So you've been served with a protection order...Now what?If you've been served with a temporary protection order then the first thing you need to do is read it, understand it and do what it says.
Along with the protection order there will be an order to attend a non-violence programme. Our lawyers will almost always recommend you contact the provider and attend the programme. You have the right to defend the order. If you do not defend the order then after three months the order will automatically become final. If you have a permanent protection order against you, you are able to apply to Court to have it discharged. Defending or discharging a protection order - like anything involving the Court - is not as straightforward as it sounds. Getting good legal advice from experts like Portia is a smart thing to do. We offer three private fee options: The Solo option - we give you a set number of appointments to get advice, you do everything yourself. Great for DIY enthusiasts but not great if you don't have much patience or attention to detail! The Solo+US option - same as above but in addition we prepare any documents (such as the notice of defence) for you. For these two options we do not appear on the 'court record'. The Classic option - we meet with you, provide advice, take your instructions, draft and file documents and appear in Court with you. We also offer legal aid: That's where the government will pay for your legal fees. If you are on a low wage, a benefit, or if your pay has been cut due to the lockdown then you might be eligible. Sometimes you have to pay this back, but you can negotiate a reasonable weekly payment with Ministry of Justice and the cost to you is a lot less than what you pay privately. Whether you are paying privately or through legal aid, the service you receive will be top-class. |