Non-molestation order: can I DIY?

NornIronRose

Just wondered if anyone has been in the situation where they have needed to apply for a non-molestation order. I'm hoping that I can get legal aid to help with this, but if not, is it possible to do it all myself? 
I have another 30 days until the respondent's bail ends. Hopefully it will be extended, but I need to be prepared as much as possible, just in case. 

Please PM if you would prefer as I know this is a sensitive matter, if someone is able to give any guidance. 

Savvy_Sue

It looks as if you can: https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence (non-molestation orders are mentioned). 

However it also mentions getting advice from organisations such as Women's Aid, and that seems sensible ... 

NornIronRose

Thanks Sue. 
Just wasn't sure if it was crazy to try to do it myself. Looked on gov.uk and the form is 21 pages long. 
Best get started then. 

Savvy_Sue

NornIronRose said:

Thanks Sue. 
Just wasn't sure if it was crazy to try to do it myself. Looked on gov.uk and the form is 21 pages long. 
Best get started then. 

Honestly, I don't know. But it sounds as if starting by looking at those 21 pages, and getting advice from WA, won't be a waste of time, even if you do then get legal aid. 

Bossyboots

You can do it yourself, you do not need to have a solicitor if you do not get legal aid.  Although the form is long, it is mostly tick boxes and name, addresses etc., so maybe not as daunting as it looks at first.

NornIronRose

Thanks Bossyboots. I will give it a go. 
I do have legal cover with my house insurance. Not sure if that could come into play if need be. I have had a brief consultation with a solicitor through the local Women's Centre and they were the ones who sent me the form. From what I remember, I think they said that they do this type of thing pro bono in certain circumstances or that I may get legal aid. 

HampshireH

You don't need legal aid for an injunction. You can get help for free. Save your money for if it's challenged or you need to attend court and don't feel able to represent yourself .

You can certainly do it yourself but it may be best getting support

As above Women's Aid can help but the National Centre for Domestic Violnce provide free and fast support for emergency injunctions and are also worth their weight in gold

https://www.ncdv.org.uk/ 

Women's Aid, especially if not local to you will likely refer you to the NCDV for support as that's what they specialise in.

Will also take the pressure off you which when in an intense situation can be made more stressful and lead to mistakes on the forms.

Goodluck with everything and stay safe.

Edit: just seen the post was dated 2 weeks ago apologies. Hopefully you are sorted 

NornIronRose

Thank you so much for the link HampshireH. 

Bail conditions finish in 2 days but police have applied through the courts for an extension. The process automatically gets extended while they wait and it can take time. 

I have filled in the forms for the non-molestation and occupation orders and also the form for legal aid. 
Will contact the ncdv after work and get advice on whether I need to do anything else in preparation for lodging the forms in the courts. The police officer dealing with us has said that they have never failed to get an extension such as this one through with the evidence that they have. He has told me not to worry so I will try not to. 
I'm not a worrier by nature but this is a new ballgame for me. 

NornIronRose

Just an update. Applied for the non-mol order. Filled in the forms myself in the end. Judge granted it ex parte for 1 year.

Used a McKenzie Friend to go with me to court, but in the end the case was adjourned as hadn't yet been served. He was served later that day. 

Still waiting for a new date but he has said that he will not contest it. His solicitor did me a favour by telling him it would cost around £10k in legal fees to fight it. 

Savvy_Sue

So glad to hear your news. Sometimes, just sometimes, you've just gotta love the other solicitor, haven't you?

NornIronRose

Absolutely Savvy Sue. Definitely did me a favour as the judge had told me to get legal representation for the next hearing, but now I won't need to.