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Why choose Orman Solicitors for your AVO matters?
How we work with you
To apply for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) in New South Wales (NSW), you can follow one of two main processes: through the police or as a private application.
To increase your chances of lodging a successful application, gather all relevant evidence and contact Orman Solicitors for assistance. Legal aid services are also available to help eligible applicants throughout the process.
Read our reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | 5.0 Star Family Law Services in Sydney and Wagga Wagga
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mary
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My experience with Orman solicitors has been truly amazing with there professional team of experts. I could not be happier with the outcome off my family law settlement and would highly recommend Orman solicitors for all your legal matters.
Angela Williams
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great, knowledgeable and supportive staff, they were efficient in getting me a great result. The communication was clear and consistent, when I had queries, they were addressed promptly. Could not recommend more.
Lindsay Wilson
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’d like to share, my upmost Respect to Ormans Solicitors team members, they had my back, got me through the most difficult times, I was so overwhelmed worrying about everything, would all sort out. I would recommend them out there, they certainly give you the support, comforting, that its all going to be ok. Maggie, and the team are just Amazing. I’d like to Thank, each and every one of them for helping through, with there dedication and outcome certainly was of comfort, Good ending. I was so Happy, I chosen Ormans Solicitors. You are All a Great Team. I will Always be Grateful. Thank you to All of You.
Rose Valenzisi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I cannot thank Maggie and her team enough for the flawless way they handled my matter. I felt that Maggie was always completely invested in my matter and everything from the beautiful office to the team’s amazing service made me feel like family. Their commitment to my matter never ceased to amaze me. I would not hesitate to recommend Orman Solicitors.”
Lisa
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
When I first approached Maggie I was financially destitute and frightened, my settlement was not going well, I had been dropped by another solicitor because they felt that my case was to difficult and time consuming. Maggie helped me to feel at ease she assured me that I everything would be okay and then she and her staff went to work. She helped me to stay strong when I was ready to give up and just take anything to make the whole mess go away and fought for me to get an amount that was acceptable. I highly recommend Maggie and her team they truly do go above and beyond the call to ensure that their clients get the absolute best result possible.
Shimmer Pender
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Maggie has been my solicitor for a number of years – in all that time, I have found her to be professional, hardworking, honest and respectful. She has shown compassion, empathy and helped my family through the toughest times when we needed it most. I have recommended her to friends and relatives, who have also then gone on to recommend her and her firm.
Helen Gordan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Empathy, dedication and passion are three words I would use to describe Maggie Orman and her team. Maggie has been my family lawyer for over 10 years and has guided me through many difficult periods of my life, and ensured I came out the other end a stronger woman and mother. Maggie is rational, compassionate and highly ethical. I felt that she truly cared about me, my family and our wellbeing. Maggie’s skilful advice and counsel achieved an incredibly quick resolution, and kept costs to a minimum. I will continue to use Maggie Orman Solicitors for all my family law requirements and highly recommend her to anyone requiring a family lawyer.
Joan Rached
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Barnett family are very thankful to Maggie and the whole team for doing all the groundwork to get our case a great result. We are very happy with their help and wish to give them credit for their hard work to get our matter up and going.
The Barnett Family
CASE STUDY
Apprehended Violence Order
Our client sought assistance with both parenting arrangements including child support and a property settlement including spousal maintenance following the breakdown of a 10-year marriage. The couple had two children, and our client had played a significant role in the family business, contributing to the accumulation of substantial wealth.
After the relationship ended, our client endured physical abuse, including incidents in front of the children. In an attempt to discredit our client, the ex-spouse falsely accused her of having a prescription drug and alcohol problem, hoping to gain a strategic advantage in the proceedings. The ex-partner also removed the children from her care and made unfounded reports to the police, alleging excessive discipline and alcohol abuse.
How we helped
We supported our client in obtaining an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) due to the physical assault. We advocated strongly for their rights, including securing access to the children.
Additionally, we represented our client in negotiations and court proceedings, working to achieve financial security and release them from the financial and coercive control that had been imposed by the ex-spouse.
What was the outcome?
We successfully negotiated a Binding Child Support Agreement, Financial Agreement (including spousal maintenance), and Parenting Orders. As a result, our client was not liable for any child support payments and regained the ability to spend time with their children, without the need for supervised visits. Furthermore, our client retained a significant portion of the family wealth, allowing them to start a new chapter, free from financial control and abuse.
Maggie Orman
Principal
Renata Matyear
Senior Solicitor
Eileen Newcombe
Senior Solicitor
AVO FAQ
How can an AVO affect other areas of your life?
- Family Law Proceedings: An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) can impact decisions in Family Court, especially concerning parenting arrangements and custody.
- Firearms and Licences: If you hold any firearms, you must surrender them to the police. A provisional or interim AVO will suspend your firearms licence, and a final AVO will result in its revocation. You will be barred from obtaining a new firearms licence for 10 years after the AVO expires.
- Employment Records: An AVO will only be placed on your Criminal record if the event you are found guilty of a breach.
- Work Restrictions: An AVO can restrict your ability to work with children or obtain positions requiring a clearance to work with vulnerable people.
- Employment in Specific Sectors: An AVO may affect your employment in roles like security guard or police officer, where background checks and character assessments are crucial.
What is the penalty for breaching an AVO?
Breaching an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a criminal offence. If you breach an AVO, you may be arrested and charged with contravening an AVO. The police will issue a Court Attendance Notice (CAN), requiring you to appear in Court.
If convicted, penalties can include:
- A fine of up to $5,500,
- Imprisonment for up to two years. If the breach involves violence, it is treated as a serious offence, significantly increasing the likelihood of a custodial sentence.
Given the severity of the offence, we would recommend seeking legal representation to navigate the Court process and defend your rights. At Orman Solicitors, we have the expertise in such matters and are ready to assist you in Sydney and Wagga Wagga.
What happens if I breach an AVO?
Breaching an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a criminal offence. A breach occurs when someone knowingly acts in a way prohibited by the AVO. If an AVO is breached, the person may be arrested and charged with contravening the AVO under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). If other offences are committed at the time of the breach (e.g., assault or property damage), additional charges may also be laid.
If charged with breaching an AVO, the person may be refused bail by the police, requiring an application for bail before a magistrate in Court. It is critical to seek legal representation if you are facing such charges, as legal professionals can provide advice and advocate for your release on bail.
Can you defend contravening an AVO?
Yes, there are defences available for the offence of contravening an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO). A key defence is when the accused person has not been served with the AVO and, therefore, was unaware of its existence at the time of the alleged breach. Other defences may involve lack of intent, or circumstances where the breach was unintentional or unavoidable.
If you are charged with contravening an AVO or a related domestic violence offence, it is crucial to seek immediate legal advice. An experienced lawyer can assess your case, identify possible defences, and provide strong representation in Court.