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Forced Marriage Protection Orders

If you or someone you know is at risk of being forced into marriage against their will, get in touch with our family law solicitors for advice. Forced marriage is a criminal offence, but you also have civil law options for seeking protection.

At Crisp & Co, we are a specialist firm of family lawyers with expertise in a wide range of complex and challenging issues.

Every person has the right to decide for themselves whether they want to get married or not. We can help people who are facing a forced marriage or are already in a forced marriage apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order from the courts.

A Forced Marriage Protection Order can prevent someone from doing certain things such as using threats, physical or sexual violence or emotional abuse as a way to force you or someone you know into marriage.

We can make applications for Forced Marriage Protection Orders at short notice and on an urgent basis. We can make the application ‘without notice’ which means the person trying to force the marriage won’t be notified until the Order has been made.

We are members of the Law Society Family Law Advanced Accreditation for our skills and experience handling complex family law matters, such as those involving abuse and violence.

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Get in touch for advice about Forced Marriage Protection Orders

Get in touch with our forced marriage solicitors by giving us a call or filling in our online enquiry form.

Forced marriage helplines

If you are worried that someone is about to be taken abroad against their will to get married, you can immediately contact the following helplines for assistance:

  • The Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151 or email fmu@fco.gov.uk
  • Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247

In an emergency, call the police on 999.

Try to avoid approaching the victim’s family directly as this may put them at risk of harm.

 

Frequently asked questions about domestic violence

How quickly can I get a Non-Molestation Order in London?

If you or your children are in immediate danger, a Non-Molestation Order can often be obtained within 24 hours. The court has the power to grant an emergency order without notifying the other person (known as a “without notice” application) if there is a risk of harm or intimidation.

What evidence do I need to get a Non-Molestation Order?

To obtain a Non-Molestation Order, you’ll need to show the court evidence of harassment, threats, abuse, or controlling behaviour by your partner, ex-partner, or family member. Evidence may include, but is not limited to:

  • Text messages, emails, or social media messages
  • Witness statements or police reports
  • Medical or photographic evidence of injuries
  • A personal written statement detailing incidents

Can I get Legal Aid for a domestic violence case?

Victims of domestic abuse may be eligible for Legal Aid, provided they meet certain financial and evidential criteria. Legal Aid can help cover the cost of obtaining Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, and other urgent protection measures.

What happens if my partner breaches a Non-Molestation Order?

Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence under UK law and can result in arrest, imprisonment, or fines. If the person subject to a Non-Molestation Order ignores or violates the order, you should contact the police immediately.

The police can arrest the offender without a warrant, and the court will treat the breach very seriously.

How long does a Non-Molestation Order last?

A Non-Molestation Order typically lasts for six to twelve months, but the court can extend it if ongoing protection is needed. In some cases, the order may remain in place indefinitely if the risk persists.

What is an Occupation Order, and when do I need one?

An Occupation Order regulates who can live in the family home. It can exclude an abusive partner from the property or set clear rules about who can enter certain areas of the home.

You may need an Occupation Order if:

  • You are experiencing domestic abuse
  • You feel unsafe living with your partner
  • You have been forced to leave your home and need to return safely

Do I need a solicitor to apply for a Non-Molestation Order?

While it is possible to apply for a Non-Molestation Order yourself, having an experienced domestic violence solicitor greatly improves your chances of success, especially in urgent or complex situations.

Our solicitors will help you prepare your statement, collect evidence, and represent you in court if required. We also ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and that your case is handled with care, confidentiality, and speed.

    Forced marriage and domestic violence

    Victims of forced marriage are also often subjected to domestic violence, either by their family or by the spouse whom they were forced to marry. We fully understand and sympathise with how frightening it can be to face domestic violence behaviours, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, coercive control, sexual abuse or any other kind of abuse. It can also be just as frightening to seek help. We have a dedicated domestic violence service to help you get protection for you and your children (if you have any).

    For further information, get in touch with our friendly, discreet solicitors or visit our Domestic Violence Solicitors page.

    Other ways we can help

    As well as advice about Forced Marriage Protection Orders and protection from domestic abuse, we can help you or someone you know with a wide range of related family law issues, such as:

    • Divorce – if you have been forced to marry someone against your will, we can help you seek a divorce. If your spouse objects to your divorce petition, we can also provide advice about defended divorce proceedings and vigorously fight your corner in court
    • Annulment – if you want to separate from your spouse but cannot or do not want to get a divorce (for example, it is against your culture or religion), we can provide advice about getting an annulment. This is a way to end your marriage as if it had never happened
    • Arrangements for children – if you have children with the person you were forced to marry, we can provide advice about sorting out ongoing parenting arrangements. For example, seeking a Child Arrangements Order that names you as the children’s resident parent

    Get in touch for advice about Forced Marriage Protection Orders

    Get in touch with our forced marriage solicitors by giving us a call or filling in our online enquiry form.