Domestic Abuse
If you or someone you know is in a relationship and experiencing any form of domestic abuse, help is available and it’s important to take immediate action. Here at Hartley & Worstenholme, we will support you and explain your options to protect yourself and your loved ones
Domestic abuse can take many forms – as well as physical violence, it includes verbal, financial, sexual or emotional abuse. It extends to stalking, harassment and coercive behaviour. We understand the trauma that is caused by domestic abuse and we’ll do all that we can to make sure you are protected.
Our team will go to court on a same day basis if needed. The court can make a Non-Molestation Order (often referred to as an injunction) to prevent someone from using or threatening violence or being abusive, harassing or pestering you. In some cases an Order can be made without the other person knowing about it to begin with.
The Court can also make an Occupation Order to decide who should stay in the family home or prevent someone from returning to it.
If you need help straight away please contact a member of the family team. If you need an injunction and you are eligible for legal aid, then the cost will be covered for you.
Tim works across all areas of the family department and he has a particular interest in cases involving children, both private and public disputes. Tim conducts his own advocacy whenever possible, including contested hearings and final hearings.
Tim deals with matters where there are disputes between parents or other significant people in children’s lives, as well as public law matters where social services are involved. Tim frequently represents parents in proceedings brought by the local authority including cases where children are being removed or are potentially being removed. Tim also assists client’s seeking to challenge local authority assessments and has acting in cases including applications to discharge care orders or seeking leave to oppose adoption. Tim also has experience in dealing with clients with additional needs.
Tim also frequently deals with cases concerning domestic abuse, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Barbara is an experienced Family Lawyer who has been qualified since 1988. Barbara specialises in matrimonial law, is on the Advanced Family Law Panel, is a collaborative lawyer and member of the Solicitors Family Law Group Resolution.
Barbara deals with divorce and children arrangements as well as family finance, property and pension disputes/settlements arising out of divorce. Barbara also deals with co-habitation issues including separation. Barbara is a specialist in drawing up pre and post-nuptial and co-habitation agreements and is adept at dealing with high conflict situations. The firm can also deal with transfers and sales of matrimonial and jointly owned property.