AVO Lawyers
Why Choose Justice Family Lawyers for AVO Cases
Legal Expertise: When you’re dealing with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), experience matters. At Justice Family Lawyers, our team includes a highly trained AVO lawyer in Sydney who understands the local court procedures and legal expectations. Whether you’re applying for an AVO or responding to one, we provide detailed guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Defending Your Rights: A skilled AVO lawyer in Sydney is essential when your rights, reputation, and future are on the line. We protect our clients from unfair accusations, ensure proper legal representation in court, and challenge any breaches of fairness or due process.
Avoiding Severe Consequences: An AVO breach can lead to serious outcomes—criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment. By working with an experienced AVO lawyer in Sydney, you’re better positioned to avoid these consequences through clear advice, preparation, and court representation.
Moving Forward: Being involved in an AVO matter can impact your work, family, and emotional wellbeing. With the help of a trusted AVO lawyer in Sydney, you’ll receive ongoing support and legal options that help you focus on rebuilding your life and relationships.
“I would recommend Julianne and her associates to anyone needing a lawyer to deal with your ADVO or family matters.” – Gemma Scremin
Our Services
- Consultation Services
- Application Assistance
- Representation
- Defense Services
- Interim Order Assistance
- Variation and Revocation
- Breach Advice
- Mediation and Negotiation
- Extension Applications
Our Services
We offer comprehensive AVO-related legal services, including both proactive and responsive support tailored to your situation. Whether you’re seeking protection, defending against an application, or managing ongoing court conditions, our team delivers practical legal assistance at every stage.
Consultation Services: We begin by helping you clearly understand your legal position. This includes reviewing any existing orders, identifying potential risks or implications, and advising on the best course of action. Our consultations are confidential and focused on helping you feel informed and prepared before any legal steps are taken.
Application Assistance: Filing an AVO can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions run high. We assist with preparing the application itself, helping ensure it is complete, detailed, and aligned with the required legal format. This includes outlining the relevant incidents, supporting documents, and evidence to strengthen your position in court.
Representation: A dedicated AVO lawyer in Sydney from our team will appear in court on your behalf, whether at a first mention, interim hearing, or final decision. We handle all communications with the court and other parties involved, presenting your case clearly and professionally to safeguard your interests.
Breach Advice: If you’re accused of breaching an AVO, our team can help you understand the legal implications and next steps. We assess whether the breach genuinely occurred, explain your options for responding, and support you throughout any related proceedings.
Mediation and Negotiation: Not all AVO matters need to proceed to a contested hearing. We offer guidance through alternative dispute resolution methods, helping both parties reach mutual agreements where appropriate. Our trained lawyers act as neutral facilitators or advocates, depending on your role in the matter.
Extension Applications: When the original protection period is due to expire, and there’s still a need for safety measures, we assist with requesting extensions. We prepare strong submissions to show why continued protection is necessary, especially in cases involving ongoing threats, repeat behaviour, or unresolved conflict.
Defense Services: If you are served with an AVO, we provide strategic advice to challenge the order and highlight any inconsistencies or unfair allegations. Our lawyers carefully examine the evidence against you, identify any procedural concerns, and advocate for a resolution that reflects the full context of your circumstances.
Interim Order Assistance: Urgent protection may be required before a final decision is made. We help fast-track interim applications and advise you on how these temporary measures may impact your living situation, work, or family life. Our lawyers also assist with opposing interim orders if they are unwarranted or based on exaggerated claims.
Variation and Revocation: Life circumstances can change, and so can the terms of an AVO. We help you prepare and file the necessary documents to vary or revoke orders, and present evidence to support your request. This service is especially useful for individuals looking to re-establish contact with someone named in the order or to remove restrictions that are no longer relevant.
Reviews
AVO Court Process
Application
An AVO application can be made by the person seeking protection or by the police on their behalf. We assist clients with reviewing the grounds and evidence needed to file or respond effectively.
Service
Once the application is lodged, a copy is served to the defendant. It includes details of the allegations and the date of the first court appearance. If you're served with an AVO, a dedicated AVO lawyer in Sydney can help you understand what the document means and what to expect next.
First Court Appearance
Both parties attend the first court date. The defendant can accept the AVO without admissions, contest it, or request an adjournment to obtain legal advice. We support you at this early stage to make informed decisions and protect your legal standing.
Mention
This is a brief court appearance where the matter may be resolved or set for hearing. A clear strategy from your AVO lawyer in Sydney can often lead to agreements being reached without needing a full hearing.
Contested Hearing
If there is no agreement, the case proceeds to a hearing. Evidence is presented, witnesses may be called, and the magistrate decides whether to make the AVO. We prepare your case thoroughly to ensure your voice is heard clearly and respectfully.
Issuing the AVO
If the magistrate determines that an order is necessary, they will issue an AVO with specific conditions. These can include restrictions on contact, location bans, or conditions related to property or communication.
Domestic Violence Examples
Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. It can take many forms, some of which may be subtle or hidden from public view. Recognising these behaviours is often the first step in seeking protection or legal support.
Stalking or persistent unwanted contact
This includes repeated calls, messages, following someone, or showing up uninvited at their home or workplace. Even when no direct threat is made, these behaviours can cause fear and distress.
Verbal abuse or repeated degrading remarks
Constant yelling, insults, name-calling, or humiliation—whether in private or in front of others—can have lasting emotional impacts. Words alone, when used to intimidate or belittle, can form the basis of an AVO.
Controlling movements or isolating someone from loved ones
A partner or family member may restrict your ability to see friends, visit relatives, or attend work or school. Isolation is often used to increase dependency and limit access to support.
Economic control
This occurs when one person controls all financial decisions, withholds money, or prevents access to basic resources. It might also involve stopping someone from working or taking away their financial independence.
Threatening behaviour or intimidation
Threats don't need to be physical to be harmful. They can involve implied danger, such as breaking objects in anger, blocking exits, or using tone and body language to create fear.
Deliberate destruction of belongings or harming pets
Damaging sentimental items, property, or hurting animals can be a form of psychological abuse, especially when used to send a message or punish someone emotionally.
Digital and online abuse
In today’s connected world, domestic violence can also extend to harassment through social media, tracking software, or constant demands for access to private devices and passwords.
An experienced AVO lawyer in Sydney can help you identify whether these behaviours fall within the scope of the law and what steps you can take to protect yourself. If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies as domestic violence, it’s worth speaking confidentially to a skilled AVO lawyer in Sydney who can assess your circumstances and guide you on your rights and options.
We address all aspects of family law
Your journey, our advocacy.
AVO
Child Custody
Child Support
Consent
Orders
De Facto Property Settlement
Divorce
Mediation
Prenup
Property Settlement
Separation
Wills and Estates
Frequently Asked Questions
An AVO, or Apprehended Violence Order, is a court order designed to protect a person from violence, harassment, or intimidation. It can include various conditions depending on the circumstances.
While it is not a legal requirement, having an experienced AVO lawyer in Sydney greatly improves your ability to present a clear case and avoid procedural mistakes.
Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence and may result in serious consequences. Legal advice should be sought immediately if you’re accused of a breach.
Yes, under certain conditions, you can apply to have an AVO varied or revoked. A lawyer can help you assess whether there are grounds for this and prepare the necessary documents.
Possibly. Depending on the industry or type of visa, an AVO or related charges might have consequences. It’s important to seek legal advice early if you’re concerned about these outcomes.
Learn what steps you can take next.
Take the First Step Toward Protection or Peace of Mind– Speak With an AVO Lawyer in Sydney Today
When it comes to protecting your safety or defending your rights, you deserve the guidance of a trusted AVO lawyer in Sydney. Whether you’re applying for an AVO, defending against one, or dealing with a breach allegation, our legal team is here to assist with clear advice and reliable representation.
Book a consultation with Justice Family Lawyers today. Let us support you through your AVO matter with the professionalism and discretion you deserve.
Let us Help You
Reach out for an exploratory conversation.