F.A.Q

Being served with a DAPO or NMO can be a stressful experience. It is crucial to understand the implications and the steps you need to take to comply with the order and protect your legal rights. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should do:

1. Read the Order Carefully

• Understand the Restrictions: Orders typically prohibit you from harassing, threatening, or contacting the applicant. They may also prevent you from visiting specific places, such as the applicant's home or workplace.
• Check for Errors: Verify all details, including your name, the applicant's name, and the specific prohibitions. If there are any errors, note them for your legal counsel.

2. Seek Legal Advice – DADSS can help with this

• Consult a Solicitor: Contact a solicitor who specialises in family law. They can provide you with tailored advice and represent you in any legal proceedings.
• Legal Aid: If you cannot afford a solicitor, you might be eligible for legal aid. DADSS solicitors will be happy to advise you about this.

3. Comply with the Order

• Avoid Contact: Do not contact the applicant directly or indirectly through others.
• Stay Away from Restricted Areas: Adhere to any geographic restrictions specified in the order.
• Document Compliance: Keep records of your actions to demonstrate compliance, such as screenshots if you block the applicant on social media or receipts if you change your living arrangements.

4. Prepare for the Hearing

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements.
• Prepare Your Statement: Write a detailed account of your version of events. Stick to facts and avoid emotional language.
• Witnesses: If you have witnesses who can support your case, inform your solicitor and prepare them for the hearing.

5. Attend the Hearing

• Be Punctual: Arrive on time and dress appropriately for court.
• Be Respectful: Address the judge respectfully and follow courtroom protocols.
• Present Your Case: Clearly present your evidence and arguments. Your solicitor will help guide you through this process.

6. Understand the Consequences of Breaching the Order

• Legal Penalties: Breaching an Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, fines, or imprisonment.
• Document Your Actions: Keep detailed records of your actions to avoid any claims of breaches.

7. Consider the Long-Term Implications

• Impact on Custody and Access: If you have children with the applicant, understand how the order might affect custody and visitation arrangements.
• Future Relationships: Consider the impact of the order on your future interactions with the applicant and others involved.

8. Follow-Up Actions

• Review the Order Regularly: If the order has a set duration, keep track of when it expires. If it needs to be extended or modified, this will typically involve further legal action.
• Comply with Any Additional Requirements: If the court imposes additional conditions, such as attending counselling or anger management courses, ensure you complete these requirements.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process more effectively and ensure that your rights and interests are protected while complying with the legal requirements of the non-molestation order.

Defending against a DAPO or Non-Molestation Order (NMO) is indeed less about proving right or wrong in a moral sense and more about ensuring that the respondent's legal rights are protected throughout the process. Understanding this context is crucial for anyone involved in such legal proceedings.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the key aspects of defending against an Order, focusing on legal rights and due process:

Understanding Orders
A DAPO or NMO is designed to protect individuals from harassment or abuse. Typically issued by the Family Court, County Court or Magistrates Court, it prohibits the respondent from engaging in specific behaviors such as contacting or approaching the applicant, or committing acts of violence, abuse or intimidation.

Legal Rights of the Respondent
1. Right to a Fair Hearing

• Due Process: The respondent has the right to a fair and impartial hearing where they can present their case. This means having the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide evidence in their defence.
• Notice of Proceedings: Except in emergency situations, the respondent should be notified about the application for an Order and given sufficient time to prepare their defence.

2. Right to Legal Representation

• Legal Advice: The respondent has the right to seek legal advice and representation. A solicitor can help understand the legal implications of an Order, prepare the defence, and ensure that all procedural requirements are met.
• Legal Aid: Depending on the respondent's financial situation, they may be eligible for legal aid to cover the costs of legal representation.

3. Right to Contest the Order

• Opposing the Application: The respondent can contest the application by presenting evidence and arguments that counter the claims made by the applicant. This could include providing witnesses, documentation, or other forms of evidence that refute the allegations.
• Request for Variation or Discharge: If an Order is already in place, the respondent can apply to have it varied (changed) or discharged (removed) if there are significant changes in circumstances or if the order was obtained based on false or misleading information.

4. Right to Privacy

• Confidentiality: The respondent's privacy should be respected throughout the legal proceedings. Sensitive personal information disclosed during the process should be handled with care to prevent unwarranted public exposure.

Defending Against an Order: Steps and Considerations
1. Understanding the Allegations

• Detailed Review: Carefully review the allegations made in the Order application. Understanding the specifics of the claims is essential for preparing an effective defence.
• Gathering Evidence: Collect evidence that can refute the allegations. This may include communication records, witness statements, and other documentation that supports the respondent's case.

2. Preparing the Defence

• Legal Strategy: Work with a solicitor to develop a legal strategy. This involves determining the best way to present the evidence and arguments in court.
• Witness Statement: The respondent may need to prepare a witness statement (a written statement of facts) to submit to the court. This document should provide a clear and concise account of their version of events.

3. Court Hearing

• Presenting the Case: During the court hearing, the respondent (or their solicitor) will present their case, cross-examine the applicant's witnesses, and submit any supporting evidence.
• Judicial Consideration: The judge will consider the evidence and arguments from both sides before making a decision. The focus will be on whether there is a need for protection and if the allegations are credible.

4. Post-Hearing Actions

• Complying with the Order: If the Order is granted, it is crucial for the respondent to comply with all conditions to avoid legal consequences. Violating an Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest and prosecution.
• Appeal or Variation: If the respondent believes the order was unfairly granted, they can seek to appeal the decision or apply for a variation or discharge of the order.

Key Considerations
1. Focus on Legal Rights, Not Emotions

• Objective Approach: While the situation may be emotionally charged, it is essential to focus on the legal aspects of the case. This means concentrating on facts, evidence, and procedural correctness rather than personal grievances or emotional arguments.

2. Avoiding Retaliatory Actions

• Compliance: Even if the respondent disagrees with the Order, it is crucial to comply with its terms to avoid further legal complications. Retaliatory actions or attempts to contact the applicant can lead to serious legal consequences.

3. Seeking Professional Help

• Legal Representation: Given the complexities involved, professional legal representation is highly recommended. A solicitor can provide invaluable guidance and ensure that the respondent's rights are protected throughout the process.
• Support Services: Emotional and psychological support services may also be beneficial, helping the respondent cope with the stress and impact of the legal proceedings.

Conclusion
Defending against a DAPO or Non-Molestation Order is fundamentally about protecting the respondent’s legal rights and ensuring a fair process. While the primary goal of an Order is to safeguard the applicant from harm, it is equally important to ensure that the respondent is treated justly and given the opportunity to present their side of the story. By focusing on legal rights, seeking professional guidance, and adhering to procedural requirements, respondents can effectively navigate the challenges of defending against an Order.

It is possible to get legal aid to defend against an Order, but it depends on your financial situation and the merits of the case.

Here’s a brief breakdown:

Legal Aid for Defending an Order

1. Financial Eligibility – Legal aid is means-tested, so your income, savings, and assets will be assessed. If you are on certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support), you may automatically qualify.
2. Merits Test – Even if your case qualifies financially, legal aid is only granted if there is a strong case for defence. If the order is unjustified or based on false allegations, this may strengthen the application.
3. Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) – If your case doesn’t meet standard legal aid criteria but not having legal aid would breach your human rights (e.g., if you would struggle to represent yourself), you might be able to get ECF.

This area of funding is complicated so every case needs to be assessed by a solicitor and they will be able to advise.

The full guidance can be read here specifically section 10.31

Lord Chancellor's Guidance

NO.

We offer our services to you at no cost. Our team collaborates with solicitors by collecting information and assisting in the preparation of your case. By handling tasks that solicitors would typically manage themselves, we save them valuable time and resources. In return, solicitors compensate us for our work, enabling us to provide our service to you for free.

Understanding the distinctions between a Non-Molestation Order (NMO) and a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO).

Both orders serve to protect victims, but they have different scopes, procedures, and legal frameworks. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Non-Molestation Order (NMO)
Purpose and Scope

• Protection from Harassment: NMOs primarily aim to prevent harassment and abuse, including physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
• Specific Relationships: These orders are generally used in situations involving individuals who are associated with each other, such as current or former intimate partners, family members, or cohabitants.

Legal Basis

• Family Law Act 1996: NMOs are issued under the Family Law Act 1996 in the UK.
• Civil Order: It is a civil order, not a criminal one, but breaching an NMO is a criminal offence.

Application Process

• Who Can Apply: The victim or their representative, such as a solicitor or law enforcement officer, can apply for an NMO.
• Application Procedure: The application is made to the Family Court, and the process can include an ex parte hearing where the order can be issued without notifying the abuser if there is immediate danger.

Duration and Conditions

• Duration: NMOs are typically issued for a specific period but can be extended.
• Conditions: The order can include conditions such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim, as well as specific prohibitions tailored to the victim's needs.

Enforcement

• Police Involvement: Breaching an NMO is a criminal offence, and the police can arrest the abuser if the order is violated.
• Penalties: Breach of an NMO can result in criminal charges, imprisonment, or fines.

Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)
Purpose and Scope

• Comprehensive Protection: DAPOs offer broader protection, including measures against physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse.
• Wider Applicability: These orders can be applied to a broader range of relationships and situations, including individuals not previously covered under traditional orders like NMOs.

Legal Basis

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021: DAPOs are issued under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in the UK.
• Hybrid Nature: While primarily civil, they have strong enforcement mechanisms akin to criminal orders, ensuring robust protection.

Application Process

• Who Can Apply: Victims, law enforcement officers, and third parties (like social workers) can apply for a DAPO.
• Application Procedure: DAPOs can be issued by both civil and criminal courts, providing flexibility. Emergency DAPOs can be granted without prior notice to the abuser if there's immediate risk.

Duration and Conditions

• Duration: DAPOs can be issued for longer periods than NMOs, with provisions for renewal or modification based on ongoing risk assessments.
• Conditions: DAPOs can impose various conditions, such as exclusion zones, mandatory counselling, tailored to the victim’s safety needs.

Enforcement

• Stronger Enforcement: Violations of DAPOs carry severe penalties, and law enforcement agencies are mandated to prioritise their enforcement.
• Mandatory Risk Assessments: Authorities conduct regular risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and adjust the order's conditions as needed.

Key Differences
1. Legal Framework and Basis

• NMO: Issued under the Family Law Act 1996, focusing on preventing harassment in specific relationships.
• DAPO: Issued under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, providing a comprehensive approach to various forms of abuse and applicable in a broader range of relationships.

2. Scope of Protection

• NMO: Primarily targets harassment and abuse in intimate or familial relationships.
• DAPO: Covers a wider range of abusive behaviours, including financial abuse, and applies to more diverse relationships.

3. Application and Issuance

• NMO: Typically involves an application to the Family Court, with possibilities for ex parte hearings.
• DAPO: Can be applied for by victims, police, and third parties, and issued by both civil and criminal courts, with provisions for emergency issuance.

4. Duration and Flexibility

• NMO: Issued for specific periods, extendable based on circumstances.
• DAPO: Offers longer protection periods, with flexible conditions that can be adjusted through ongoing risk assessments.

5. Enforcement and Penalties

• NMO: Breach constitutes a criminal offence, enforceable by police, with potential imprisonment or fines.
• DAPO: Stronger enforcement mechanisms, mandatory risk assessments, and severe penalties for breaches, ensuring robust and ongoing protection.

Conclusion

While both Non-Molestation Orders (NMO) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) aim to protect victims of domestic abuse, they differ significantly in scope, legal framework, and enforcement mechanisms. NMOs focus on preventing harassment within specific relationships under the Family Law Act 1996, while DAPOs, established under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, offer comprehensive protection against a wider range of abusive behaviours and relationships.

Legal Aid for Respondents

Legal aid for respondents facing Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) is a critical aspect of ensuring justice and fairness in legal proceedings. While DAPOs are primarily designed to protect victims of domestic abuse, it is also essential that respondents (the individuals against whom the orders are sought) have access to legal representation to defend themselves adequately. This guide explores the availability, application process, and considerations for legal aid for respondents in DAPO cases.

Understanding Legal Aid
Legal aid is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal representation. It ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. In the context of DAPOs, legal aid can help respondents navigate the complexities of the legal system, present their case effectively, and ensure that their rights are protected.

Eligibility for Legal Aid
Eligibility for legal aid depends on several factors, including the respondent’s financial situation, the merits of the case, and the type of legal issue. Here are the key criteria:
1. Financial Means Test

• Income: The respondent’s income is assessed to determine if they qualify for legal aid. This includes wages, benefits, and other sources of income.
• Capital: Savings, investments, and property ownership are also considered. If the respondent’s assets exceed a certain threshold, they may not qualify for legal aid.

2. Merits Test

• Prospects of Success: The case must have a reasonable chance of success. Legal aid will be provided if there is a genuine need for legal representation and a realistic prospect of achieving a favorable outcome.
• Public Interest: The case should be of public interest, meaning it has broader implications beyond the individual circumstances of the respondent.

3. Type of Legal Issue

• Domestic Abuse Cases: Given the serious nature of domestic abuse allegations and the potential consequences of DAPOs, respondents in these cases are often prioritised for legal aid.

Applying for Legal Aid
The application process for legal aid involves several steps:
1. Initial Assessment

• Contact Legal Aid Provider: The respondent should contact their local legal aid provider or a solicitor who offers legal aid services. They will conduct an initial assessment to determine eligibility.
• Provide Financial Information: Respondents must provide detailed information about their income, expenses, and assets to facilitate the means test.

2. Merits Assessment

• Case Evaluation: The legal aid provider evaluates the merits of the case. This involves reviewing the facts, evidence, and legal arguments to determine the likelihood of success.
• Public Interest Consideration: The provider assesses whether the case serves the public interest.

3. Decision and Representation

• Approval or Denial: Based on the assessments, the legal aid provider decides whether to grant legal aid. If approved, the respondent is assigned a solicitor who will represent them in the DAPO proceedings.
• Legal Representation: The solicitor helps the respondent understand the legal process, gather evidence, prepare their case, and represent them in court.

Importance of Legal Aid for Respondents
Legal aid for respondents in DAPO cases is crucial for several reasons:
1. Ensuring Fairness

• Balanced Representation: Legal aid ensures that both parties have access to legal representation, promoting fairness in the proceedings. Without legal aid, respondents may be at a significant disadvantage, particularly if the petitioner has legal representation.

2. Protecting Rights

• Legal Advice: Respondents receive expert legal advice, helping them understand their rights and obligations under the law. This is essential for making informed decisions and effectively defending against the allegations.
• Fair Hearing: Legal representation ensures that the respondent’s side of the story is heard and considered, safeguarding their right to a fair hearing.

3. Navigating Complex Legal Processes

• Understanding Legal Procedures: The legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially for individuals without legal training. Solicitors provide guidance on the procedures, deadlines, and documentation required for the case.
• Effective Defence: A solicitor can help respondents gather evidence, prepare legal arguments, and present their case in the most compelling manner.

Challenges and Considerations
While legal aid for respondents in DAPO cases is essential, there are challenges and considerations to be aware of:
1. Resource Constraints

• Limited Funding: Legal aid resources are often limited, which can result in strict eligibility criteria and prioritisation of certain cases over others.
• Availability of Solicitors: There may be a shortage of solicitors who provide legal aid services, leading to delays in accessing representation.

2. Complex Eligibility Criteria

• Detailed Assessments: The means and merits tests involve detailed assessments, which can be time-consuming and require substantial documentation.
• Fluctuating Financial Situations: Respondents with fluctuating financial situations may find it challenging to meet the eligibility criteria consistently.

3. Public Perception and Stigma

• Perception of Guilt: Respondents in DAPO cases may face public stigma and a presumption of guilt, making it difficult to navigate the legal process and seek fair treatment.
• Impact on Personal Relationships: The legal process can strain personal relationships, particularly in cases involving family members or intimate partners.

Conclusion
Legal aid for respondents facing Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) is a vital component of the justice system. It ensures that individuals accused of domestic abuse have access to legal representation, protecting their rights and ensuring a fair hearing. While there are challenges in accessing legal aid, its availability is crucial for balanced and just legal proceedings. By providing financial assistance and expert legal advice, legal aid helps respondents navigate the complexities of the legal system and defend themselves effectively.

General Cost Guide
Here’s a breakdown of the expected costs for various levels of legal assistance:

DADSS is not a law firm, we do not give or offer legal advice. We can however refer you to experienced family law solicitors who can offer personalised advice and representation.

We have secured discounted rates from law firms who specailise in domestic abuse cases however you will need to explain your case fully to them and they will be able to confirm their rates. Please consider the rates below as a guide only.

1. Advice on How to Represent Yourself: £399+vat
   • This option includes comprehensive legal advice on how to handle your case independently. You will receive guidance on the legal process, key points to address in your defence, and strategies for representing yourself effectively in court.
2. Advice and Completing All the Paperwork for You to Represent Yourself: £499+vat
   • In addition to providing advice, this service includes assistance with all necessary paperwork. The solicitor will help you complete and file the required legal documents, ensuring they are correctly filled out and submitted in a timely manner.
3. Full Representation Including Representation at Court: £999+vat
   • This comprehensive package covers all of the above and full legal representation at the review hearing. The solicitor will handle all aspects of your case, including preparation, paperwork, and representing you in court.

Referral and Cost Confirmation
DADSS will refer you to a solicitor who will confirm the costs based on your specific circumstances. It is essential to discuss your case in detail with the solicitor to understand the full scope of potential costs, especially if your case involves complex issues that may require additional work and expenses.

Additional Considerations

• Complexity of the Case: More complex cases may incur additional costs. Factors such as the number of hearings, the need for expert witnesses, and the extent of evidence gathering can influence the final cost.
• Payment Plans: Discuss potential payment plans with the solicitor. Many firms offer flexible payment options to help manage legal expenses.
• Legal Aid: If you are eligible for legal aid, this can significantly reduce or cover the costs of legal representation. Be sure to enquire about this option during your initial consultation.

Contact DADSS
For more information and to initiate the referral process, contact DADSS. We will guide you through the next steps and connect you with a solicitor who can provide the necessary legal assistance at the discounted rates.

By securing discounted rates through DADSS, you can access quality legal representation while managing the costs associated with defending against an DAPO or NMO. This support is vital in ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you have the best possible defence.

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are currently being trialled (piloted) in specific parts of England and Wales rather than everywhere. They were introduced under Part 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and are intended to replace older domestic violence protection orders with a broader, more flexible form of protection. (GOV.UK)

Areas in England (and nearby) currently issuing DAPOs
From government guidance and pilot updates: (GOV.UK)
Piloting areas where police can issue DAPNs/DAPOs and courts hear applications

Greater Manchester – progressive rollout across districts (started in Bury, now in others like Wigan and Manchester). (GMP Police)
London boroughs:
Croydon
Bromley
Sutton(These are the initial Metropolitan Police pilot areas.) (GOV.UK)
Cleveland area / Tees Valley:
Hartlepool
Middlesbrough
Redcar & Cleveland
Stockton-on-Tees(Piloted since March 2025.) (GOV.UK)
Nearby expansion outside England (but affecting cross-border applications)

North Wales (Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham) – added April 2025, allowing people whose perpetrator lives there to use family court routes. (GOV.UK)
Important details

Police-led DAPO powers only operate in the designated pilot areas above. The police in those areas can issue DAPNs and apply for DAPOs through magistrates’ courts. (GOV.UK)
Family or county courts across England and Wales can accept applications from victims or third parties even if the victim lives elsewhere, as long as the perpetrator resides in a pilot area. (GOV.UK)
The availability is part of a trial pilot ahead of a planned national rollout; it isn’t yet available everywhere in England. (GOV.UK)

How it works in practice

If a victim’s perpetrator lives in one of the pilot areas, a DAPO can be sought even if the victim lives outside that area. (GOV.UK)
Outside the pilot areas, other protective orders (like Non-Molestation Orders) remain options. (GOV.UK)

Pilot Timetable and Locations

The pilot for DAPOs and DAPNs (Domestic Abuse Protection Notices) began in late 2024 and expanded in early 2025 in the following areas:

November 27, 2024: The pilot officially launched in Greater Manchester, the British Transport Police area, and the London boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton.
March 2025: Areas in the North-East, specifically Cleveland (Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees), joined the pilot.
April/May 2025: North Wales joined the pilot. 
The pilot is a two-year testing period to assess the effectiveness of the new orders before they are implemented nationwide. An independent evaluation will follow the pilot phase. 

What Happens After the Pilot?

If the pilot is deemed successful, the government will move towards a full national rollout. DAPOs are intended to simplify the protective landscape by eventually replacing the current Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) regime and serving as the primary "go-to" protective order, although other measures like Non-Molestation Orders will likely remain available.