPCC

0808 800 5000

Child protection concerns

nspcc.org.uk

📱 Childline

0800 1111

For children & young people

childline.org.uk

📱 Helpful Apps

  • Bright Sky: Free app with support directory, safety planning, and secure journal
  • Hollie Guard: Personal safety app with alerts
  • What3Words: Share precise location in emergencies

Family Court Forms Guide

Simple explanations of all the forms you may need – with direct download links

💡 How to Use This Guide

Click on any form to expand and see what it’s for, when to use it, and download it directly. All forms are free from GOV.UK. If you’re unsure which form you need, start with the “Which Form Do I Need?” section below.

🤔 Which Form Do I Need?

  • Want to apply for child arrangements? → C100 + C1A (if abuse)
  • Need protection from abuse/harassment? → FL401
  • Responding to someone else’s application? → C7
  • Need to tell court something urgently? → C2 or C66
  • Want to enforce an existing order? → C79
  • Need to discharge/change an order? → FL403 or C2
  • Applying for divorce? → Online at GOV.UK

📋 Children Act Forms (C-Series)

📝 C100 – Child Arrangements Application

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What it’s for: Apply to court for decisions about your children – where they live, when they see each parent, or other specific issues.

Use this form to apply for:

  • Child Arrangements Order: Who the child lives with and spends time with
  • Prohibited Steps Order: Stop the other parent doing something (e.g., taking child abroad)
  • Specific Issue Order: Decide a specific dispute (e.g., school choice, medical treatment)

Fee: £232 (fee exemption available if on certain benefits)

Important: If there’s domestic abuse, you MUST also complete C1A

MIAM: You usually need to attend mediation first, but domestic abuse victims are exempt

Download C100 →

⚠️ C1A – Allegations of Harm (CRITICAL)

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What it’s for: Tell the court about any domestic abuse, violence, or safeguarding concerns about your children.

⚠️ You MUST complete this if:

  • There has been domestic abuse (physical, emotional, financial, coercive control)
  • You have concerns about the children’s safety
  • There’s been violence, drug/alcohol abuse, or mental health concerns affecting the children
  • There’s risk of child abduction

Fee: Free (submitted with C100)

Tip: Be specific with dates, incidents, and impact on children. This form triggers safeguarding checks.

Download C1A →

📄 C2 – Application Within Proceedings

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What it’s for: Ask the court for something during ongoing proceedings, or apply for permission to do something.

Use this form to:

  • Ask court to add/remove a party to proceedings
  • Request permission to instruct an expert
  • Apply to vary or discharge an existing order
  • Request specific directions from the court
  • Ask for leave to make an application

Fee: £232 (some applications may be free)

Download C2 →

📋 C4 – Application for Leave

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What it’s for: Apply for permission (leave) to make a Section 8 application if you’re not automatically entitled to apply.

You need leave if you’re:

  • A grandparent or other relative wanting contact
  • A step-parent who hasn’t lived with the child for 3+ years
  • A foster carer
  • Anyone else who doesn’t have automatic right to apply

Fee: £232

Download C4 →

✉️ C7 – Response to Application (Acknowledgement)

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What it’s for: Respond to someone else’s application about your children. Tells the court your position.

This form lets you:

  • Confirm you’ve received the application
  • State whether you agree or disagree
  • Give your side of the story
  • Raise your own concerns about the children

Fee: Free

Deadline: Must be returned within 14 days of receiving the application

Important: If you have safeguarding concerns, also complete a C1A

Download C7 →

🔒 C8 – Confidential Contact Details

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What it’s for: Keep your address and contact details confidential from the other party.

⚠️ Essential for Safety

If you’re fleeing domestic abuse, in a refuge, or your address being known would put you at risk – USE THIS FORM. The court will keep your details private.

Fee: Free

Tip: Submit with your main application (e.g., C100 or FL401)

Download C8 →

🚨 C66 – Urgent/Without Notice Application

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What it’s for: Ask the court to deal with something urgently, or make an order without telling the other party first.

Use this when:

  • There’s immediate risk to a child
  • Risk of abduction
  • Telling the other party would defeat the purpose
  • You need emergency protection

Fee: Varies (may be included with main application)

Note: You must explain why it’s urgent and why the other party shouldn’t be told

Download C66 →

⚖️ C79 – Enforcement Application

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What it’s for: Ask the court to enforce a Child Arrangements Order when the other party isn’t following it.

Use this when:

  • The other parent is refusing contact
  • Child arrangements aren’t being followed
  • You need the court to take action

Fee: £232

Court can order: Unpaid work, compensation, transfer of residence in serious cases

Download C79 →

🛡️ Family Law Act Forms (FL-Series) – Protection Orders

🛡️ FL401 – Non-Molestation/Occupation Order Application

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What it’s for: Apply for protection from domestic abuse – either a Non-Molestation Order (stop harassment/violence) or Occupation Order (who lives in the home).

Non-Molestation Order can:

  • Stop the abuser contacting you
  • Prevent violence and threats
  • Keep them away from your home, work, children’s school

Occupation Order can:

  • Remove the abuser from your home
  • Allow you to return to the home
  • Decide who can live there

Fee: Free (no court fee for domestic abuse protection)

Can be urgent: Court can grant “without notice” if you’re in immediate danger

Download FL401 →

🔄 FL403 – Vary/Discharge Non-Mol or Occupation Order

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What it’s for: Apply to change (vary) or cancel (discharge) an existing Non-Molestation or Occupation Order.

Use this to:

  • Extend an order that’s about to expire
  • Change the terms of an order
  • Discharge (cancel) an order
  • Challenge an order made against you

Fee: Free

Download FL403 →

📋 FL404a – Application for Warrant of Arrest

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What it’s for: Ask the court to issue a warrant for the arrest of someone who has breached a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order.

When to use: If someone breaches an order but police haven’t arrested them, you can apply to court for a warrant.

Fee: Free

Download FL404a →

📑 Other Important Forms

📝 N244 – General Application Notice

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What it’s for: Make a general application to the court during proceedings – used for various requests.

Common uses:

  • Request specific directions
  • Apply for costs
  • Ask to set aside a judgment
  • Request permission for something

Fee: £119 (may vary)

Download N244 →

✅ N215 – Certificate of Service

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What it’s for: Prove to the court that you’ve served documents on the other party.

When to use: After you’ve sent/delivered documents to the other party, complete this to show the court it was done properly.

Fee: Free

Download N215 →

💰 FP25 – Apply for Witness Expenses

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What it’s for: Claim travel and other expenses for attending court as a witness.

Fee: Free to apply

Download FP25 →

💷 EX160 – Fee Remission (Help with Fees)

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What it’s for: Apply to have court fees waived or reduced if you’re on a low income or certain benefits.

You may get help if you’re on:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based JSA or ESA
  • Pension Credit
  • Low income (under £1,085/month single, £1,245 couple)

Tip: Apply online at GOV.UK for faster processing

Apply for Fee Remission →

💍 Divorce & Financial Forms

💔 Divorce Application (Online)

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What it’s for: Apply for divorce (dissolution of marriage) or dissolution of civil partnership.

Key information:

  • Must be married at least 1 year
  • No-fault divorce (no need to prove wrongdoing)
  • Can be joint or sole application
  • 20-week reflection period after application

Fee: £593

Process: Now done online through GOV.UK

Apply for Divorce Online →

💰 Form A – Financial Order Application

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What it’s for: Apply for financial orders during divorce – division of assets, maintenance, pensions.

Can include:

  • Division of property and assets
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Pension sharing
  • Lump sum payments

Fee: £303

Important: Both parties must complete Form E (financial disclosure)

Download Form A →

📊 Form E – Financial Statement

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What it’s for: Full disclosure of your finances during divorce financial proceedings.

You must disclose:

  • All property and assets
  • Income and earnings
  • Pensions
  • Debts and liabilities
  • Bank statements (12 months)

Fee: Free (part of financial proceedings)

Warning: Failure to disclose fully is contempt of court

Download Form E →

📋 Quick Reference: All Forms at a Glance

FormPurposeFeeCommon Use
C100Child arrangements application£232Where children live/spend time
C1ASafeguarding/abuse allegationsFreeReport domestic abuse concerns
C2Application within proceedings£232Request something during a case
C4Leave to apply£232Grandparents/others seeking contact
C7Response to applicationFreeReply to other party’s application
C8Confidential contact detailsFreeKeep address secret for safety
C66Urgent/without noticeVariesEmergency applications
C79Enforcement£232Enforce child arrangements order
FL401Non-mol/occupation orderFreeProtection from domestic abuse
FL403Vary/discharge orderFreeChange or cancel protection order
N244General application£119Various court requests
EX160Fee remissionFreeHelp with court fees

📍 Where to Send Your Forms

Most family court forms should be sent to your local Family Court. Find your nearest court at:

Find a Court or Tribunal →

💡 Top Tips for Completing Forms

  • Write clearly in black ink or type if possible
  • Answer every question – write “N/A” if not applicable
  • Be specific with dates and details
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Sign and date where required
  • Check you have the correct fee or fee remission
  • Don’t forget supporting documents (C1A, C8, etc.)