Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

If you have been affected by domestic abuse, including threats from a spouse, partner or other family member, Liston Family law can help you enforce your legal rights.

We can help you obtain protection from domestic violence or harassment by sending a warning letter to the other party or by guiding you through the Court process.

We can advise you how to protect your occupation of the family home or how to regain occupation if you have been unlawfully excluded.

The Court can make the following Orders:

  • Protection Orders – a Protection Order does not put the Respondent spouse or partner out of the family home but orders them not to use violence or threaten to use violence against, molest or put in fear the Applicant or any dependent person. The Protection Order is an interim measure and is only in effect until the hearing of the barring or safety order proceedings.
  • Safety Order – A Safety Order does not put the Respondent out of the home but it prohibits them from using or threatening to use violence against, molest or put fear in the Applicant or dependent person. A Safety Order may be made for up to 5 years.
  • Barring Orders – a Barring Order directs the Respondent spouse or partner to leave the property where the Applicant lives and prohibits them from re-entering until such time as the Court allows. A Barring Order can last up to 3 years.

We can advise you how to protect your occupation of the family home or how to regain occupation if you have been unlawfully excluded.

The legal situation in relation to excluding a cohabiting partner is more complex, and if you are in a cohabitation situation, we recommend that you make an appointment with us to discuss your situation and what legal options are available to you.

If you require immediate assistance with a domestic abuse matter, please contact your local Garda station. A valuable resource is Adapt Domestic Abuse Services in Limerick. More information can be found at www.adaptservices.ie.