Domestic Violence Lawyers Ipswich

Protection orders in Queensland

A court order that sets rules the other person must follow, backed by criminal penalties.

A domestic violence order, or DVO, is made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It sets conditions such as not committing violence, not contacting you, or not coming to your home or workplace, and breaching it is a criminal offence.

A temporary protection order can be made quickly, often on the day of application, with a final order following after the other person has had a chance to respond. Police can also issue a police protection notice on the spot, and since 1 January 2026 can issue a Police Protection Direction, a police-made protection order that doesn't need to go through the court first. Coercive control has been a criminal offence in Queensland since 26 May 2025.

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How family violence affects parenting and property

The family law system now treats it as central, not incidental.

In parenting matters the Family Law Act makes the child's safety the leading consideration, and since the 2024 reforms there's no presumption that favours shared parental responsibility where there's been violence.

Arrangements can include supervised time, limited contact or no contact where that's what safety requires. In property matters, since June 2025 the Act expressly requires the court to consider the effect of family violence, including economic and financial abuse, when deciding what's just and equitable. Where family violence is present, the usual requirement to attempt family dispute resolution before filing can be waived.

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How we help

Urgent when it needs to be, careful always.

We prepare and file applications for protection orders and represent you at the hearing, or respond to an application made against you and advise on your options, including consenting without admissions.

We help you document what's happened in a way the court can use, connect the protection order with any parenting or property matter so the two don't work against each other, and represent you in the family law proceedings that follow.

Support services exist alongside the legal process: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 offers counselling and referrals around the clock, and DVConnect runs a Womensline on 1800 811 811 and a Mensline on 1800 600 636. Legal Aid Queensland may also assist if you're eligible.

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Looking for a different family law service?

Family law rarely arrives one issue at a time. Property, parenting, agreements and protection often overlap, so the pages below cover the rest of what we do. If you're not sure where your situation fits, call 0483 980 001 and we'll point you the right way.

Divorce and separation

Property settlement

Parenting arrangements

Consent orders

Binding agreements

Spousal maintenance

Dispute resolution

Mediation and arbitration

Prenups

Superannuation splitting

International family law

Living arrangements

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QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

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How does domestic violence affect parenting arrangements?

Significantly. The Family Law Act puts the child's safety, including protection from family violence, at the front of the best-interests assessment, and since the 2024 reforms there's no presumption in favour of shared parental responsibility. Where violence has occurred, arrangements can involve supervised time, limited contact or no contact. A protection order and parenting orders need to be consistent with each other, which is one reason to have the same lawyer handle both.

Can a protection order be changed or extended?

Yes. The person protected, the respondent, or the police can apply to the court to vary the conditions or extend the duration of a domestic violence order. That's common where circumstances change or where a risk continues. An application is filed with the court and a hearing may be needed.

How long does a domestic violence matter take?

A temporary protection order can be made very quickly, often on the day the application is filed, so protection isn't delayed. A final order takes longer, particularly if the respondent contests it, and can take several months. We'll keep you informed of each date and what it means.

What if an application has been made against me?

Get advice before the first court date. You can contest the application, consent to an order without admitting the allegations, or seek to negotiate the conditions. A domestic violence order isn't a criminal conviction, but breaching one is a criminal offence, and an order can affect parenting matters and some employment. We'll explain your options plainly and represent you.

What support is available while this is going on?

1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 provides confidential counselling and referrals 24 hours a day. DVConnect runs a Womensline on 1800 811 811 and a Mensline on 1800 600 636. Legal Aid Queensland and community legal centres can assist eligible people, and there are specialist domestic violence support services across Ipswich and Brisbane. If you're in immediate danger, call 000.

Domestic violence lawyers in Ipswich and Springfield

Protection orders in Queensland

How family violence affects parenting and property

How we help

Looking for a different family law service?

Divorce and separation

Property settlement

Parenting arrangements

Consent orders

Binding agreements

Spousal maintenance

Dispute resolution

Mediation and arbitration

Prenups

Superannuation splitting

International family law

Living arrangements

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Frequently asked questions

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