To obtain a protection order in the UK, you need clear evidence such as written messages, medical reports, police call history, or witness statements. With no court fee, the application is submitted to the family court, and an emergency order can be issued in just 24 hours. To guide you step-by-step, the Lotus team offers you free and confidential assistance in Romanian.
Key Conclusions: To obtain a protection order in the UK, you must submit evidence to the court such as messages, NHS medical reports, or witness statements.
- The process for issuing an emergency order takes just 24 hours in critical cases.
- Court fees for submitting the application are £0 regardless of your financial situation.
- The exception arises if you hire a private solicitor without free legal aid, which incurs high costs.
- We recommend securing your phone and changing passwords before submitting the application for your safety.
Quick Guide: Which Option Suits You
Choosing the right legal protection depends on your situation and the level of safety you need. From our work with people in similar situations, a restraining order (injunction) stops unwanted contact and gives you a clear legal framework when you are going through difficult times.
In practice, three types of situations often arise:
- Immediate physical danger: call 999 (or press 55 if you cannot speak); the judge can issue a temporary order on the same day, and an emergency order can be issued within 24 hours.
- You already have messages, medical records, or police reports: gather them and submit the application to the family court; the court fee is £0.
- Your home is no longer safe, with or without extensive evidence: request an emergency relocation from the local council; your statement regarding the abuse is a valid starting point.
The Victims' Code guarantees that your voice is heard throughout the process. The team at the Lotus centre helps you free of charge and confidentially to understand which path suits you. For immediate support, call the free Lotus helpline. Call 999 if you are in imminent danger; if you cannot speak, press 55.
What Documents Convince the Court to Issue the Order
British courts accept a wide range of written and medical evidence for issuing a restraining order.
The police can provide official reports, and doctors can offer clinical records confirming injuries. Text messages, emails, or witness statements are considered in the same file. Every well-organised detail strengthens your application. If you have children in your care, it is worth reading about single mother's rights, so you know how to protect them alongside your own safety.
| Type of Evidence | Document Source | Purpose in Court |
|---|---|---|
| Official Reports | Local Police | Demonstrates reported incidents |
| Medical Records | NHS or GP | Attests to physical injuries |
| Messages and Emails | Personal phone | Shows communication history |
For confidential help, contact the free Lotus helpline or write to us on the website. In extreme danger, call 999.
How Long Does a Restraining Order Last: From 24 Hours to 14 Days
Obtaining a restraining order takes between 24 hours without a hearing and up to 14 days with a full hearing.
The uncertainty regarding time fuels anxiety, especially when you fear for your safety. When you are in imminent danger, the judge can issue a temporary order on the same day, without the other partner being notified in advance. If the situation does not require an immediate decision, the court schedules a hearing with both parties, and the process takes between one and two weeks. According to section 5A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, British courts can establish clear measures against continuous harassment. The extreme emergency option is suitable when the physical risk is immediate.
Temporary protection measures come into effect as soon as the order is personally served to the partner. For step-by-step guidance on Clare's Law, you can request confidential support from our team.
You can contact us via the website or the free Lotus helpline; we respond within a maximum of 48 hours. In immediate danger, call 999 and press 55 if you cannot speak.
Application Costs: £0 Fees but Beware of Solicitors
Submitting the application to court for a restraining order is completely free of charge.
Situation: Many people hesitate to seek protection for fear of court costs. Action: First check the no-court-fee route and, if applicable, your eligibility for legal aid, before hiring a private solicitor. Result: The British state does not charge court fees for these applications (£0), so the financial barrier that fear exaggerates does not exist when submitting the file. However, hiring a private solicitor without free legal aid can incur very high costs, which is why it is worth clarifying from the outset what you can do yourself and where you need representation.
The team from our guidance course explains the procedure to you in plain language, confidentially and in Romanian. More about: Lotus Justice and Support Centre.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For free support, write to us anytime on our website.
Five Steps from Evidence to a Protection Order
The process of submitting an application for a restraining order to the family court follows clear steps. Situation: At first, the paperwork seems overwhelming, and stress blocks the first step. Action: From direct work with clients, we organise the evidence before filling out forms, so the file is complete upon submission. Result: Careful preparation prevents administrative delays and paves the way for a temporary order, including within 24 hours when the risk requires it.
- Gathering evidence: Collect messages, incident logs, or medical reports.
- Completing forms: You complete the official application, clearly explaining what protection you need.
- Submitting the file: You send the documents to the locally competent family court.
- Attending the hearing: The judge reviews the documents and may issue a temporary order.
- Communicating the decision: The final document is transmitted to the other person.
For step-by-step guidance, call the free Lotus helpline (we respond within a maximum of 48 hours). Call 999 if you are in immediate danger; press 55 if you cannot speak.
How to Get an Emergency Relocation When Your Home is No Longer Safe
An emergency relocation means moving quickly to a safe home if you are in danger.
Local authorities have a legal obligation to provide you with temporary accommodation. Situation: From our practical cases, many women delay requesting housing support because they fear they
Disclaimer
The information on this blog is general and educational. It does not constitute individual legal, medical or psychological advice and is not a substitute for support from a specialist who knows your circumstances.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 once connected.
For free, confidential support in Romanian, complete the form at lotusjusticeapp.co.uk/cere-ajutor or call 0800 098 2730. We respond within 48 hours.
Online safety: if you are using a device the abuser can access, clear your browsing history or use a private window. You can also access this site from a public library, at work, or on a trusted person's phone.
Lotus Justice & Support Centre CIC, a company registered in England and Wales no. 17184809. ICO registration ZC144429.
