Non molestation order

[itwasadarkandstormy]

I have been advised to the police to apply for a non molestation order against my ex husband, rather than an injunction.

Does anyone have history of these, and how much is a NMO likely to cost? Can I do it myself?

IABU to ask here!

A non molestation order is an injunction, just a different name. You can go to a solicitor & be assessed for legal aid. Legal aid is available for a non mol order either free or with a monthly contribution to the cost. You can apply yourself without a solicitor. You can get the form online or from the court. You'd need to write/type out a statement saying what's happened & why you need the order. There's no court fee to pay.

Sorry you are in this situation. My advice would be Google National Centre for Domestic Violence, they can help you get one or talk to women's aid. I would say you need to make a decision about pursuing a non molestation order quite quickly as your chances of getting one granted decreases the longer you leave it. After 7 days chances go down best to make enquiries and start ball rolling now.

Thanks - but here's the really stupid bit, which court do I apply to?

If you do your own in the statement put the first incident, the worst incident and the most recent.

It's not stupid at all, you won't know if you haven't done it before.
You apply to the local Family Court or County Court. Do you know where your local one is? Usually open Mon-Fri 10-2. Just turn up, you don't need an appointment to collect forms. The staff can't give legal advice but can give you information about procedure.

Thank you. I will absolutely get onto this tomorrow

It's new to you, but I don't think the process is difficult. I say this as I know of 16 yo girls who have done this

I realise this is a horrible position to be in but do whatever's necessary to protect yourself and any DC.

That's a type of injunction. An injunction is a court order preventing you from doing something.

Does this help?

www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/getting-an-injunction/

Just to clarify a non molestation order is the civil law equivalent of a restraining order. So the non molestation order is done through the civil court, I.e. Family court or county court. A restraining order would be considered by magistrates or crown court when there was also a crime involved.

It is however a crime to break a non molestation order and that would be dealt with by the magistrates court.

Thank you. I have identified the court, and their desk is open only to appointments so I will ring in the morning. I get the sense of urgency, many thanks for the push.