Jonson Leo

Domestic violence can have a serious impact on family law proceedings, particularly where parenting arrangements or shared property are involved. At Just Family Law, our domestic violence lawyers work with clients in Narre Warren to provide protection, legal guidance, and strong representation during this difficult time. Victorian law, as set by Parliament, recognises that violence is most commonly committed by men against women. In our discussion below, we apologise if the somewhat sexist language we have used offends. We understand there are often two sides to every story. Our role is to represent our client’s interests with care, objectivity, and experience.

We assist with intervention order matters that affect a parent’s access to children, or where one party is unable to return to a shared property. Whether you are seeking protection or responding to an unfair application, we provide legal strategies that focus on long-term outcomes, not just short-term fixes.

There are three key ways our team can assist in domestic violence–related family law cases:

• Applying for or responding to intervention orders (also known as IVOs, AVOs, or personal safety notices)
• Arguing that family violence has impacted financial entitlements in a property settlement
• Ensuring parenting orders reflect safety concerns and the best interests of the children

Our intervention order lawyers in Narre Warren can help you determine whether urgent protection is required, or whether a longer-term, more flexible solution is appropriate. We can also challenge orders that may be overly restrictive or not reflective of the situation.

Once parties are separated, our broader strategy is to assess the risk of future violence or the risk of allegations and then consider the bigger picture: parenting arrangements and property settlement. In many cases, neither party benefits from drawn-out intervention order proceedings in the Magistrates Court. Where possible, we aim to resolve matters promptly and shift focus to outcomes that offer longer-term stability.

When acting for mothers, we aim to secure orders that provide protection and ensure decision-making power around children and housing is clear. When acting for fathers who may be prevented from seeing their children, we work to bring IVO proceedings to a close and move the matter to the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court, where the law focuses squarely on the best interests of the children.

What should I do now?

If you have received an intervention order or are considering applying for one, we recommend you:

• Read and understand the conditions carefully
• Comply fully with all terms
• Attend court as required
• Seek legal advice before your first (and ideally only) court appearance

To speak with a domestic violence lawyer or an intervention order lawyer in Narre Warren, contact Just Family Law on 03 9793 7888 for a confidential consultation. We support clients throughout Narre Warren and surrounding areas with experienced, compassionate, and effective legal representation.