Family Law Services › Family Violence & Intervention Orders
Family Violence Orders, AVOs & Intervention Order Lawyers
Whether you need protection from a violent or threatening family member, or you have had an order taken out against you and want to respond — intervention orders have serious legal consequences. Urgent interim orders can be obtained the same day in genuine emergencies. Get connected with a family lawyer now.
⚠ If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For urgent intervention orders or responding to an order made against you, submit your request now and mark it as urgent.
What We Help With
Family violence legal matters — both applying for and responding to orders.
Each state and territory has its own legislation and order name — but the legal process and consequences are serious regardless of where you are. A family lawyer can help you navigate the system quickly.
Applying for an Intervention Order
Applying for an AVO (NSW), FVIO (VIC), DVO (QLD/WA/SA), or equivalent — including urgent same-day applications where there is immediate risk of harm.
Responding to an Order Against You
Legal representation when an intervention order has been applied for against you — contesting the application, negotiating conditions, or accepting with legal advice on implications.
Interim Orders
Urgent interim orders made without notice to the other party (ex parte) where immediate protection is required — effective until a full hearing is held.
Breaching an Intervention Order
Defending a charge of breaching an intervention order — which is a criminal offence carrying potential imprisonment — or reporting a breach made against you.
Intervention Orders & Parenting Matters
Where family violence orders and parenting proceedings overlap — ensuring protective orders do not adversely affect your parenting rights or the outcome of FCFCOA proceedings.
Varying or Revoking Orders
Applying to vary the conditions of an existing order, or to revoke it — where circumstances have changed and the order is no longer necessary or is causing injustice.
Orders by State & Territory
Different names, the same legal power — what applies in your state.
Family violence orders are governed by separate legislation in each state and territory, but all are enforceable by police and carry criminal consequences for breach.
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)
Issued under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). Police can apply on behalf of the protected person without their consent. ADVOs include mandatory conditions (no violence, harassment, intimidation) and can include additional conditions such as no contact and exclusion from a shared residence. Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 2 years imprisonment.
Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO)
Issued under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (VIC). Made by the Magistrates Court — with the ability to issue interim FVIOs the same day in urgent cases. The court can include safety conditions, no-contact provisions, and exclusion from a residence. Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 2 years imprisonment and a $37,000+ fine.
Domestic Violence Order (DVO)
Issued under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (QLD). Police Protection Notices (PPNs) can be issued on the spot — taking effect immediately. DVOs contain "be of good behaviour" conditions and can exclude the respondent from shared premises. Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 3 years imprisonment in QLD.
Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO)
Issued under the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA). FVROs can be obtained urgently through the Magistrates Court. Police can also issue a Violence Restraining Order (VRO) in urgent situations. Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 2 years imprisonment for a first offence and up to 5 years for subsequent offences.
Intervention Order (IO)
Issued under the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 (SA). Police can issue an interim intervention order on the spot — which takes effect immediately and lasts until a court hearing. The order can include no-contact conditions, exclusion from premises, and electronic monitoring in serious cases.
Domestic Violence Orders — Other Territories
The ACT uses Family Violence Orders (FVOs) under the Family Violence Act 2016. Tasmania uses Family Violence Orders under the Family Violence Act 2004. The Northern Territory issues Domestic Violence Orders under the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007. All carry similar conditions and criminal penalties for breach.
How It Works
Urgent help. The right family lawyer.
Describe your situation — whether you need protection, want to respond to an order, or have been charged with a breach. A family lawyer will follow up urgently.
Submit Your Request NowDescribe the situation
Tell us your state, what type of order is involved, whether you are the applicant or respondent, and any urgency — court dates, risk of harm, children affected.
Matched to a family lawyer
Your request is matched to a family lawyer experienced in intervention order proceedings in your state — including urgent same-day applications.
Free consultation arranged
A family lawyer contacts you for a free, confidential consultation — advising on the order type, your rights, and whether urgent interim orders are needed.
Common Questions
Intervention orders — frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between an AVO and an intervention order?
Both are civil court orders protecting a person from violence, harassment, or threatening behaviour — the name just varies by state. NSW calls them AVOs or ADVOs; Victoria calls them FVIOs; Queensland uses DVOs; WA uses FVROs. The legal framework, conditions, and consequences for breach are broadly similar across all states.
Can an intervention order affect my parenting arrangements?
Yes, significantly. An intervention order restricting contact between a parent and protected person can conflict with parenting orders requiring the child to spend time with both parents. Courts must balance protective concerns against parenting rights. A family lawyer can ensure both proceedings are managed carefully so protective orders do not inadvertently harm your parenting position.
What happens if I breach an intervention order?
Breaching an intervention order is a criminal offence — not just a family law matter. Police can arrest you, and you can be charged and convicted in the Magistrates Court. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment depending on the seriousness of the breach and your history. Even a technical or minor breach (such as a single text message) can result in criminal charges.
Can I get an intervention order without going to court?
In most states, police can issue an immediate protection notice or interim order on the spot without a court hearing — this takes effect immediately and remains in force until the first court date. If you apply directly to the court, an urgent interim order can typically be obtained on the same day without the respondent being present (ex parte). A full hearing is then held at a later date.
What if the person applying for an order against me is lying?
You have the right to contest the application at a court hearing. You can present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the applicant's evidence. An interim order made before the hearing can be contested at the first mention date. Legal representation is important — a lawyer can identify weaknesses in the application, cross-examine the applicant, and ensure your response is put before the court effectively.