What's happening?
An apprehended violence order (AVO) is an order made by the NSW Local Court to help protect a person from violence, harassment, intimidation or stalking. AVOs can be sought where there is a domestic relationship between the parties, or in other personal violence situations.
An AVO can be applied for by police on a person's behalf, or a person can apply themselves. Being served with an AVO application does not necessarily mean a criminal charge has been laid, though AVO matters and criminal charges can sometimes arise from the same circumstances.
What could it mean for me?
- AVO conditions can restrict contact, communication or proximity to the protected person
- Breaching an AVO can be a criminal offence
- An AVO can affect living arrangements, contact with children and other practical matters
- AVO proceedings can run alongside, but are separate from, family law parenting or property matters
What are my options?
- Seek urgent advice if you have received an AVO application or need protection yourself
- Consider whether the proposed conditions are appropriate or need to be negotiated
- Attend court on the listed date, whether consenting to or contesting the order
- Discuss how an AVO may interact with any family law matters underway
What happens next?
- Obtain and review the application and any proposed conditions
- Get legal advice before your first court date
- Consider whether to consent, negotiate conditions, or contest the application
- Attend the NSW Local Court on the listed date
How can MGE Lawyers help?
MGE Lawyers advises both people seeking an AVO and those responding to an application, helping you understand the process and what to expect at court.
We can also advise on how an AVO may intersect with related family law matters, such as parenting arrangements.