Helpful Tips

Perth Family Lawyers have been informed that as of May 2020, victims of family and domestic violence can apply for restraining order online, rather than having to attend the Magistrates Court in person. New laws enabling this have been passed by the Government as a response to an increased risk of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation that the pandemic has brought with it. 

Further, new laws were passed creating a separate offence for breaching of a family violence restraining order and increased the penalty from $6,000 to $10,000, and two years’ imprisonment.

Any people, that are the victims of family violence (which is not gender specific at all) can now apply for the restraining orders online.  Our dedicated family law solicitors at Perth Family Lawyers can assist you to apply for a restraining order and answer your questions with regards to same including the appropriate order to be sought.

After the application is lodged, the Magistrates Court will provide the applicant with a time and date of the hearing during which an interim order may be sought. In the event, however, that due to COVID-19 pandemic people cannot attend the court, they can contact the Magistrates Court to make an application to the Court to request orders to appear by alternative means. Again, Perth Family Lawyers may make such application on your behalf and lodge all other necessary documents for you. If a Magistrate grants an order and it is thereafter served upon the respondent, the applicant can be informed electronically, including via a text message, or via their lawyer at Perth Family Lawyers.

The online process is a step forward for Western Australia in access to justice and will help victims of violence by making it less stressful to seek protection. Our dedicated solicitors at Perth Family Lawyers can further ease the process for you by providing legal advice, and by guiding you through every step along the way. We recognise the importance of making the process as least traumatic as possible.

In the event that you are experiencing family or domestic violence, or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are just one call away. Our team can be contacted on (08) 9325 8675, or by visiting our website www.perthfamilylawyers.com