Intervention orders are serious legal matters that can have lasting consequences. Whether you are applying for an order or defending against one, expert legal advice from an intervention order lawyer at the earliest stage is critical. At Slades & Parsons, we provide clear, strategic advice and strong representation to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Understanding Intervention Orders and the Legal Process
In Victoria, intervention orders are protective orders issued by the Magistrates’ Court. While they are civil in nature, breaching the conditions of an intervention order is a criminal offence and may result in charges, fines, or imprisonment.
There are two primary types of intervention orders:
- Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs), which apply when the parties involved are family members or in a close personal relationship.
- Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIOs), which apply when the parties are not related, covering situations such as neighbour disputes, workplace conflicts, or harassment by acquaintances.
The legal process can move quickly, particularly where interim orders are granted before a contested hearing takes place. Each matter is highly fact-specific, and the outcome can significantly affect a person’s personal life, employment, parenting arrangements, and even immigration status. Having an experienced intervention order lawyer to guide you through each stage is essential.
The Importance of Early Legal Representation
Intervention orders often arise during times of heightened stress and conflict. Allegations made in support of an intervention order can have serious reputational and legal consequences, even before any final orders are made.
For respondents, early legal advice can help you understand your options, prepare your defence, and protect your long-term interests. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- Consent to the order without admitting to the allegations;
- Offer an undertaking as an alternative resolution; or
- Proceed to a contested hearing where the evidence is tested in court.
For applicants, proper legal advice ensures your concerns are properly presented to the Court and that orders are sought to provide meaningful protection. In both situations, experienced representation helps you navigate complex evidence, negotiate appropriate conditions, and approach the matter strategically.
Even at interim stages, the outcome of an intervention order hearing may have flow-on effects for criminal charges, employment checks, or family law proceedings. Engaging an intervention order lawyer early can help you avoid unintended consequences and ensure your case is properly prepared.
How Slades & Parsons Can Assist
At Slades & Parsons, we have extensive experience acting for both applicants and respondents across a wide range of intervention order matters. Our intervention order lawyers regularly appear before the Magistrates’ Court and provide representation at all stages, including:
- Initial advice and preparation before any court application;
- Negotiations with police prosecutors or private applicants;
- Representation at mention hearings, interim hearings, and contested final hearings;
- Appeals of existing intervention orders where appropriate.
We have acted in matters involving:
- Family violence allegations between current or former partners, parents and children, or extended family members;
- Personal safety disputes arising from neighbour conflicts, workplace harassment, or allegations involving acquaintances or members of the public;
- Complex and highly contested intervention order proceedings involving cross-applications or overlapping criminal charges.
Our approach is always tailored to your circumstances. We provide clear advice, assess your legal position, and work to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your rights at every stage.
Why Choose Slades & Parsons
Intervention order proceedings require both technical legal knowledge and skilled courtroom advocacy. At Slades & Parsons, our criminal defence team brings decades of experience representing clients before the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
We combine:
- In-depth understanding of intervention order law and procedure;
- Extensive experience conducting contested hearings;
- Strategic advice designed to achieve practical outcomes;
- A client-focused approach built on professionalism, discretion, and care.
Whether you are seeking protection or responding to allegations, we are committed to providing strong, experienced representation to guide you through this challenging process.
Contact an Intervention Order Lawyer Today
If you are involved in an intervention order matter, early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome. Our experienced team at Slades & Parsons is available to assist you. Contact us to arrange a confidential discussion about your situation.
Contact Us Today
Contact Slades & Parsons for help in navigating the legal process for intervention orders. We’ll be back in touch shortly.
Case Study - Applying for a Personal Safety Intervention Order
A client of Slades and Parsons owned a business who had a disagreement with another tenant regarding the lease of their shared space. The client received information that the shared tenant was sending emails with defamatory information about our client’s business to people in the local area.
Our firm assisted our client in applying for a Personal Safety Intervention Order prohibiting the Respondent from:
- Sending emails or publishing information on the Internet about our client, the business and staff members;
- Approaching or remaining within 5 metres of the business; and
- Contacting our client by any means unless through a lawyer or mediator.
Case Study - Respondent to a Personal Safety Intervention Order
A client of Mr Nick Tehan was a ‘Respondent’ in a Personal Safety Intervention Order with a previous roommate in shared accommodation.
The client disagreed with the allegations being made by the Applicant and Mr Tehan advised the Court that our client would not consent to the making of the Intervention Order. The matter progressed to a Hearing where the Applicant was called to give evidence and cross examined by a barrister Mr Tehan had instructed.
Ultimately the Magistrate found that there was no risk to the Applicant from our client and the Personal Safety Intervention Order was not made.
Case Study - Applying for an Interim Family Violence Intervention Order
Ms Liliana Dubroja’s client had an argument with his wife and the police attended and made an application for an Interim Family Violence Intervention Order with conditions that did not allow any contact between the parties or for the accused to live at the family home.
The client was also charged with ‘Unlawful Assault’ being a criminal offence.
Ms Dubroja negotiated with the Prosecution for consent to a Diversion for the Unlawful Assault charge and made submissions to the Magistrate who sentenced Ms Dubroja’s client to a Diversion.
Ms Dubroja then made an application to vary the Intervention Order and removed all conditions except ‘Not to Commit Family Violence’.
The client then consented to the Intervention Order without admissions and was able to return home to the family house.
Due to the client receiving a Diversion, he does not have a criminal record for the Unlawful Assault charge.
Slades & Parsons are available to take your call 24 hours a day.
To apply for a restraining order or to apply for a family violence intervention order, we can help you navigate the legal process. We are authorised to take on Legal Aid cases for eligible clients.
Intervention Orders – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an intervention order?
- How can I respond to an intervention order?
- Does an intervention order go on your record or give you a criminal record?
- Why do I have criminal charges and an intervention order?
- What is the process of an intervention order?
- What happens at an intervention order hearing?
- If an intervention order is made in Victoria, does it only apply in Victoria?
- What happens if you breach an intervention order?